October 30, 2011

Morse 4400 Fotomatic IV

1967 Morse 4400 Fotomatic IV. This one has been on my list for a while. It took 4 - 5 hours of cleanup and except for the minimal scratches it came out great and really sews well.


It's so crazy looking but is a real testament to the engineering talent / eccentricity at White. It reminds me of those Pachinko machines we heard about.


By the late 60's car styling had become very hard edged and still quite creative inside and out. Fed Reg's had not yet started to homogenize design so things like the 1966 Thunderbird were aggressive and flamboyant.


For some reason I really like the "tail fin" speed form leading up to the hand wheel. 

11.14.11
A little update on sewing with the Fotomatic; it is very sure footed, it starts thru most anything without help. I have no idea why this particular machine is different than the others because let's face it... it is another Japanese machine from the 60's. Regardless it just goes thru my light weight leather without a fault. A strange thing does occur occasionally, the bobbin thread jumps out of the diagonal slot , when this happens the everything goes out of whack but from the top things look OK so you need to catch this early. This may not be a 4400 problem, just a bobbin case problem?




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51 comments:

  1. Hi Tom,
    Your Fotomatic is a gorgeous sewing machine. I love, love the royal blue colour. What do your stitches look like on the bottom side? Is it possible the bobbin tension screw needs a little tightening? Or perhaps the bobbin is inserted backyards. The bobbin thread should pull off the bobbin counter clockwise.

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  2. does anyone know what size needle fits the Fotomatic 4400?

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    Replies
    1. Hi, they take the standard needle for all domestic machines. You must pay attention to the allignment: the groove in the needle always aims away from the bobbin case.

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    2. 서울 중구 프레스센터에서 열린 성화봉송로 및 주자선발계획 언론설명회에서 “인수식에 참여하는 것은 스포츠인으로서 영광스… 코스피 환율조작국 미지정에 선 회복코스피지수가 환율조작국 gv...중년나라 주소...sw 장’영화 분노의 질주 더 익스트림이 흥행에 성공하면서 이 영화를 대표하는 배우였으나 불의의 교통사고로 숨진 폴 워커가 다시 조명 받고 있다 폴 워커를 떠나 보내고 새로운 시리즈...kr...헬싱키카지노60 공자에 대한 국가예우는 좌우이념이나 정권과 시대에 따… 한화 비야누에바 ‘팔꿈치 염증’으로 군 말소한화 이글스에 아쉬운 소식이다 선발진의 든든한 축이었던 카를로스 비야누에바가 팔꿈

      두산박소진
      마이 라이브 스코어
      바카라필승법
      믈브중계
      33카지노 주소

      Delete
  3. Hi Tom! I just pulled out my Morse Photomatic Auto Zig Zag machine. I'm going to have it serviced and put it back in service! I've been using an Elna 1010 my daughters gave me 10 years ago. I like it fine but I'm doing quilting now and I think my old machine just might be better for that. For sure it's stronger, sturdier and it used to sew like a dream. Hope I can find a good place to service the old lady! I bought it new around 1972 to make baby clothes.

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    Replies
    1. That is so great, the old machine comes around again. It's a little tricky to switch machines but it also makes you learn and think about how they function; all for the better.
      Any old timer can give these things a tune-up, good luck!

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  4. I want one of these so badly, I can scarcely stand it. I have a Morse 7200, purchased new in 1972 and that machine has been a real work horse. I think your 4400 is just stunning to look at. I'm sure it hums, just like a Toyota.

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    Replies
    1. They are more rare than I originally thought, I haven't seen many of them either.
      I could let this one go, make me an offer.

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  5. Do you still have this machine? Any chance you would pop the top off and take some detailed photos for me so I can compare with the one I'm trying to fix? At least two amateurs before me have worked on this machine, and so I'd like to see a good example of what it's supposed to look like on the inside. If you're up for it, I'm going to post a photo set of the parts of mine I'm suspecting. Similarly angled comparison shots would be lovely. I'll send cookies. :-)

    -jennifer

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    Replies
    1. sorry for the delay, I shot the pics this morning and will try to get them posted tomorrow. Tom

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    2. Hey Jennifer, I can send pics direct if you email me at trc3@chrysler dot com

      thanks, Tom

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    3. I am using my son's account to respond, but if anyone is interested, I have a Morse Fotomatic IV 4400, and I live four hours away from Chico, Ca.

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    4. Meant to include my email: laura@orcacellular.com

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    5. 래스 세단으로 출시될 전망이다 … ua...카지노정보공유...br 찾는 국방부 유해발굴감식단이 세월호 참사 미수습자 수색 작업에 투입됐다 국방부 유해발굴감식단 소속 원사 명과 상사 명은 일 오후부터 세월호 미수습자 수습 작업에 참여하고 있다 ...gm
      ...카지노사설사이트97 프 향정부는 북한의 최근 미사일 실험을 알고 있다”라며 “대통령은 이에 대해 보고를 … [자 경제] 보험금 노리고 임신한 아내 교통사고 살해…신고자에 억대 포상금년 월 경부고속도로

      한일야구
      바카라필승법
      온라인카지노 주소
      카지노바카라게임
      우리카지노

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  6. Hi Tom, I have one of these beauty's and I am having that problem with the bobbin case popping out , can you tell me what I can do to stop it from doing that ? Thanks so much .. Lisa honorablecharm@yahoo.com

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  7. Hello I am French Alexandre I come to you because I 'm looking for an automatic sewing machine Brother 60.70 years could you help me. Sincerely thank you very

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  8. I am designer and would like a nice sewing machine Brother Branded 60.70 years. you can reach me on my mail address above sity
    thank you very much to all

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  9. Hello, I need a part for the Fotomatic IV sewing machine. It's the part that goes underneath the needle which houses the bobbin/motor and the foot which holds the material down, can you help? thanks,

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    Replies
    1. I think what you need is called the throat plate. This may be a real rarity. If the online retailers can't help then what I do is create a search on both Craigslist and EBay to notify me when something comes up. I think your only bet is to find a parts machine. Good luck

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  10. Try posting to the facebook group, vintage sewing machines.

