Leica CL slow speed problem. Help needed!!

[ipu]

Hi!

I'm having a little problem with my Leica CL. From time to time the slow speeds (i.e. 1/30, 15, 8 and 4) act as if the setting was 'bulb'. When I push the release button the shutter opens and when I let it go the shutter closes and the camera gives the normal noise it makes everytime when using the slow speeds. When the shutter is open the camera is silent, no noise at all.

It seems that it has some problems with the slow speed mechanism but I cannot figure out what it is. First I thought it's the cold weather that generates the problem but it's happening around the year so it can't be the cold. I have opened the camera and I can see the mechanism and basically see how it works.

What could cause this problem? And how could I fix it? Any ideas? Have any of you had similar problems with Leica CL and have you been able to fix the problems? I haven't done anything to the camera yet, I thought I should ask first.

Here's a photo of the CL's slow speed mechanism (apparently the photo is not showing, don't know why..)

Thanks!

 

[Vickko]

It probably has some debris on some lever or something that needs to release the slow speed gear train. The debris needs to be cleaned out.

I don't know where it is. Perhaps a gentle cleaning with naptha and re-lube.

Not a flood clean, but something more deliberate in the slow speed mechanism.

Vick

 

[ipu]

Thanks Vickko,

now the photo should be visible..
I thought I might try to clean some parts next to the shutter speed dial, or somewhere around there.
If you guys have some suggestions where to look for the problem or clean up some possible debris, I would appreciate trying to point out the possible places for some kind of solution.

 

[ipu]

Anyone? Isn't anyone done such thing before?
I couldn't find any info on repairing CL other than how to remove the top plate, which i have already done.
Has anyone found or bumped into some site on the net that would contain some info on cleaning or fixing a CL?

 

[Blanc]

Your camera is acting like some debris are stuck in the slow speed engagement mechanism. Probably between the shutter link and the slow speeds escapement.

Your slow speed needs to be checked but this behavior means that your camera would benefit a complete review, and the best thing to do would be sending it to a trained professional.

If you want to do it yourself you'll need to get the slow speed mech. out to clean it with solvent and then check it to ensure yourself that every part is moving freely as it should. Then you'll need to get it back in place after lubricating it correctly and then finally calibrate the speeds.

 

[Landshark]

You already have the slow speed escapement exposed. In your pic, it's the gear train to the right of the SS dial.
All of the gears should turn freely, if there's no mechanical(film chip.grit) lube it using the eye of a sewing needle at the end of each gear shaft.