richard_l
Well-known
Should I be concerned if the back door of an M3 has a little play/looseness? So far I haven't noticed any light leaks.
Richard
Richard
Hektor
Leicapile
In my experience it is not usual, - have you tried removing and refitting it ?
The hinge is spring loaded at one end to allow the pin to be retracted and the door to be completely removed, and early M3s have little spring loaded catches to shut, but later ones have no catches and just held shut by the baseplate.
The hinge is spring loaded at one end to allow the pin to be retracted and the door to be completely removed, and early M3s have little spring loaded catches to shut, but later ones have no catches and just held shut by the baseplate.
I say if it ain't broke........
The back door of my M3 is a little beaten up too. I have it on the list of things to do when I need to send it in for a CLA, but not before then unless it has to be addressed.
The back door of my M3 is a little beaten up too. I have it on the list of things to do when I need to send it in for a CLA, but not before then unless it has to be addressed.
jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
Mine has a little play as well, no light leak, I would say not to worry. As you probably know it is removable; did it lock corretly?
The back doors on mine (M3DS, M2, and M3ss) have no play once the bottom plate is on and locked. I would check the holding pins, make sure they are not bent.
How much play are we talking about? Load it up, take it out in direct sunlight, and wiggle that back. Better to get a leak under a "don't care" condition than in a good shooting session.
How much play are we talking about? Load it up, take it out in direct sunlight, and wiggle that back. Better to get a leak under a "don't care" condition than in a good shooting session.
jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
I did assume that Richard meant with the bottom plate off. Indeed the bottom plate locks the door completely tight, as you say Brian.
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richard_l
Well-known
The bottom plate is on properly. Everything looks normal. Nothing appears to be warped. However, if I push (gently) with my thumb on the right side of the door and then on the left side, it sounds like it's a little loose. There's no visible movement, but it sort of feels and sounds as if the door is not making a tight fit.
Richard, mine do not do this. Again, I would check it in sunlight with a "do not care" roll. Most Leica M light leaks are through that rear door. The seals are probably good and holding, but do not be taken off-guard. This is one reason why I keep my cameras in cases, one more barrier against light where you do not want it.