Nizo 148 macro -Film Transport Fails -Need some HELP

Syni Pappa · February 16, 2009

Hello there dear filmmakers. I have bought a nizo 148 macro about a month ago from a very reliable seller at ebay.de.

The camera came in excellent condition as was described. Lens with no scratches or fungus, lighmeter and motor worked properly.

I loaded the camera with a Plus-X cartridge which even if i though was filming was never transported.

I made some tests with other film stocks as the Ekta 64 and vision 200, I made two spots on the film with a marker to check if it gets advanced because the film counter wouldn't move.

Nothing happened still the motor was running but the stock was not transported. It's a lovely camera but I feel sad I cannot make something to make it useful.

If anyone had a similar experience please help would be welcome.

Alessandro Malfatti · February 18, 2009

Hello there dear filmmakers. I have bought a nizo 148 macro about a month ago from a very reliable seller at ebay.de.
The camera came in excellent condition as was described. Lens with no scratches or fungus, lighmeter and motor worked properly.

I loaded the camera with a Plus-X cartridge which even if i though was filming was never transported.

I made some tests with other film stocks as the Ekta 64 and vision 200, I made two spots on the film with a marker to check if it gets advanced because the film counter wouldn't move.

Nothing happened still the motor was running but the stock was not transported. It's a lovely camera but I feel sad I cannot make something to make it useful.

If anyone had a similar experience please help would be welcome.

I had exactly the same problem with its 156 cousin. It results from a motor a little weak for the 64t cartridges, but there's a solution: before inserting the cartridge turn the spindle of it clockwise as you look at it. Turn it until you see the film advancing, you should continue advancing it by hand until you pass two or three places where the film is a little warped from being threaded in the cartridge. Once you've advanced it so far (it's surely not even a meter you'll waste) put it in and listen closely that it's not slipping. Try listening closely to the vibrations from the cartridge. If the same happens as with my camera, you should hear slight pulsations coming and going regularily, as you run the camera, and the motor's sound will be lower. Hope I could help.

Jeo · February 18, 2009

I had exactly the same problem with its 156 cousin. It results from a motor a little weak for the 64t cartridges, but there's a solution: before inserting the cartridge turn the spindle of it clockwise as you look at it. Turn it until you see the film advancing, you should continue advancing it by hand until you pass two or three places where the film is a little warped from being threaded in the cartridge. Once you've advanced it so far (it's surely not even a meter you'll waste) put it in and listen closely that it's not slipping. Try listening closely to the vibrations from the cartridge. If the same happens as with my camera, you should hear slight pulsations coming and going regularily, as you run the camera, and the motor's sound will be lower. Hope I could help.

Perhaps if the camera is cleaned and lubricated it might have the strength to transport.

If you run the camera without film and look at the gate can you see the pull down pin moving?

Syni Pappa · February 18, 2009

Well Alessandro I though the very same thing that the motor runs sort of weakly. I went it to a technician the other day and he told me that it was the pin (claw?) which is causing the problem.

As Jeo pointed, I checked the pin which was moving but the guy told me it may be broken or damaged as it was very soft and small comparing of the other cameras he had there. I left him the camera for a couple of day to see if he can do anything . I'm picking up today, I'll try what you both advised and if still not working send it to this German Nizo specialist named Kurt.

Thank you loads for the advice I hope Lolita ( that's her name) will get back to life soon.

Syni Pappa · February 23, 2009

Alessandro you were absolutely right! I got the Nizo back from the technician he was telling me it's useless so I would buy another from his store...anyway. I did as you said and shot a whole K- 64 cartridge. Thank you so much for the tip, if you haven't replied I'd though my little nizo's dead. :D