leica speeds issus

[Wedge632]

Hello everyone,

I'm new on the forum but have been using your resource for a while now. I just love Leicas and I caught the virus after buying my first III c.

I recently acquired a IIIF. Great cosmetic look (looks brand new) but the slow speeds were acting a bit funny ( when shutter release button pressed, shutter behaved as if on BULB). After a bit more cleaning and after i got to the slow speed escapement and got rid of a bit of dust and debris, all the speeds work perfectly, just only when the leica is horizontal ( lens facing the sky or the ground) when the camera is held in a normal (shooting in front of me) position, the speeds start to get moody again.

What could it be ?

I think of getting it CLAed (if I can't do it myself), but I'm worried it'll cost me an arm.

Thanks for you help !

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Cameras are delicate and complicated items. Doing it yourself may do more harm than good. A rule of thumb when you purchase an older/used model take into consideration that the camera may need a CLA by a professional. Most Leicas do need a CLA every 50 years. Cost is probably about $200.

 

[colyn]

As has been stated you should get a CLA. What you describe is common. Reworking the slow speed escapement involves more than cleaning the escapement mechanism. There are other componants involved and they too need service. It starts at the top and goes down to the escapement..

Is this camera worth a CLA? Yes it is and you should get it done...

 

[Rangefinderfreak]

leica shutter workings is based on delicate balance of spring tensions, viscosity of lube and shutter curtain brakes. There IS NO WAY you get the right combination of these once you have changed something ( for example the lube) The most common error is that you increase the spring tension if you notice the speeds start to be too slow. In the end, you destroy the brakes.
The screw mount leica shutter is simpler that the M shutter. Still, I would not try to do it myself, maybe you gat a russian copý and practice with it first...

 

[Bill Clark]

Welcome to Rangefinder Forum!

You may find someone near your home to help repair your camera. Someone else perhaps can help you that lives near you!

I just used this gent to work on mine:

http://www.yyecamera.com

I sent Youxin a IIIF on December 13 and he completed a CLA, new shutter curtains, new beam splitter. He sent it back to me on December 31 with the work completed. It would have been here in cold Minnesota already except for the storms out East caused delay. It's on its way back to me and Youxin provided me with a USPS tracking number.

He is located near Boston. Perhaps postage would be expensive for you?

Recommend getting this done with your camera as then you can concentrate what's in front of the lens rather than wondering will the camera work with each click.

 

[wolves3012]

Still, I would not try to do it myself, maybe you gat a russian copý and practice with it first...

I wouldn't advise that. The russian "copy" is of a Leica II and doesn't have a slow-speed escapement. The later russian models with that feature function by an entirely different means and are much easier to work on.

 

[wolves3012]

I think of getting it CLAed (if I can't do it myself), but I'm worried it'll cost me an arm.

Thanks for you help !

There are people in the UK that undertake this work, I've seen recommendations posted before so hold on until someone re-posts. The IIIC's slow-speed mechanics are probably not for the inexperienced, you're likely to mess it up without the skills.

Oh, welcome to the Barnack-bug!

 

[brainwood]

Hi Welcome to Rff


A properly done CLA is well worth the money and you really would feel the difference in the camera. I'd expect to pay around £150 for a full service but it may not need everything so it could be a lot less if its in otherwise great shape. Once it's done I'd wouldn't expect it to need another while you own it.

My first choice would be Peter at CRR in Luton 01582 570395 (www.crrluton.co.uk) or Malcolm Taylor 01568 770542

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Welcome aboard!

Can I add this firm to the list for you?

http://www.newtonellis.com/leica/index.html

Regards, David

 

[Wedge632]

Thank you all very much for the quick replies, I will indeed send all my cameras to CLA.
the IIIF and its slow speed problem, the IIIC (that works fine but would need a new youth) and the other IIIF which I haven't touched at all as the winding knob is stuck (any thought on that by the way?)

I'll probably go for a UK based specialist as I live in London, rather than the US, a because I'm rather paranoid when it comes to postage and two because of the cost.

Cheers !

 

[raydm6]

Welcome and congrats on the IIIf. Hope it's fixed soon. I know you are in the UK, but as mentioned, Youxin Ye in the US is excellent. He worked on my gummy IIIf and Summitar aperture ring during a short visit with him at his house and got them working buttery smooth again. Very nice gentleman. Good luck!

 

[Wedge632]

Thank you all for the replies.

I will contact UK specialists as I live in the UK, but I also have friends in the US that might be able to take my camera to YOUXIN, would you have a website, email address or postage address for him?

Thanks a lot again.

 

[MISH]

Yoxin's website

http://www.yyecamera.com/

 

[Dralowid]

If you live in town just take it to Red Dot near Old Street. Their servicing prices are on their website.

http://www.reddotcameras.co.uk/about_us.php?osCsid=qfai7qruo52mg8a0dbttocl854

Straightforward, no messing. (no connection)

 

[Wedge632]

Thanks everyone for the help.

Got my jewel back this week after total clean up and bit of freshen up. Looks brand new.