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  11. I have been lucky enough to have obtained one of these beauties in Blue. The original cabinet while very cool looking was shot.
    It still runs but is missing a clutch? Are there any resources you could point me at to help me fix this issue?

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  12. PS.
    I do have box of other original parts that came with the machine and would willingly talk trade. :) Feet, bobbins and a plate as well as other things I don't recognize...( help in ID'ing the same would be greatly appreciated)

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    Replies
    1. I am looking for the needle plate for my Morse Fotomatic IV 4400. If you have one, I'll buy it!

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    2. Hello, I'm looking for the clip that holds the face plate shut. It is held in place by two screws next to the light bulb assembly. If you have one, I'd buy it from you. If you need a pic, I have one, too. Thanks!

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  13. Hi, my mother in law got one of this a few days ago, everything seems and works ok but she can't use the machine because there's a part under the machine close to the bobbing that is broken its the only "gear" part that is made out of some kind of hard plastic, anyone knows where I could get a replacement? thanks in advance.

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    Replies
    1. I just sold mine last week, I can maybe have a look if I can gain access to it.
      This is such a rare bird that I doubt that there are parts from any source other than another parts machine (which yours may have just become)
      Sorry

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    2. FilmCriminal, I have the Morse Fotomatic 4400 with table and could part with it. Make offer at BlessedButterfly64@gmail.com

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  14. if there are any 4400 parts machines out there, let me know. the bobbin winder assembly is missing from mine.

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    Replies
    1. If you do find a parts source (or parts machine) please let me know. I'm looking for the needle plate for my Morse Fotomatic IV 4400.

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  15. oops forgot to include contact re: 4400. combsjmichael@gmail.com thx. peace to all beings

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  16. I just got a beauty of a Morse 4400, but I have a cracked cam. Any leads on where I can get a replacement?

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    Replies
    1. My contact email is ed.wehunt@gmail.com for the 4400 replacment cam

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    2. These seem to be pretty rare right now, and no parts would be made for them so your only option is to find another one.
      Create a search on CL and EB and be patient
      Good luck

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    3. Hola Tom, me puedes orientar dónde poder descargar el manual de usuario de Morse 4400, mil gracias.

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  17. I have a Morse 4400 Fotomatic IV. Been sewing on it for
    50 years. Want to know if there is a walking foot made that would fit it because I want to do more machine quilting. Thanks and happy New YeaR. jeannemflannery@gmail.conm

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    1. Hey Jeanne. Can't help you but wanted to say been using my workhorse Morse 4400 since 1972. I'm in the process of selling it as it's served me well and owes me nothing. I know they're a good machine. Not sure of the value today though. So happy to see yours still serves you well

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    2. Can you help me thread my machine. I just got it.

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  18. Hello all,
    My name is Tim and I have acquired a number of vintage machines...White model 153, Elgin; Morse 4300; Singer 503. Interested in parting with the White.

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  19. I just bought a Morse fotomatic IV 4400. I need a diagram on how to thread it.

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  20. Bought one of these at a yard sell a few years ago i thought it looked nice so I was going to use it for looks in a part of the house it came in a box that turned into a table I know nothing about sewing but looks like it's all there if anyone is looking to collect one of these.

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    Replies
    1. I'm looking for the needle plate of a Morse Photomatic IV 4400. (The part with the needle hole in it)
      Mariaeileen@aol.com

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  21. I was gifted this machine. I can't get the lever to work that lowers the bar with the foot pedal on. Are these repairable?

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  22. Does anyone know anything about the Coronado Deluxe Model Streamline, Deluxe Sewing Machine 45-4117 (69-8479) S.M.5_4117A I cannot find any information on it for the life of me and if you could let me know if you know the worth of it that would be fantastic. If you have any other questions please contact me.

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  23. I need this type of machine, so if anyone have one for sale please contact me must be in good working condition

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  24. I have a Morse Fotomatic IV Model 4400 which I purchased new in 1970. It has worked great with routine servicing.
    Suddenly,the stitch length regulator froze in the zero position. The reverse button was also frozen. I took the machine in to my local sewing machine repair man,and he was able to get the reverse button working again. But he was unable to get the stitch length knob to rotate at all despite oiling, etc. Any suggestions as to what is causing this and how it might be repaired.

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  25. Fotomatic IV4400
    The mach will start running without using the pressure foot...how do I correct the problem ?

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  26. Where can we find a functional Morse Fotomatic IV Model 4400 Sewing Machine 2nd hand?
    HF

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  27. Am in need of a belt for mine can someone let me know where I can possibly find one thanks

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