restoring a Leica III

[bukaj]

I've been really debating fixing a IIIc that has been in my family for a few generations and getting a new one to use. My IIIc needs new curtains (I've posted about it here before, it's got red curtains), but there is so much more that is far from perfect. The viewfinder is cracked (though not noticeable when looking through it, it is dim), the winder is gritty, the slow speeds are off.

I had it CLA'd by Youxin Ye when I first started using the camera a few years ago, and was told the camera was simply in this shape and not much could be done. It worked much better when he returned it to me (fixed the faster speeds and slow speeds were a bit more accurate), but still has its issues.

Are there any options in having this camera restored to its near original shape. Maybe using parts from a donor camera? Is there anyone that specializes in this type of work? I know it wouldn't be cheap, but want to see if it's an option before I just put it on a shelf.

Thanks.
-jakub

 

[dogberryjr]

Sounds like a job for Solms. It wouldn't be cheap, I don't think, but for something of physical and sentimental value, what do dollars matter?

 

[Jerevan]

Would Leica even consider doing these sort of jobs? (I've no idea - just curious)

In your case, it seems that many of the parts are possible to source from spare parts cameras and I think it is entirely feasible to make it a good bit better. Some smaller stuff (screws and rf mirror etc) is available newly made. If you can wait, I suppose CRR Luton is a good bet, if Leica does not want to do the job.

And yes, I think it is a really nice thing to do - to try to keep the heirloom working.

 

[Ronald M]

Leica officially quit servicing screw mount cameras around 1995. It has been a long time.

Do not be surprised if they answer no.

 

[HuubL]

They did service my IIIb in 2000.

 

[lonemantis]

Youxin has done good work for me in the past, but my understanding is that his CLA's are fairly basic and not that thorough. If you really want to overhaul it, you could send it to someone like Don Goldberg or Sherry Krauter who have excellent reputations for doing very intricate work and fixing stubborn problems. They also have good supplies to replace worn-out parts. A bit more expensive, but very good quality.

I'd say you should do it! I was not lucky enough to receive a Leica from family, and if they originally bought the camera to be used, shouldn't you do the same?

 

[ray*j*gun]

DOG Don Goldberg did a beautiful job on my IIIc (K) stepper. He is pretty busy but I would trust him 100%.

 

[bukaj]

Thanks for the suggestions. I emailed Don at DAG. Today I also purchased a very smooth IIIc that is in much better condition than mine. The viewfinder and rangefinder are much brighter as well (although the rangefinder patch is relatively dimmer due to the yellow tint on it). My original has been out of commission for over a year so it is nice to have a leica rangefinder to use again.

 

[goamules]

Everything is fixable and restoreable to like new condition. I was told by Youxin the same thing on a IIIc of mine, "it doesn't have any more adjustment in the shutter brake....blah." I found that strange, if a part is worn beyond use, you replace the part. Even if, say, some bearing surface on the inside of the frame are worn, you build up the surface and smooth it back. I'm just making that part up, but clocks, cars, telescopes, all antiques can be fixed, for a cost. It was the first time a highly touted repair person told me "I can't fix it."

I sent my next leica to DAG, who did a fantastic job with a CLA and shutter repair. And it feels like it probably did in 1931.

 

[batey_1020]

If you can get the work done by someone you should. I had work done to my grandfathers M4 and it was basically rebuilt with a few parts replaced. It was expensive to the point i could have almost bought another M4 without to much more cash. But then shooting it wouldn't be such a dream.
The sentimental vaule was worth more then anything to me.

 

[gbealnz]

I reckon fit it as well. I went through the same agonising debate when I decided my old 1929 1a should be "tuned up". It ended up needed new curtains etc.
By the time these were fitted etc, it cost me as much as it cost to buy it, not cheap.
BUT, as a good Leica-friend recently passed away said, "it would be criminal not to". So I did. And I'm glad. I even have a film in ti now, occasional use.
Gary

 

[johannielscom]

Slow speeds off mean thorough cleaning.
Gritty winding means thorough cleaning or replacement.
A dim RF and cracked window means replacing.

All outside the scope of standard CLA but it can easily be done!

A IIIc with red curtain in good condition certainly is worth the effort!

 

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Leica Solms has a special department (i.e. one person) which restores old Leica's. It will cost you a fortune, but they do the best job, since they can replace worn parts with original spare parts, parts that are very hard to find.. Solms will take the camera completely apart, which is the only way to do the job right.

 

[ray*j*gun]

Youxin has done good work for me in the past, but my understanding is that his CLA's are fairly basic and not that thorough. If you really want to overhaul it, you could send it to someone like Don Goldberg or Sherry Krauter who have excellent reputations for doing very intricate work and fixing stubborn problems. They also have good supplies to replace worn-out parts. A bit more expensive, but very good quality.

I'd say you should do it! I was not lucky enough to receive a Leica from family, and if they originally bought the camera to be used, shouldn't you do the same?

That has been my experience with Youxin Ye also. I bought a IIIc RDST from a member who had it CLA'd by Ye including work on the VF and new curtains and the first time I used the self timer it jammed. He had not bothered with the self timer since "most don't use it" lol. When I sent it back to him first he said the parts were worn etc and couldn't be corrected then "found the parts and it now works.

Bottom line is for more than just a basic CLA send the camera to DAG IMO.

 

[Dralowid]

Lord knows what a 'CLA' actually is. I fear the term is meaningless nowadays.

Mechanical and functional restoration is fairly straightforward for a pro but cosmetic work is really not worth the expense in my opinion, even if the camera is very rare, which (with apologies for being blunt) yours isn't.

A 'cosmetically restored' camera will never be quite right and will never have the value of an original, however well done it may be.

 

[ssmc]

I would say do it, and get it done properly. I bought a cosmetically near-mint IIIf about a year and a half ago (I always wanted a screw-mount - they look and feel so different from more modern cameras) but had to get it CLA'd even before putting a roll through it (mine was done by TLC). I know I now have more $ invested in it than it's market value, but it's just so beautiful, the RF/VF is much brighter and the controls feel somewhere between great and exquisite; I can't really imagine selling it. And that's an "anonymous" camera that has no sentimental value, unlike yours.