Hey guys, brand new on the forum so hopefully this question is in the right section. Just got a used Shimano Stella online and am having one issue with it. The  previous owner used it as a right hand retrieve and it works as it should. I went to put it on the left side and it just won’t seem to catch so I can thread it on. After observation, I did notice a difference when comparing the left port to the right one. I will include pictures below, but the left side almost looks like it’s missing a washer or something of some sort. There are tiny little specs showing that look like maybe bearings? When inspecting the right side, which it threads onto no problem, those little bearings are not visible. Am I missing a piece maybe on the left side? Any help is greatly appreciated. I really dont want to use it as a right hand retrieve and don’t want to get rid of it either. It’s a beautiful reel. 

https://imgur.com/a/t0DLfsD

I believe with the stella FB  you will need to find a conversion shaft to thread into the gears in order for it to work. With certain models of the earlier stellas, I believe they were designated right or left hand retrieve.

It may be hard to find a conversion shaft to be able to switch handle sides.

Yes you do need a conversion shaft. Same thing with my Stella 4000 FB