IIIc Newb - shutter issue.

S

stifa

Newbie
Local time
2:40 PM
Joined
Oct 16, 2019
Messages
3
Hi all,

I inherited a beautiful IIIc several weeks ago from a very dear family member who passed away. While cosmetically mint, the shutter doesn't work properly :( .
First I want to apologize if this is a common question here, but I searched the forum and couldn't find something that I can relate. While having many years of film photography experience with all film formats, it's my first Leica (possibly the only one I'll have), so I'll appreciate your help.
So here's the deal: after shooting 2 rolls, it appears that the shutter will work only in 60, sometimes 100. Everything shot in greater speeds came out unexposed. Speeds of 40 and below wouldn't work as well, but sometimes it's unexposed, sometimes it feels like the shutter is on "B". In addition, even when the camera is set to 60 or 100, when I press the release slowly (an old habit), the shutter sounds like it's on "B", but a quicker press feels like the right speed.
Looking at the developed film, many frames look like they are partially overexposed (B ?) and partially unexposed at the same time.
Is this something that can be fixed? I live in Canada and as far as I know, there is no one in Canada that is able to service Leicas. Because of the sentimental value of it, I'm not happy to send the camera away for repair, fearing it will be lost.

Thanks!
PosNeg by Tuti Shpglbrgr, on Flickr
 
The IIIc was manufactured from 1940 till 1951, perhaps it needs to be CLA (cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted)? Also, are you advancing the film before setting the shutter speed? Is the slow speed dial on the front at the fastest speed setting (1/25th usually).
 
That camera needs a CLA.

It is a fairly simple camera to work on if you are a competent camera tech.

Try Toronto Camera Service Centre or Sunflower Camera Repair if you are in the Toronto GTA area or see if they accept parcel post send in and return if you live far away or don't live in Ontario.
 
I believe this could be fixed. Most likely camera was left unused by a long period of time. Shutter speed gears get sticky, grease/oil become solid, etc. If camera looks unused (mint) most likely didn't saw much use. Also, could you check if there is anything on the shutter curtain area? like a piece of film? Sometimes a piece of film breaks and it get stuck on the curtain, so curtain move erratically.

I would send it to a CLA.

Regards
 
By the way, where are you located? probably would help to members suggest possible tech on your area. I don't think a CLA for iiic would be that expensive.

Marcelo
 
Beemermark said:
The IIIc was manufactured from 1940 till 1951, perhaps it needs to be CLA (cleaned, lubricated, and adjusted)? Also, are you advancing the film before setting the shutter speed? Is the slow speed dial on the front at the fastest speed setting (1/25th usually).
Click to expand...

Thanks. Yes, I do advance before changing speed, but I don't know what was done in the history of the camera. Not sure what was the speed setting on the front dial when I was shooting, now it's the fastest - 30. Didn't know it makes a difference.


xayraa33 said:
That camera needs a CLA.

It is a fairly simple camera to work on if you are a competent camera tech.

Try Toronto Camera Service Centre or Sunflower Camera Repair if you are in the Toronto GTA area or see if they accept parcel post send in and return if you live far away or don't live in Ontario.
Click to expand...


Unfortunately I'm not...

Both TCSC and Sunflower get really bad reviews. The camera has a real sentimental importance for me, so I don't want to risk it by leaving it in places like those.

mpaniagua said:
By the way, where are you located? probably would help to members suggest possible tech on your area. I don't think a CLA for iiic would be that expensive.

Marcelo
Click to expand...

I'm in Toronto. DT Camera said it will be around 300CAD, a bit more than I planned to spend.
 
Curtains sticking

Curtains sticking

Hi, partial unexposed frame appears when one or both curtains don`t run free when they are released. They may close in a different timing or at an inconsistent speed.
Send the cmera to a technician, they might be dry or also the curtains might be degraded and must be changed.

Rgrds
 
I agree it appears your shutter may be capping, as well as several other possible issues. This is not uncommon with older Leicas, especially if they have sat unused for any period of time. A standard CLA will take care of most common issues.
I would also recommend Youxin Ye to service your camera. His prices are fair, his communication in good as is his turnaround time. He does excellent work with screwmount Leicas.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom