M3 jammed shutter

[2maneekameras]

Alas, the shutter is jammed on my ds M3. It happened with the speed set at 1/25 while I was using the camera at a friend's wedding. I also was shooting with a "hasselbladski"(salut) so not all was lost. I am having major withdrwl symptoms since I don't have the funds for a CLA at this time. Anyone have any experience clearing a jammed shutter without a major diassembly? I traded for this camera a few years ago from someone who got it at the camera store where she worked for many years. I was told the camera was cla'd at that time. This leica has always worked flawlessly for me until now. It seems that the leading curtain didn't move completely though it's path as I can see the edge of this curtain at the left edge of the shutter crate. see atteched photo

 

[john neal]

I wouls suggest going to Kim Coxon's site www.pentax-manuals.com and have a look at the Leica manuals he has there (I think he has one for the M3). If he does not, there is a link somewhere in the M forum here.

It could be a whole heap of things that have caused your problem - unfortunately, the M3 is so complex, I can't give you one place to start - you could check the curtain brake, curtain tension spring, interlock levers - and so on, sorry.

 

[wyk_penguin]

Can you wind on? What happens when you press the shutter release?

Hope its not too difficult.

 

[2maneekameras]

I wouls suggest going to Kim Coxon's site www.pentax-manuals.com and have a look at the Leica manuals he has there (I think he has one for the M3).

John, thanks for the link . I have visited Kim's excellent website.

 

[2maneekameras]

Can you wind on? What happens when you press the shutter release?

I cannot advance the shutter via the wind lever. The shutter release feels like it does after shutter has been tripped and hasn't been cocked. The wind lever feels like it would after the film has been advanced, but shutter not tripped. My theory is the the leading curtain was somehow interrupted during its closing cycle but not before the following curtain was released. The leading curtain seems not to have reached its normal final tripped position. The following curtain will move without binding.

 

[Ken Ford]

Personally, I would sit tight until I could afford a CLA.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

I had an M2 bind up on me this way last week. Sent it to Sherry Krauter who diagnosed shutter brakes out of tolerance and fixed it for around $100. Obviously, don't force anything. I would give Sherry a call in the evening 845-496-8834 and talk it over with her.

Good luck,

Ben

 

[kenspix]

m3 shutter...

m3 shutter...

Yes, this has happend to me but i have some time to do my own repairs. This area should be looked at by someone who can give you a better answer on what is going on. here's a pic of my m3 that had the same problem. good luck