Leica III shutter speeds, and CLA?

[Field]

I am looking at a III (not sure what module, need to check, not an F). The guy says the shutter speeds are a bit off in the lower dial range.

How much do CLA's cost for these, and what can I expect for improvement?

It has a collapsible lens I intend to check with a flashlight.

I can not stop thinking about it in my hands, and the love of knobs over levers.

 

[charjohncarter]

Good, use the flashlight to check for haze and fungus. Haze and CLA on the lens is about $100. CLA on the camera is over $100, but if you need new shutter curtains close to $200 more. Maybe some member will give you a more accurate reading.

Here is a typical repair page with prices:

http://cameraquest.com/repairs.htm

 

[Field]

Are slow shutter speeds being off a sign of needing shutter replacement?

 

[hteasley]

Depends on how off. They're not likely to be... awesomely accurate. With 60 or 70 year old cameras, they're not going to be perfect.

 

[Mr_Flibble]

Are slow shutter speeds being off a sign of needing shutter replacement?

Normally no,
The only things that would need replacing if they have deteriorated are the shutter curtains. Unless they are soo badly torn and hardened that they drag in the channel would they effect shutter speed.
That said, I have a few 70 year old barnacks that still have their original curtains in fine condition.

Normally slow shutter speeds are due to dirt and gummed up grease in the mechanism. Regular exercise often helps.

Disuse is the biggest enemy of these cameras so to say.



The III series (and all other Barnacks) are lovely cameras aren't they! 😉

 

[Field]

Actually everything is fine with it. I am going to sell my F apollo black when I get it back, and buy the Leica. Then I will have to AI my Nikon lenses for my FE but whatevah. I can wait on using more lenses.

 

[ray*j*gun]

As Rick said the old Barnacks (if never serviced) often just need fresh lub and perhaps new curtains. They are really worth the investment and can be addictive. I now have 4 and I'm not even sure how that happened lol.

Enjoy!!

 

[Mr_Flibble]

*cough* I think I'm addicted to Barnacks *cough* 😉