Leica LTM help: would u buy a IIIF with wrinkled curtains?

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
pesphoto

pesphoto

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I see a IIIF advertised somewhere w wrinkled curtains and a great price.
Dumb question time: Does this mean it doesn't function properly? Will I still be able to shoot with it until I can get them replaced?
 
only buy it if you are sure you can fix it or you can get someone to fix it.
the other option is you buy it and wait for the replacement part to arrive you someday.
I encountered this thing once or twice but I let it go.
 
Based on my experiences, I say this: Unless it's guaranteed to work (actually comes with warranty), don't assume it would (often the "warranty" means so little, though). You just can't tell if all IIIf's with wrinkled curtain will work or not unless you actually test it with film. There might be pine holes, uneven curtain run, etc.

If the price is so good even considering a CLA and new shutter curtains with your Leica repair person (Youxin will give you the answer super quick if he email him), go for it. If not, it's a gamble with a major chance of loss.
 
Is this really such a good deal?

Is this really such a good deal?

Depends on how great the "great price" is. 🙁

I'm not sure how much it is to replace the shutter curtains, but it can be done. At the same time you have this problem fixed you could also have the camera CLA'd. (Clean, lubricate and adjust)

Whether the camera 'works' OK now is something no-one can guess. Probably not, as the shutter has probably been 'hanging-up' for some reason other than lack of lubrication.

There is no shortage of excellent IIIfs around - they are a beautifully made camera and will normally outlast most of us, given some TLC - so my question would be, why would you buy a camera that has at least one 'major' issue? There may well be others.

I bought a ready to go red dial IIIf on eB*y, complete with three excellent lenses of varying focal lengths plus a bunch of other Leica gizmos that all came in a foam filled hard carrying case, for around $US800, less than a year ago. The camera is an absolute gem and I love it.

Shop around, there are many bargains out there. Even if your 'great price' means a freebie, you could end up paying more than you 'bargained' for especially if more problems come to light.

Why did the curtain become wrinkled in the first place? This might be a clue to further problems.

Good Luck anyway!
 
Yeah, rubber's gone bad and or a tapes broken on the shutter curtain......

If it's a near mint or minty IIIF with a Self Timer and is under $200 I say go for it, if it's much more expensive then that and has'nt got a self timer, let it go there's tons of IIIF's out there that are clean CLA'd and ready to go under $500.

Tom
 
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