Leica home rebuild

[atelier7]

Hello, i've been toying with the idea of rebuilding an old screwmount camera.
look for a cheap specimen, take it apart, and give it a complete CLA and maybe even a re-spray (i know, collectors don't like it but i'm doing this for fun).

How difficult will it be to do so?
Any advice?
and what sort of tools, parts will I need?
Anyone attempt this before?

 

[NL2377]

haha, sounds like you've got a bit to learn there! I'd start off w/ an FSU camera first. Best of luck, though!

 

[David Murphy]

haha, sounds like you've got a bit to learn there! I'd start off w/ an FSU camera first. Best of luck, though!

There are various Web sites that describe this -- just Google them up -- it's a helluva hard thing to do though without good training and special tools (in my opinion), and I am a hardware geeks of sorts.

 

[Ash]

I was thinking of doing the same thing... then I read up on what I would be getting myself into. I decided it wasn't worth destroying a camera for.

A leica is a precision piece of equipment. One that has been abused will need rescuing by a skilled repair person with years of experience, because they'll know the mechanism inside out and be able to pin-point each problem with their eyes closed.

Like NL said, try taking a Zorki 1 or Fed 1 apart and put it back together. If you manage that then look into the Leica. 🙂

 

[Xmas]

People will send you a complete kit of parts for you to put together... cheap... normally in a plastic bag

Noel

 

[reagan]

Maybe you've seen this site, but JE Labs has a great site with links to other great helps like Jay, Rick Oleson, etc. Check it out.

 

[Spyderman]

I'd recommend you start with a cheaper FSU camera like Zorki 4, 5 or 6. Then the next step is a Zorki 1 or FED 1. When you've done your CLA and paint job to these - you'll probably be able to work on Leica II. Probably not III because they are a bit more complicated because of the slow speeds... but once you have CLAd Zorki 4 and Zorki 1 - why do the same to a Leica? You'll have perfectly capable cameras... and you'll be proud of yourself that you CLAd them by your self 🙂

 

[atelier7]

thanks for the advice... it's good we have oleg for an inexpensive, proper cla when needed. btw, anyone managed to contact him lately? I send him a few emails but did not receive any reply.

 

[Bob Corwin]

thanks for the advice... it's good we have oleg for an inexpensive, proper cla when needed. btw, anyone managed to contact him lately? I send him a few emails but did not receive any reply.

Save this sort of dribble ad for the FSU forum. I wasn't happy
with the job he did on my FED-2. Why would anyone _ever_
send him a Leica ?

 

[Paul T.]

Save this sort of dribble ad for the FSU forum. I wasn't happy
with the job he did on my FED-2. Why would anyone _ever_
send him a Leica ?

Perhaps more information, and less venting of spleen, is in order here? Also, not sure that 'dribble ad' is the English language as she is spoke.

 

[reagan]

"Perhaps more information, and less venting of spleen..."

Amen. Why is it when people have absolutely nothing to offer, they post anyway just to demean those who do? 🙄

atelier7, Oleg has seviced two old Leicas for me and I use them regularly. He has also been a great source of friendly, kind and accurate information... as is the FSU forum. I'm sure he could also answer any questions should you get stuck in your home rebuild. Keep trying the email; Oleg has had email spam problems in the past.

 

[atelier7]

Save this sort of dribble ad for the FSU forum. I wasn't happy
with the job he did on my FED-2. Why would anyone _ever_
send him a Leica ?

what's your problem bob?

if you are unhappy with the job he did, why not work it out with him?

i mentioned oleg because i did read about reagan getting his 2 leicas serviced.

if you have nothing constructive to contribute, why not take your dribble elsewhere.