Leica M3 Shutter Speed Dial and Preview

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cassel

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I am wanting to change out my chrome shutter speed dial and my chrome preview lever for a set in black paint. The shutter speed dial is just the one screw, right? How about the preview lever? I have a spanner tool that will fit the two holes...is it just a simple matter of un-screwing? Anything special to watch for? Should I let a pro do this:rolleyes:
 
For the shutter dial, just one screw. I　think the middle of the dial is chrome, is that right? If it is black, it is a little plastic dot.

For the preview lever, it is just the lock screw with the two holes. It screws off counterclockwise. You might want to drip on a tiny drop of lighter fluid on the screw, before you loosen it. It will dissolve any corrosion that might be there. I hold the lever when I'm loosening / tightening the screw, to not transfer the force onto the preview mechanism itself.
 
Doesn't sound too bad- just makes me a bit nervous to "mess" with stuff for purely cosmetic reasons. Right now, my M3 is a strange "partial panda" mix of black and chrome bits.
 
Got it- both parts were easy to un-screw. Should have the new black parts later today. My new issue is with the screw in the center of the lens release button: I can't get it to turn! I'm replacing my lens release button and guard ring for the later slimmer version so I can fit larger diameter lenses like the canon 85mm f1.5....any advice on removing tough screws? I don't want to tear it up!
 
That screw should be a normal right hand thread. Start with dripping lighter fluid and oil into the screw and let it soak. Use a screwdriver that fits perfectly.

And I mean "perfectly". Hone the end of the screwdriver if needed. And use a screwdriver with a large enough handle.

And one trick is to "turn the screw clockwise just a bit, and then counterclockwise to unscrew it". But tricky because if you do it too much, well, the screw breaks.

In case you get really stuck, DAG in the USA sells Leica parts. www.dagcamera.com


Good luck
 
Good advice- my screwdrivers are either a bit too small or a bit too big- I will try grinding down the big one. Tried a drop of lighter fluid- didn't work.
 
Got the release button loose! Had to file a screwdriver to the proper size...
Now what? Spanner to release ring that holds guard?
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Wow! I'm learning:rolleyes: The old style M3 button and the later style button are NOT interchangeable- so it's not a simple matter of swapping buttons to gain clearance! The underside of the button- the part that pushes the plunger to release the lens is a different depth- weird. That means I would have to machine-trim the original button:mad: Hopefully the guard/collar is an easier swap...
 
It should be straightforward to swap out the spring loaded part the release button attaches to. Do you have the part?
 
jonmanjiro said:
It should be straightforward to swap out the spring loaded part the release button attaches to. Do you have the part?
Click to expand...

I only have an extra button and an extra guard/collar. I don't have the internal part. I'm more concerned with what comes next- how to remove the guard:confused:
 
The guard is held in place by the internal part which unscrews easily. You just need a two pronged tool that fits into its slots.
 
Sounds good - I will give it a try.... So no internal access is required? When I get the retaining ring removed, will there be any springs or washers to watch for?

Thanks:)
 
No internal access is required (assuming the design is the same as the Leica MP).

The spring loaded nut should come out as one unit. There's one light seal washer between it and the body.
 
Made a brass tool to remove the part but it is too soft- won't turn. I'm being VERY careful, but I think it's time to get pro help!
 
It should be easy to remove with the right tool. Have you checked the Micro Tools website? They have a good range of tools for camera repairs.
 
No luck- tried making a tool with steel and it still won't budge. I gave up because I don't want to damage it. I will take it to my local tech.
 
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