Leica LTM A solution for the frame centering in barnacks

[sanmich]

Hi

I just want to share something I found regarding some current film canisters sitting too low in old barnacks (III), resulting in the sprocket holes saying "hi!" into the lower portion of the frame.

The canister spool is sitting on some sort of round stepped little piece placed on the inside of the baseplate. What I did was to unscrew that piece and place it back up side down. Now, there is no step and no lower part of that ring were the spool sits. The spool is pushed a bit upwards and sits higher in the camera.

I just got my first films developed after that change, and the vertical frame centering is perfect.

Enjoy...

 

[Matthew Allen]

I've yet to have a problem with my IIIa - does this apply to all Barnacks? On mine it works fine as long as you push the cassete in all the way.

Matthew

 

[payasam]

I had the same problem with a IIIc, and the thread should be around somewhere. The solution that another member proposed -- using a small conical spring to push up the cassette -- worked perfectly.

 

[john neal]

This can happen with any Barnack, except the later ones that had a small piece to push the film up in the gate. It is often a sign that the springs behind the pressure plate are past their best, as they let the film drop down under gravity.

I have never seen the closing ring turned upside down and marvel that the baseplate still lock on to the body - you would not be able to use a Leica cassette with this mod.

I don't like the idea of a spring in there (personal choice), and would use a piece of foam or a rubber "O" ring if I felt it necessary - I actually like the look.

 

[sanmich]

This can happen with any Barnack, except the later ones that had a small piece to push the film up in the gate. It is often a sign that the springs behind the pressure plate are past their best, as they let the film drop down under gravity.

I have never seen the closing ring turned upside down and marvel that the baseplate still lock on to the body - you would not be able to use a Leica cassette with this mod.

I don't like the idea of a spring in there (personal choice), and would use a piece of foam or a rubber "O" ring if I felt it necessary - I actually like the look.

John
You are right, only the IIIf has this little "pusher".
I thought of adding some soft material but I think it would add friction to the spool.
I did not return the closing ring but the small disc centered under the film spool and actually suporting it. A quite large screw maintains it in the base plate and it is a static part.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Micheal

Just tried your hint and it seems to work on my IIIc but I will have to run a roll to really see for sure.

Bob

 

[Erik van Straten]

Gluing a felt spacer on the cassette-opener inside the baseplate is also a good solution. The felt pushes the spool of the cassette up, but lets it turn freely.