Leica M2 wind on problem

[screwthread]

I wonder if anyone could help? I have a Leica M2 with a puzzling problem. The camera works, but winding on once doesn't cock the shutter in one go, it needs a second little nudge, a little bit like using a double stroke M3. Is this something I could adjust myself? It is a worn/dented camera, so reluctant to send away to have it serviced.

 

[Sparrow]

... there is normally a bit of resistance right at the end of the throw, is it that you can feel?

 

[screwthread]

No, it is really smooth, but needs approx 1 & 1/4 winds to cock the shutter, i.e. one throw isn't enough.

 

[BLKRCAT]

Frame spacing is fine?

 

[screwthread]

yes frame spacing is normal, it just needs that extra 1/4 nudge/second stroke.

 

[Monochrom]

Hi, strange case.

Are you sure you are completing the throw as you advance?

Can you check with another M body?

 

[Vickko]

Could be bad news. The timing for the shutter cocking, with respect to the advance lever, is all done with gearing. I would be guessing the ratchet for the advance is slipping (possibly broken teeth in the winder head). To confirm, the camera needs to be disassembled.

This is the part that needs examination (this one is from an M3) http://thumbs3.picclick.com/d/l400/pict/261391718022_/LEICA-M-7-TRASPORT-ASSAMBLY-12.jpg

The part on the left (under the shutter shaft hole) is the ratchet. I bet it is slipping, or teeth are broken in the ratchet. If that is the case, the ratchet needs to be replaced.

 

[screwthread]

wound once
wound second time, cocks shutter

what it looks like inside, under take up spool, wound once:

what it looks like inside after winding a second time:


I have compared it to another M2, which winds fine! 🙂

 

[Vickko]

Here is the part in an M2

The part in question is under the shutter button. You can see its vertical gear teeth. It is a ratchet assembly and my guess is that there are broken teeth, and it slips when the broken teeth are encountered. Not unusual since you say it is a well used camera.

Your shots of the inside top of the film chamber is correct for showing a fully cocked camera.

 

[Vickko]

btw, if you want to tear it down, read this first http://www.jumboprawn.net/jesse/cams/gear-profiles/leica-m2-overhaul/leica-m2-overhaul.html

 

[screwthread]

btw, if you want to tear it down, read this first http://www.jumboprawn.net/jesse/cams/gear-profiles/leica-m2-overhaul/leica-m2-overhaul.html

Thanks for the help/advice/links, I will take the top plate off and have a look, will post an update.

 

[yesaroos]

if its not a broken gear, might be the gears is misaligned.. you can try this:

wind the lever once.. don't do the second wind that cock the shutter, then locate mentioned part..

lift it up (theres a spring above the gear, lift from below the gear), it'll free the whole gear mechanism free from the winding cycle..

after the wind mechanism is free, align the slotted part as in your photo here (this is the correct position of the part in each wind cycle end)..

drop down the lifted part/gear.. release the shutter & do the wind cycle again.. hope it'll do the fix