What is the knob on the back used for? - Emerson RP6247S FM/Weather/AM/TV Radio

order a new knob and use pliers or screwdriver to pull release

To open back cover lift knob on top of camera ( this knob has a small arm that unfolds - used in rewinding).
Once open you will see which side is the film side ( under this knob) and the take up side. On the film side raise the knob again in order to insert film case, the top of this should flip over later used to rewind film. with film trail out toward back of camera. Now push the knob down. Film should only be loaded one way so the knob can be lowered into film canister. Lower knob and Film canister is now secure.
Next thread film leader onto take up spool. Some times these have a slot , but most Just have the teeth that fit the film edge.thread the film into slot then unto teeth. You will need to use film advance arm (There should be an arm on the top opposite side of film knob) you would move that would advance film.
as you move this arm ( with cover open ) film holes should engage the teeth on bottom and top. ( if you can't advance after 1 or 2 advance arm swings) press take picture button ( releases springs).
continue until film is captured top and bottom. Use the film spool knob gently wind film back into canniester until snug don't over wind. Close cover, take a picture with lens cap on, repeat that. As you wind ,the film cartridge knob should rotate.
You are not wasting pictures film was designed for this waste.
you should know how many photos were on film 12/24/36 pictures.
you may have a knob to set to that number.
When your ready to remove film ,push silver button on bottom and use winder handle ,rotating until free and easy. Open cover mention earlier.
wow can't believe I remembered all that and hope that helps.

Gillian, try using 2 part epoxy to glue Knob back together, use masking tape to keep knob clamped together till dry.

If the knob is actually the problem the plastic "D" opening in back will show the physical damage. In this case we have replacement knobs.
Usually when someone expresses a problem with turning the knobs the actual problem is the control valve. Pull the knob off the valve stem and attempt to use that burner without the knob. Is the valve the problem?

The knob part has a small slot on bottom side near the brass plate.
Get on the floor and look up.
Locate slot. Take a photo so you can enlarge what you see.

There is a metal tongue that is clicked down into the slot. This holds the knob from coming off.
Use small screwdriver to push up the tongue at the same time you are pulling to remove the knob.

Once the knob starts coming out, you have to pull screwdriver out of the way.
Knob comes off.
Brass plate covers the screws. Use screwdriver on edge of brass plate to remove. Notice brass place has small indents where a screwdriver can fit.

Once plate and knob are off, you have access to screws.
Take photos as you go so everything goes back smoothly.

When putting knob back, the tongue might have to be pushed so knob goes on.
Push knob into place until you hear tongue click into slot.

Knob(s) on left side of machine just pull off. Make sure the metal D clip comes off too. Push new knob on.
Timer knob: Pull knob out and remove nylon clip off back side of knob. (use a thin screwdriver to push it off, or a thin needle nose plier to pull if off) then knob pulls off easy. Push new knob on with clip already in place. Easy.

Check the knob for cracks as well. Is it a GE?

It's actually quite simple, all you need is a drill and the right size or drill bit.
Choose a drill bit a about the size of the hole required, if you are not sure, choose a smaller size, it's easier to make a hole bigger.

Take apart the old knobs, from the inside of the cupboard, use the drill make the old holes bigger.

Attach the new knobs.

Congratulations, you did it :-)

I'm no expert on this but i think these are the things that will make the color fade, besides the quality of the knob you bought.

Direct sunlight, moisutre (or high humidity), and of course use, the more you use a knob the moreit loses it's color.

It sounds like the knobs are not staying on the shaft of the control is the issue. Perhaps in removal the original fitting process, or subsequent attempts to refit the knobs, has altered the ID of the knob, rendering it unable to provide enough grab to stay seated to the shaft(as the Amico indicated). New knobs may reseat ok onto the shaft with the asistance of a hammer, but an old knob may not be able to. Since the knobs are keywayed, and rotation isnt an issue, perhaps it is time for a dab of silicone sealant to the shaft just to stop them popping off again... is what I would do :)