Leica If Shutter Speed/Tension Repair

[bayernfan]

Recently acquired a If that is in near new condition, however, the shutter speeds and curtain tension appear to be off. Is it a fix that one with a moderate amount of technical know-how might accomplish? Or off to a professional? I've taken apart a few LTM lenses, but have never attempted a body repair.

I typically send all of my Leica gear to DAG, however, his lead time is quite long right now. If you know someone that is really legit with a quick turnaround time, let me know.

 

[02Pilot]

It's more complex than lens repair, but if you're methodical enough to do lens repair right, there's no reason you can't learn to handle the complexity. There are several Leica screwmount repair resources out there.

More than likely it just needs a CLA, emphasis on the C and L. The curtain tension may prove to be just fine once you've cleaned and lubed everything.

 

[bayernfan]

It's more complex than lens repair, but if you're methodical enough to do lens repair right, there's no reason you can't learn to handle the complexity. There are several Leica screwmount repair resources out there.

More than likely it just needs a CLA, emphasis on the C and L. The curtain tension may prove to be just fine once you've cleaned and lubed everything.

i appreciate your response. do you happen to know which repair resource might be best for this job?

 

[02Pilot]

I basically do my own repairs, so I can't help you with suggestions for where to send it for service if that's what you're asking. I know there are several mentioned here frequently that have generally good reputations.

If you're looking for reference material to do the work yourself, I'd have to look for the links. I've got PDFs I found scattered around the net printed out - the National Camera Leica IIIf repair manual is particularly helpful.

 

[bayernfan]

i've found a pretty good IIIf repair manual, already makes the job seem quite a bit easier. i don't have a shutter speed testing tool, however. might have to get creative.

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

Y Ye did my Ie. Perfect. $150.

 

[goat2017]

Recently acquired a If that is in near new condition, however, the shutter speeds and curtain tension appear to be off. Is it a fix that one with a moderate amount of technical know-how might accomplish? Or off to a professional? I've taken apart a few LTM lenses, but have never attempted a body repair.

I typically send all of my Leica gear to DAG, however, his lead time is quite long right now. If you know someone that is really legit with a quick turnaround time, let me know.

Here is another explanation for the incorrect shutter speeds:

The shutter was working properly some years (decades) ago when it was properly lubricated. During the years of storage the grease dried out and now some speeds are not working. You should not simply increase or decrease the tensions of two tensioners because this would cause more wear on the camera.

Instead, you should fully disassembly the camera, clean all the dried grease and dirt, reassemble the parts, and apply new grease/oil. According to the service manual of IIIF, the tension for the closing curtain is 1.75 turns, and for the opening curtain is about 7 turns but no more than 8 turns. You might also adjust the eccentric stud for 1/500 and 1/1000 speeds on top of the camera.

 

[goat2017]

i've found a pretty good IIIf repair manual, already makes the job seem quite a bit easier. i don't have a shutter speed testing tool, however. might have to get creative.

If / Ig should be way easier to service than other models because you don't have to worry about the rangefinder adjustment, which is still simpler compared to M rangefinder adjustment.