Leica LTM 1954 Leica IIIf red dial self timer shutter issue

[JohnCZ]

Hi all

I have a 1954 Leica IIIf with red dial and self timer, it is my first Leica so I am hoping someone will be able to provide some useful info.
The camera is in mint condition and was supposedly (I am still waiting for confirmation) refurbished/CLA'd by DAG in the U.S.

I have run one roll of film through it and I have noticed that the shutter sticks on slow speeds (1, 2 and 5), this does not happen if the camera doesn't have film in it. Unloaded it works perfect, loaded is another story, it drops the shutter and then the wait begins.

Is this a CLA fix or a bigger drama?

All info appreciated.
John

 

[Rob-F]

Was it before, or after, you loaded the film when you tried all the shutter speeds? If you loaded it right away, before trying out the shutter, and it didn't work, but then after removing the film it did work, then I might guess that it had nothing to do with film; it merely started working because you had exercised the shutter a few times by then. That might have been enough to ease up congealed lubricants.

But if it worked fine before you loaded it, and not after you put the film in, that is more of a mystery! In either case, I think it needs a CLA.

How long ago did DA CLA it?

 

[xayraa33]

The slow speed escapement mechanism is getting sticky on your IIIf...very common problem on these old cameras, especially if they sat unused for many years or decades. The camera just needs a pro CLA.

 

[Beemermark]

The slow speed escapement mechanism is working because the grease has hardened through non-use. Few (if any) body uses these slow speeds and in the end they don't work. People will excessive the faster shutter speeds on a semi-regular basis but for to do the same for the slow speeds. A CLA is definitely needed if you want to use them.

 

[xayraa33]

I had LTM Leicas and copies of such cameras that will only get the slow shutter speeds to work properly if the camera was held at a particular angle, again the camera needed a proper CLA.

In the old days many pawn shop owners would sometimes get the slow speeds to work by over tensioning the shutter curtains....this would often throw the faster shutter speeds out of spec but it got the camera sold when given a cursory examination by a prospective buyer.

 

[JohnCZ]

Thank you for the replies, Don at DAG was really quick to respond with some info and confirmed CLA back in 2007. I bought it advertised as being CLA'd few years ago, got to love honesty. Anyway there's no use grumbling as the camera is lovely so it can go for a tune up.

Lesson #1: Make sellers prove when cameras are CLA'd by requesting receipts.

 

[JohnCZ]

CLA'd 2007. Slow speed used mid roll however it did work when I first got the camera. Will send it back to the U.S. to DAG for a CLA as Don refurbished it previously.