iiic light leak and introduction

[normb]

I thought I'd post a brief introduction along with a question I have. My name is Norm and I've been seriously making photos for about six years now. I've gone through various different cameras, including an M3 which I was forced to sell due to tough finances (a decision I now regret). Since financial recoverty, I've been shooting digital with a nikon d70 and film with a nice spotmatic kit.

Recently, I acquired a IIIC in excellent cosmetic condition, however, it's developed a light leak of some type. People I've talked to have told me that the shutter is in need of an overhaul. I have no reason to doubt them, but I wanted to ask others who might have gone through this and to post a photo of the problem for all to see.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Norm
http://www.normbarnard.com

 

[Mike Kovacs]

My bet is a hole in the cloth shutter curtain. Tough to see on a LTM camera without removing the outer shell. Standard but likely pricey work to get it fixed.

 

[former member]

It "looks like" the shutter is not capping while winding. I have an Olympus OM1D that does that. If so, a shutter overhaul is required, and the curtain might need to be replaced. Check around for repair prices, Essex charges $180 for curtain replacement.

http://essexcamera.com/camera_list.php?brand=LEICA

 

[normb]

Thanks to all who answered. It looks like I'll be sending it off for some repair work.


- Norm
http://www.normbarnard.com

 

[x-ray]

I've seen capping problems and the fog is symmetrical not streaked spots like this. Capping would extend the heighth of the frame and be uniform from top to bottom. It's my feeling that you have a curtain leak or possibly light leaks inyour cassettes if you bulk load. Does this happen on all frames in the same place and are you bulk loading your film? I've seen similar problems from leaking light traps in old film cassettes used in bulk loading. I used to bulk load and had many problems from worn out cassettes.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=5045

 

[normb]

I don't bulk load and the streaking doesn't happen on every frame. I've put 2 rolls of film through the camera. The first roll exhibited streaking on about 5 frames, the second, on about half. Whatever it is, it seems to have went from bad to worse. From what I've heard from others here on the forum and elsewhere, is that it's probalby the shutter curtains and is repairable, but it won't be cheap. Not a big deal, I'm just going to save up for the repair and play with my DSLR in the meantime..

- Norm
http://www.normbarnard.com