M3 sticking baseplate

[don1@mac.com]

After loading my first film into my new M3 the baseplate is jammed shut. The release d-ring will only rotate half-way before sticking and I cant get the baseplate off. I have tried every comination of buttoons and levers I can imagine - to no avail. Anyone have any tips or answers???

 

[Livesteamer]

The D handle on the base should turn 180 degrees and then allow the base plate to pull off. Did you load the camera with a factory film load or one of Leica's reuseable cassettes? Joe

 

[don1@mac.com]

Hi Joe.

There was a cassette in the left hand chamber (when the camera is on it's head for loading) and I tried to load a conventional roll of tri-x. Film advanced onto the sprockets okay but then when I advanced the film the counter remained at 40 which I now know is reset by first removing the spool. I fired 40 shots anyway not caring if i lost the fllm and then tried to rewind but nothing seemed to happen so I figured that the film hadn't advanced and decided to open the back to remove it. However the d-ring now only rotates through 90 degrees in stead of 180 and I can't remove it. I don't want to force the ring. I also have an M6 but with no manual assumed that the loading process was the same. However after checking some threads online i realised that there were issues to be aware of....too late.
I'm thinking of getting it CLA'd here in Holland anyway so maybe I should just let the technicians see if they can help me out.

Grtz, Don.

 

[Livesteamer]

The M3 and M6 baseplates are almost identical. The big difference is the M3 has a removeable takeup spool (unless updated) that must be removed to hook the film leader into and removing the spool also resets the counter. It sounds like your film never advanced. Possibly the sprocket tore the film and some bits of film are jamming the D ring mechanism. The M3 removeable spool is slower but when done right is foolproof whereas I need to be VERY careful loading my M6 as I've had it not take up film a time or two. Could you try gently shaking the M3 while moving the baseplate release handle back and forth to see if something loose internal has jammed it. I like my M6 but really love my old M3. Good Luck, Joe

 

[don1@mac.com]

A visit to the Leica dealer solved the problem by using pliers and applying pressure. Turns out the plate needs a new collar. It's off for a CLA so hopefully smoother operation from now on.