Bought 1 C 1931 model-so what's next? CLA I assume.

[algrove]

This is a nice old camera that I am anxious to use, but something tells me to get it CLA'd before wasting film. It works, but I have no idea if the shutters speeds are anywhere near accurate.

 

[Miles.]

Congrats! Run a roll through it and see what you get... it's a lot cheaper than a CLA!

 

[Pál_K]

My bet is that you’ll want to get it CLA’d regardless - it may never have had one, depending on previous owners.

How do the slowest speeds sound? Smooth or hesitating? If they sound good, I’d be tempted to put a roll through the camera.

 

[Calzone]

Al,

Set the camera up for a 1 second shutter speed and dry fire it.

Cameras that have sat around for long periods of time get “sticky” at slow shutter speeds. See if the shutter sticks at one second. Repeat a few times to verify if the shutter opens and closes.

Know that in one second one can usually count to the number 7 when counting a loud (speaking). Generally when I get to the number seven the curtain closes.

A less aggressive way is engage the slower shutter speed dial and work towards one second.

On some cameras dry firing can get rid of a sticky shutter by recirculating lubricants, but then there is always the risk of jamming where the shutter does not cycle completely.

Don’t spend money unless you really have to. You can get the feel of the fast count to 7 by using another camera to get the feel. The idea for repeatability is say the numbers aloud and count as fast as possible so the numbers are a continuous stream.

Good luck and let us know how lucky you got.

BTW I learned this trick from a camera mechanic who worked on Nikon SLR’s and was factory trained.

Down and dirty but tells the truth.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Al,

Depending on where in the country you are from a New Yorker might count a sloppy count to ten.

The idea though is count fast, count aloud, and somehow you will be able to know a one second shutter speed.

Also know it is the slower speeds that gum up, especially if unused or the camera has been sitting for a while.

Cameras are like mechanical watches they require exercise to stay fit. Not a bad habit to dry fire a camera’s slow shutter speeds regularly as maintenance.

Cal

 

[Dralowid]

Gentlemen, you ought to know by now that a I (C) does not have slow speeds nor, to be pedantic, does a Ic. They are only found on some Ig

 

[Calzone]

Gentlemen, you ought to know by now that a I (C) does not have slow speeds nor, to be pedantic, does a Ic. They are only found on some Ig

D,

Thanks for edifying me.

Cal

 

[Pál_K]

Gentlemen, you ought to know by now that a I (C) does not have slow speeds nor, to be pedantic, does a Ic. They are only found on some Ig

Aye, that’s as may be - which is why I said to try the slowest speeds. Even 1/30 can hang if the lubrication has degraded.

 

[farlymac]

I think the main thing to be concerned about is the condition of the shutter curtains. It's hard to tell on a Barnack body Leica, and a CLA if properly done will open up the innards to be able to inspect the curtains for cracks, loose ribbons, and burn holes. If they've never been replaced it would be a good idea to have a fresh set installed.

PF

 

[algrove]

So far 1/30 and 1/100 sound about the same to me. I am just starting to know how to change the SS. A True Newbie here. Thanks for all your input. So far have a Skopar 25/4.0 and V 21/25 VF on it and it weighs in at only 8oz all in. I better watch out as I might never pick up my M11 again. Now to find a store with film in my small town.

 

[raydm6]

.... I better watch out as I might never pick up my M11 again. ...

I think you may admittedly be the first on RFF with an M11. 🙂 I hope you are enjoying that camera as well. Please share some images.

 

[algrove]

First image of this new tool. I actually like the fact there is no paint on the top.

 

[algrove]

Have more LTM lenses coming next week to celebrate the New Year. HaHa.

Also have a rangefinder stick on the way to me as well as a VF or two for the new lenses.

Anyone know if it is true that the early Super Angulon 21/4 Leica lenses came with M bayonet over an LTM mount? I'm looking at a 1959 issue, but big question as to this issue with that lens.

 

[neal3k]

You won't have much need of a rangefinder with that lens. Almost everything is in focus, especially as you move toward f/8.

I can't get film close to me either, except the occasional rolls of Superia at the drug store. But there are so many sources online for so many films.

 

[Pál_K]

That is an attractive and appealing camera. Nice choice of lens and viewfinder as well.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Superfluous post deleted.

 

[algrove]

Wow, even though you explain it well that sounds like something I will never accomplish without damaging the camera.

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

Superfluous post deleted.

 

[Ambro51]

Lots of talk......just run a roll of TriX through it.

 

[Dralowid]

When you load your first film just make sure that the film is advancing. Easy, the rewind knob will be turning once the slack is taken up.

Just try the camera and see what happens!