M2 slipping frame counter

[cambolt]

I noticed that the frame counter disc on my newly acquired M2 slips about all over the place when the advance lever is operated. When I set the disc to 0 and advance the film, the disc slips backwards to somewhere usually around 35. With the counter on 35 I just advanced again, and the disc slid back to around 30, then back to 35 as I released the lever. Holding the disc in place while I advance and waiting for the click at the end of the stroke allows the counter to operate normally. It appears that the disc is encountering friction between itself and the advance lever, causing the disc to move with the frame counter. Is there any way I can fix this issue?

Cheers

 

[nobbylon]

sounds like the disc is not clicked into place correctly. You may need to unscrew the advance lever surround, remove the advance and refit the dial correctly. It kind of snaps into place when fitted correctly.

 

[cambolt]

sounds like the disc is not clicked into place correctly. You may need to unscrew the advance lever surround, remove the advance and refit the dial correctly. It kind of snaps into place when fitted correctly.

I was kind of hoping there would be no butchering involved...
My frame counter does seem to have some sort of ratchet system that prevents the disc from being spun backwards by hand, and clicks when turned forwards. Does this mean that it is seated correctly?
How would one go about unscrewing the advance lever surround, and am I going to end up ruining my camera?

 

[nobbylon]

It's not butchering, it's repairing! Ratchet sounds like it's working correctly. You need a flexi clamp but to be honest if you are not comfortable with doing stuff, i'd just send it to someone for a check up.
Is the counter dial near flush with the top plate. It sits on top of a felt washer. The dial is just an interferance fit on the wind mechanism.

 

[cambolt]

Believe me, when I take cameras apart it is butchering 😀. Unfortunately, sending it to someone isn't really an option where I am, and it recently had a service anyway. I'm thinking maybe if I can jam something between the counter and the body it will have the same effect as me putting my finger on it. Maybe it is missing the felt washer. I can't see it.

 

[deerstalkr]

It sounds relatively simple to fix. I've noticed you live in Wollongong; if you aren't comfortable fixing it yourself perhaps you could head into Sydney to have it fixed. I've been told that Camera Service Centre are good for simple repairs such as this. I've never used them myself though. It's only a few minutes from Town Hall.

 

[batterytypehah!]

Believe me, when I take cameras apart it is butchering 😀. Unfortunately, sending it to someone isn't really an option where I am, and it recently had a service anyway. I'm thinking maybe if I can jam something between the counter and the body it will have the same effect as me putting my finger on it. Maybe it is missing the felt washer. I can't see it.

Send it back to whoever just serviced it. Sounds like they didn't put it back together correctly. (Whatever they did, it would have involved taking off the advance lever, which is step #1 of any disassembly.)

 

[errorlogin]

....yup, and your spool is missing, too.

I would say: Bad seller. Give it back, if you can.

 

[Roger Hicks]

....yup, and your spool is missing, too.

I would say: Bad seller. Give it back, if you can.

Same here.

Cheers,

R.

 

[cambolt]

I think if I fashioned some sort of washer for it, it would be fine. I think a thin piece of felt cut into the shape of a horseshoe should do it. As for the seller, I have contacted him about the missing spool, for now I can assume he left it out accidentally. He has sold stuff on here before and he is a nice guy so for now I am giving him the benefit of the doubt. If the camera has any mechanical problems though, I may have to send it back.

 

[cambolt]

Removing the frame counter just consists of unscrewing the ring round the shutter release doesn't it? And all I need is a flexiclamp? If the job is simple and there is little risk of ruining some fine adjustment or losing microscopic parts I should be fine I think...
Is there some guide on doing this sort of thing anywhere?

 

[nobbylon]

Yes all you need is a flexiclamp. The retaining collar is on tight. Make sure you hold the wind on lever so that it doesn't move ie try to advance the shutter as you undo. This will stop any strain being put on the mechanism. I always make sure the shutter is uncocked before undoing.
There is no need to remove the release button. Can be a pain to refit if you haven't done before.
Lift off the lever and wavy washer. The counter dial should now, if it's loose, come off and you should see the felt washer on the top plate. It's sticky on the top plate side so it stays in place. Reverse order to refit. The counter dial is a push fit on the wind head.
PM me with an email address and I will send some pics and an M2 repair manual.
regards j

 

[nobbylon]

I found it again, here's the repair manual.
See part 2 figure 21 for the parts diagram.

http://pentax-manuals.com/manuals/service/leica_m2_service.pdf

 

[nobbylon]

Here's what it looks like underneath my M2. The two tabs either side of the wind head are visible and fit into the cut outs in the counter dial as a push fit.
If yours is fitted back together correctly then I can't see how it has any room for it to slip. It could be that the release button retaining collar has not been fitted correctly which will not allow the retaining collar to be screwed down enough thereby allowing more room for the dial to lift perhaps.

 

[Luna]

This is great nobbylon. Thanks a bunch for the info.

 

[cambolt]

Here's what it looks like underneath my M2. The two tabs either side of the wind head are visible and fit into the cut outs in the counter dial as a push fit.
If yours is fitted back together correctly then I can't see how it has any room for it to slip. It could be that the release button retaining collar has not been fitted correctly which will not allow the retaining collar to be screwed down enough thereby allowing more room for the dial to lift perhaps.

Just what I was looking for, thanks.