Leica MP shutter problem

[coogee]

I've put around 100 rolls through my Leica MP without issue. I purchased the camera second hand approx. 1 year ago.

It has now got a 'resistant shutter release' (I struggle for a better term)

When I attempt to press the shutter button, I can't, it's rock solid.
The problem always resolves itself within seconds.
Either
- I keep on pressing and it 'gives way' and the shutter is released, or
- I take the camera from my eye, then put it back and try again and the shutter fires as normal (with a little more resistance to my finger than normal)

Initially it happened just once or twice from time to time, generally later in the roll.
But it now seems to be happening more and more frequently (though not always.)
It always happens several times on a roll - leaving me embarrassed and asking the world to just hang on a minute whilst my camera fixes itself.

Does anyone know what it might be and how to better describe it?
There's no sign of any fault with the camera open and dry firing the shutter. The curtains appear as new - the camera works as expected on all speeds - it never happens without film in.

It's always the same, like the shutter release can't be pressed, but the shutter is always cocked (the meter operates, the shutter eventually fires). It's very frustrating and disappointing for a camera that still looks new and has always been 'soft cushioned' or in my hand.

I'm trying to avoid sending it to someone for repair and receiving it back without the problem being correctly diagnosed/repaired (which has happened to me before with an M3 that jammed sporadically from what turned out to be a sticky bit of shutter curtain but took 3 attempts to isolate since it was only a sporadic issue.) Thanks.

 

[Rob-F]

I'd say something in the mechanism is a little loose and jiggles out of alignment. Then a slight re-jiggling puts it back. It's got to be seen by a Leica tech. It's not going to get better via letting it rest, or mystical incantation! I would personally send my MP to Sherry Krauter, but of course there are a couple of others on our "favorites list" here at RFF! (Namely DAG and Youxin Ye.) None of these seem likely to send it back unrepaired!

 

[coogee]

Thanks. It was the 'something in the mechanism' I was hoping to get some kind of understanding of.

Having a problem in a camera so new gives me pause for thought.

Yes, I can service it (at something like 10% of the original purchase price to me) and yes, these are precision instruments that require servicing but I will confess to being pretty frustrated.

 

[Huss]

Have you been using a 'soft release' with it? Those can damage/warp the shutter rod and throw it out of alignment.

 

[coogee]

Thanks. for the suggestion but no, I never use any kind of release buttons.

I'll just hope it is some kind of straightforward mechanical problem with the button itself or what's directly underneath it.


**Thanks. This (below) sounds very plausible.
I've contacted a more local certified repair option first.
Whatever it may be, it's clearly got a problem.

The fact the problem manifests when everything is under the 'load' of having a film in there, does make me worry it might involve the shutter area.
I'd take a wonky rod right now!

I'll update if when it's fully diagnosed/repaired.

 

[Huss]

There is a release disc that is meant to align with the shutter rod that allows actuation. This is to prevent the shutter firing without the film being fully advanced. If the rod get slightly torqued (by using a soft release) it could have thrown this off. You may not use one, but the previous owner may have. It's why I don't use them on my Ms.
Anyway, it sounds like the rod and release disc are slightly out of sync. A good repair dood should be able to straighten that out. Drop DAG or Youxin a line.