Barnack shutter question

[Peter A (NYC)]

After an exposure, the shutter in my Leica II remains open a tiny bit (one mm) at the slowest speeds, until I wind it again. On rare ocassions it is a larger gap, around a quarter inch. Might be worse in cold weather. Seems ok at 60th and above. Is there an easy adjustment I can do, or must I send it to an expert? Thanks

 

[350D_user]

After an exposure, the shutter in my Leica II remains open a tiny bit (one mm) at the slowest speeds, until I wind it again. On rare ocassions it is a larger gap, around a quarter inch. Might be worse in cold weather. Seems ok at 60th and above. Is there an easy adjustment I can do, or must I send it to an expert? Thanks

Once the camera's empty, give it a test fire on the dodgy speed whilst holding the camera portrait-style. I'll bet the shutter will fire ok... in which case, some CLA could resolve this one.

My Standard's the same at 20th.

 

[Branestawm]

Sounds like the lubricant has dried out and is gumming the works up. The colder it gets the thicker the oil becomes so the problem might well be worse when the temperature drops. A service should put it right.

Paul

 

[ZorkiKat]

Sounds like the 2nd curtain has lost some of its tension. It is possible to adjust the camera yourself. The tensioning adjustments are readily accessible from the bottom of the camera. The parts which are tweaked are not even covered in the Leica II.

If you're not afraid to do this yourself, the directions given here
http://jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page389.htm
http://jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page400.htm
http://jay.fedka.com/index_files/Page510.htm

These are instructions for fixing FED and Zorki shutters, which are really 95% Leica II clones. Just scroll down the pages to find the instructions for shutter lubrication and adjustment.

The adjusting screw for the second curtain would be the one closest to the film channel. You'd need less than 1 full turn (perhaps just half) to correct the problem you have.

Jay

 

[George Bonanno]

Peter,

Seriously, drive over to Essex Camera. Located behind the Giants Stadium next to the WADO towers. Let them do the shutter job for you. Sometimes you can wait for a few and they'll do the job on the spot. If not their turn around time is a week. Those Korean guys don't shoot blanks... they are straight shooters.

Highly recommended by me. They have been doing my repairs since Marty Forscher crapped out.

Best,
George