M2 Strap Lugs

[johnrt]

Hello,

My M2 strap lugs are looking a little worse for wear, I have been using a strap that attaches with split rings but they seem to be causing too much damage to continue with them. (Pics below)

I was contemplating switching to one of Luigi's no metal straps;
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SPECIAL-...897691?hash=item2c62f6ba1b:g:hyEAAOSwJwpZ2ppJ

Has anyone used one of these? Are they a good option for worn lugs like these?

I also have the original 👎eveready case that has the top part removed, so I could use that as a half case with it's attached strap. Although the strap on that is looking it's age too, so would need replacing for peace of mind.

What would yo do in this situation?

Thank you,
John.

 

[Highway 61]

I would have the strap lugs replaced or I would use a strap connected to the tripod bushing not to the strap lugs any longer.

The lugs will break one day or another even if you use a strap with a full leather loop and no metal ring or clasp. There is a very few brass material left, both sides, and the weight of the camera + lens will have it break. The full leather loop strap would be an option if there was, say, still 50% of the original brass material left at the upper side of the lugs, but here I would say that there is about 20% remaining only - at some points the brass thickness looks to be less than 1mm.

You can have those brass lugs replaced with steel ones.

Using the half-everready case (fitted with a new strap indeed) is an option, but it will question the camera ergonomics then.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

After 50 years, time to change the strap lugs😉

 

[johnrt]

Thank you both, you're right the camera is 61 years old this year, they've lasted well!

This is my only film camera at present and I don't like to shoot digital so I think I will retire it into the half case and use the integrated strap on the case until I can have the M2 in the repair shop for a little while.

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

 

[rangefinderG]

Really like that case! Homemade? I try to do the DI Y stuff particularly neckstraps. At the moment I'm trying to make a R8 half case but with little success.

 

[johnrt]

I like the case! Does it secure to the tripod socket too from below?

 

[davidnewtonguitars]

Thank you both!
Yes, self-made, and I use a Nylon screw to the tripod socket, it is secure but can be unscrewed by my fingers.



^^Really like that case! Homemade?^^
^^I like the case! Does it secure to the tripod socket too from below?^^

 

[Steve Bellayr]

If you can find a Kameraleder case where the strap is not attached to the camera but the case itself that would solve your problem.

 

[MJ Buckpitt]

I too was worried about the wear on my M3 lugs. I was able to find a used Leica case for $60 and ditched the ratty strap. This has worked well over the winter but now I've started using 2 paracord loops attached to a strap. I'm hoping that the paracord can resist the abrasion from the lugs. This configuration is lighter than the half Leica case with its tripod attachment and heavy strap attachments.

 

[Peter Jennings]

I’ve been using paracord laced through strap lugs on all my cameras for a couple years and the cords so far shows no sign of wear. Definitely a much better choice than metal rings if worn-out strap lugs is something you’re worried about.

 

[johnrt]

Anyone had lug replacement done in the UK that can recommend a tech?

 

[johnrt]

Largely dissapointing response so far to my aproaches for replacement lugs; I've had a flat out no from one repairer and no reply at all from Aperture in London.

 

[Highway 61]

This is a casual repair which involves the removal of the whole camera casting from the outer shell (a bunch of regular screws and the self-timer and frames selector lever have to be taken off), deriveting the old lugs with a precision dremel and fitting new steel lugs for Leica M cameras bought from, for instance, Micro Tools.

There are many so-called "repairers" now who won't want to bother with time-consuming tasks which they won't be in the position of asking $$$ for, because their customers aren't all idiots.

There are also many trained and skilled amateur repairers out there who can do that, and very well. You will find someone eventually.

 

[Rob-F]

Well, I don't know the situation in London, but if need be, I know Sherry Krauter has replaced lugs before. She even installs the missing third lug on early M5s. I suppose DAG would do it, as well.

 

[ACullen]

Might be worth checking with PPP repairs London to see what he thinks. Seems prepared to repair most things .

 

[Beemermark]

After 50 years, time to change the strap lugs😉

After 50 years time for a complete overhaul, which is a lot more than a simple CLA.

 

[johnrt]

Might be worth checking with PPP repairs London to see what he thinks. Seems prepared to repair most things.

He was the no I'm afraid.

I will try Cameraworks in Bury next & Newton Ellis in Liverpool.

 

[johnrt]

Another reply back, this one from Newton Ellis. They do not have any lugs in stock and cannot find any for sale anywhere, but if I source them they can fit. However they warn this is “a big job”

 

[Erik van Straten]

The best thing to do is to find a written-off camera and exchange its sleeve for that of your camera.


Erik.