Leica M2 shutter speeds, vulcanite, etc.

[blackmelas]

The other day at work cleaning out an old cabinet I found three Leica III cameras and a Leica M2 camera 😎 . They had been sitting there since the early to mid 80s is my guess. One of them had a roll of Delta 100 in it so perhaps it hasn't been that long. They were all used in the field for excavation photos so the IIIs are very worn and dusty, but the M2 seems to be in excellent condition based on the two rolls of film I've developed from it.

My questions are:
1. Can I set the shutter speeds to be between the notched speed, e.g. between 250 and 500 to get ca. 400?

2. The vucanite has separated from the surface of the camera and cracked away in a couple small places, I guess from the arid conditions here. Is there an accepted treatment to slow/stop this problem and preserve the finish that is still in place?

3. What problems can I expect to have with the M2 after sitting unused for so long?

Thanks for your help,
James

 

[RubenBlaedel]

seem to be a great place you work 🙂
Some would send the M2 streight away for a CLA at DAG if the lived in the USA - I do not know who to use in Greece -
I tend to se if things work out fine first - and if they do I dont mess with them.
If you have another camera you know is spot on you could compare shutterspeeds etc.
I recently got an M2 of an auction - it had been in a collection for 25 years unused and it works perfectly so I am waiting with a CLA until need.
By the way - it must be great to live in Corinth - a part of history !! been there once an saw the large canal - I was about 9 years so it seemed very steep - is it still ?
Are you sellling the Leica IIIs ??

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Regarding your find... You're a lucky dog! 🙂

Sorry, couldn't help it.

Now... about your questions:

Shutterspeeds. In the M2, some people say that Leica M bodies have stepless shutterspeeds. That is to say, if you turn the dial between 1/60 and 1/125 you'll have 1/90 (for instance). I've found that my M6TTL seems to be like this, but I won't bet about previous M bodies. With the older pre-M Leicas... I wouldn't bet on it.

In fact, with the IIIs, beware of this risk: never cock the shutter and then turn the shutterspeed dial, or you'll force the spring mechanism. You can turn the shutterspeed from one notch to the other, only if the shutter isn't cocked.

Again, I don't think older Leicas have stepless shutterspeeds precisely because of the risk of breaking the spring and damaging the mechanism. I may be wrong, but I'd rather err on the side of caution.

And... as for preservation: if the cameras have been there unused for about 15 years, it's about time to take them for a CLA. The grease in the movable parts dries up, and you don't want to force any moving parts that may seem stuck, because the gunk of grease and dust may be highly abrasive; if you force some part to move, you'll be damaging the mechanism.

When the vulcanite starts chipping, you're better off replacing it. It probably can be done without great expense... and should be part of the CLA you're taking these cameras for soon.

Upon rereading your note I see you've used the M2. Again... you're one lucky boy! 🙂

 

[blackmelas]

Thanks for the quick responses and the warning re setting the shutter speed on the IIIs. No, nothing's for sale though I don't see the excavation will need them anytime soon. Our old trusty Nikomat SLRs are being replaced by digital this and that.

For now I'll just recommend to the director that we do the CLA to protect the investment. And I'll just have to be happy to play with these toys.

And yes, Ruben, the canal at the isthmus near Corinth is as steep and impressive as ever.
Best wishes,
James

 

[the lobster]

...In fact, with the IIIs, beware of this risk: never cock the shutter and then turn the shutterspeed dial, or you'll force the spring mechanism. You can turn the shutterspeed from one notch to the other, only if the shutter isn't cocked....

Selecting the shutter speed with the shutter cocked is the only way to do it, at least with my IIIc.

When the shutter is cocked, the shutter speed selector on top can be properly adjusted. When the shutter is released, the dial spins.

I f you tried to select without the shutter cocked, you would have no idea what speed you were selecting. The speed must be set after winding the shutter.

 

[RubenBlaedel]

that applys with my IIIf to - first cock the shutter then set the speed !

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I was almost sure there was something fishy about my statement. Thanks for the correction! Now, I must remember that in case I come in contact with one of these cameras: first wind the shutter and then set the shutterspeed.

Is it the same with the FSU gear? I read it somewhere else in this forum. 😕

Again, thanks!

 

[the lobster]

I was almost sure there was something fishy about my statement. Thanks for the correction! Now, I must remember that in case I come in contact with one of these cameras: first wind the shutter and then set the shutterspeed.

Is it the same with the FSU gear? I read it somewhere else in this forum. 😕

Again, thanks!

Yep, same with the FSUs.

 

[Thomaspin]

You can get replacement body coverings here:

http://www.cameraleather.com/leica_m/

And here:

http://www.aki-asahi.com/store/

I recovered the back door on my M2 using the Cameraleather product and while the sheen is not quite identical to the Leitz original, the fit is perfect. I found a little heat from a hair dryer (careful - don't overdo it) helped in prying the old vulcanite off. If you would rather not do the job yourself, I understand that Cameraleather will do it for you, for a fee.

When specifying M coverings, pay attention to your exact model (not just 'M2' or 'M3') - such as whether it has a self timer, location of strap lugs (M3) or presence of frame pre-selector lever (M2) as the cut-outs in the coverings will differ.

 

[Richard Black]

I'll repost this here since I have had the entire IIIc recoved by the fine folks at Cameraleather. It looks real cool.

 

[FrankS]

And here's a pic of my M2 recovered in brown lizard skin emboss from Aki Asahi, shipped from Japan for $17. The fit is perfect!

 

[Richard Black]

Frank,
That is one awesome M2! Makes one wonder about the new customize your own MP/M6?

 

[FrankS]

Thanks Richard. The amazing thing is how easy (and inexpensive) it is to recover a camera when you have a perfectly cut and pre-glued piece of leather.