Leica iiif shutter issue

M

Mike254

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Jun 19, 2014
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11
Hi everyone,

I recently purchased a Leica iiif that has a problem with the shutter. No matter what speed I set the camera to, the shutter curtains close together at the same time(they close without letting light through). I actually have fixed about 5 barnack leicas with various issues before and I haven't really tried to fix this one yet, I'm just hoping someone can lead me in the right direction on how to fix this before I dive into it myself and wing it.

Thank you
 
Up front I would send it back to whoever you purchased it from especially if purchased from eBay...

It needs a CLA. I would strongly advise that you not try adding tension to the curtain spindles since someone else may have tried it and over-tightened them..
 
colyn said:
Up front I would send it back to whoever you purchased it from especially if purchased from eBay...

It needs a CLA. I would strongly advise that you not try adding tension to the curtain spindles since someone else may have tried it and over-tightened them..
Click to expand...

I purchased it knowing it had the problem. It was cheap enough that it was worth it for me to try and fix it. I'm extremely confident that I can fix it, I've done many cameras in my spare time. I was just looking for some guidance before I get started from someone who has fixed this particular problem before.
 
Mike254 said:
I purchased it knowing it had the problem. It was cheap enough that it was worth it for me to try and fix it. I'm extremely confident that I can fix it, I've done many cameras in my spare time. I was just looking for some guidance before I get started from someone who has fixed this particular problem before.
Click to expand...

If you want to give it a shot first remove the crate from the shell then release all tension on both curtain spindles.

Do not give the opening curtain more than 8 total turns. 1 3/4 turns is all that is needed for the closing curtain.

From Rick Olsen's site
"For detailed instructions on shutter adjustment, s
ee Lyells’
The Leica IIIf.
Here’s a synopsis of that reference. Attach the shutter speed dial and, if there is one, the flash synch cam, as these parts have rotational inertia that will affect shutter operation. With the shutter in the released position, that is, both laths at the right side of the image aperture, rotate the closing curtain spring adjustment 1 3/4 turns counterclockwise from its neutral position and the opening curtain spring 3 turns. At 1/30 second the shutter may operate with these settings, although more opening curtain tension may be required for reliable release of the closing curtain latch; increase tension 1/2 turn at a time until the closing curtain is released reliably. Now set the shutter at 1/500. Hold the camera with
a light behind it, release the shutter, and check for an open slit across the full width of the image aperture. It’s likely that none or only part of the left side of the aperture will show light. Continue to increase opening spring tension until you see light across the entire width of the image aperture".
 
colyn said:
If you want to give it a shot first remove the crate from the shell then release all tension on both curtain spindles.

Do not give the opening curtain more than 8 total turns. 1 3/4 turns is all that is needed for the closing curtain.

From Rick Olsen's site
"For detailed instructions on shutter adjustment, s
ee Lyells’
The Leica IIIf.
Here’s a synopsis of that reference. Attach the shutter speed dial and, if there is one, the flash synch cam, as these parts have rotational inertia that will affect shutter operation. With the shutter in the released position, that is, both laths at the right side of the image aperture, rotate the closing curtain spring adjustment 1 3/4 turns counterclockwise from its neutral position and the opening curtain spring 3 turns. At 1/30 second the shutter may operate with these settings, although more opening curtain tension may be required for reliable release of the closing curtain latch; increase tension 1/2 turn at a time until the closing curtain is released reliably. Now set the shutter at 1/500. Hold the camera with
a light behind it, release the shutter, and check for an open slit across the full width of the image aperture. It’s likely that none or only part of the left side of the aperture will show light. Continue to increase opening spring tension until you see light across the entire width of the image aperture".
Click to expand...

Thank you!! I'll try that out!
 
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