Leica IIIf rewind knob

[tenebrae]

Hi!

Probably one of you will have some experience regarding the following problem...

I just received a Leica IIIf instruction manual and discovered that one should indeed be able to lift up the rewind knob of the Leica. I could have known, as it works the same on the FED-1.

Problem is: the rewind knob on the Leica will not move vertically. What can be done to get it un-stuck without damaging the camera?

 

[Richard Black]

I don't know if this will work so be very gentle with it. Open the bottom and, if your finger is long enough, push on the part that suppose to rewind the film. Try a dull dinner knife if your finger is too short. Does it not pull up when the bottom is off? Use a flash light and look to see if something is holding it in? Don't use force. I had a Zorkii 4 once like this and was able to get it to pull up with a little help from beneath.

 

[doubs43]

You might also use a piece of thin wire to apply one small drop of 3-in-1 oil or similar sewing machine-type lubricant to the rewind shaft inside where it joins the body. Then, with the camera still upside down, turn the knob as if rewinding to allow the oil to penetrate. Finally, try to lift the rewind knob again.

Walker

 

[tenebrae]

Thanks for the tips. I've looked inside, and the small centre shaft that is supposed to move freely up and down (allowing the knob to be lifted) seems a bit corroded. Maybe two different kinds of alloy/metal have reacted here (which also sometimes happens with pistons in an engine that has stood for years).

I've applied some Ballistol to the shaft and will let it work on it for a few days, and see what will happen...