Mamiya 6: Wind Gear and Wind Shaft Problems
Originally posted on Instagram. Notes from the repair bench, kept here as a searchable archive. View the original on Instagram
An issue that comes up often with the Mamiya 6 is one regarding the winding mechanism. The wind shaft and wind gear are often the fault.
While some parts from the Mamiya 6 and 7 are interchangeable, these winding parts are not as Mamiya did change and improve the wind mechanism quite a bit. So yes, the Mamiya 7 is the “better” camera. At least in terms of some of the mechanical build.
The first photo shows the wind gear and wind shaft from a Mamiya 6 on the left and a Mamiya 7 on the right. The better build quality is readily seen on the Mamiya 7 wind gear (thicker and different material). This has resulted in much less problems with the wind mechanism on the Mamiya 7. Even though Mamiya improved the wind gear on the Mamiya 6 in 1991, due to design constraints of the original build they were limited on what could be done and by then they were probably working on the design of the Mamiya 7 which would be introduced in 1995. ..
The second photo shows the Mamiya 6 wind mechanism next to a replacement wind gear so that the underneath of the gear is visible to show the part of the gear that the wind pawl engages. The cable connected to the wind mechanism connects to an assembly in the front of the camera that cocks the shutter.
Here is an announcement: all technicians are running low or are depleted on many parts for the Mamiya 6/7. While I have three drawers full of parts, the last photo shows how low one of my plastic parts containers is at the moment. Regarding repair of this mechanism (worn wind gear), some years ago I would just order a complete wind mechanism for $90 from Mamiya and the issue would be fixed but those days are long gone. Because of this I have discontinued some repairs to the Mamiya 6.
