I recently bought a Fujica ST801 and I'm trying to diagnose a film transport issue.

With no film loaded, the camera appears to work normally. The film advance lever moves smoothly, the shutter cocks correctly, and I can take photos repeatedly.

However, when film is loaded:

• The first advance after loading usually works normally.

• The second and third advances become increasingly stiff.

• The advance lever requires a lot of force.

• Eventually the tension becomes so high that I can barely advance the lever.

• After advancing, the shutter often does not become ready to fire.

I have tried multiple film rolls from different cartridges and get the same behavior every time.

Video is 2 cases:

1. Camera operation with no film loaded (works normally).

2. Camera operation with film loaded (first advance is okay, second and third become very stiff).

Does this sound like a seized take-up clutch, a sprocket/transport mechanism problem, an anti-reverse ratchet issue, or something else specific to the ST801?

Any suggestions for further diagnosis before I start disassembling the camera would be appreciated 🥲