Leica LTM 111f frame spacing

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
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davethesnapper

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HI all

I have just developed my first roll shot in a new to me 111f black dial. It all seems pretty good my only concern is the frame spacing, the space between frames is only about 3mm which is quite tight and 2 frames actually touch.

1. is this normal
2. can it be tweaked by a technician

Thanks Dave
 
davethesnapper said:
HI all

I have just developed my first roll shot in a new to me 111f black dial. It all seems pretty good my only concern is the frame spacing, the space between frames is only about 3mm which is quite tight and 2 frames actually touch.

1. is this normal
2. can it be tweaked by a technician

Thanks Dave
Click to expand...

I find the frame spacing of Barnack Leicas to be tight say compared to the ones from an Olympus OM 1

Even early M3 Leica film spacing is tighter than later made M3s

Unless the frames are overlapping... but if you can still get a full frame even at the cut then I would not be too concerned.
 
The frame spacing on IIIf, IIIg, IIIc (and probably the earlier Barnacks) is very thin by design. It's a testament to the tight tolerances achieved in hand assembly and fitting. The frames shouldn't ever touch or overlap though; if your camera needs lubrication, it might make winding more difficult than it should be. If you have a frame that is greatly overexposed, or has a bright, overexposed point light source near the edge of the frame, it may bleed into the adjacent frame, but that's pretty rare in my experience
 
The later III series cameras, c and f anyway, have wider spacing than the IIIa. The wider angle the lens, the tighter the spacing. Color Skopar 21ltm creates frames that touch, the 50mm Summar does not on the same camera body. The results are the same on a IIIa that’s had a recent CLA and one that has not.
 
My spacing (IIIf) is quit tight, but no overlap or touching. In fact, I was impressed with consistency on a roll of 36 that I recently developed. I hardly ever use a 36 roll unless there isn't a 24 choice.
 
Thanks for the replies. I think I'll shoot a few more rolls and see if any problems emerge. The widest lens I have is a 35mm summaron I'll make a mental note to check consecutive frames with the wide lens and see how it goes.

Cheers Dave
 
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