Shutter release intermittantly stiff

[Merkin]

In the last couple of days, the shutter release on my M4-2, on about one in five or so shots, has been difficult to trip. It seems to happen more often in portrait orientation than landscape. It also seems to happen more often if I unconsciously cock the shutter rapidly after I shoot. I am sure it could use a CLA, but I am in Mexico for a couple of months on a project. Is there any sort of quick thing i could do to help it, such as a squirt of some oil somewhere? I have a CL with me as a backup, but I prefer using the M4-2, because my 35mm lens has proven more useful than the 50 I have on the CL.

 

[Merkin]

Update- I just went out and shot another roll, making sure that I advanced the film slowly, and had no problem. Did I miss a memo that you aren't supposed to advance leicas as fast as you can advance japanese slrs, or does mine need some sort of work?

 

[LChanyungco]

i bought an M4 once that had the same problem. it turned out that the brass shaft underneath the shutter release button was bent. i was told by the leica technician that a soft release was probably the cause. turns out that with a good amount of force or an impact, a soft release can leverage that particular part.

 

[Merkin]

i do use a soft release, thanks for the tip, i think i shall remove it.

 

[payasam]

I haven't ever used a soft release because I haven't felt the need for it. What has just been said here suggests that it is not a good idea -- not just unnecessary -- because the M was not built for it.

 

[rogue_designer]

I find on my M4-2 that the shutter release is a little loose (especially with a soft-release on it) and rotates somewhat. When it's turned to the extremes of its rotation, it binds a bit, making it hard to depress.

Maybe something similar with yours?

 

[awilder]

The M shutter button over long period of time typically needs adjustment in it's release point as it tends to drift such that you need to more fully depress the button to trip the shutter. I suspect what the tech meant was the use of a soft release may allow the button to be "over depressed" too far down causing a problem for the underlying brass part. Ideally, it's an adjustment easily made by a good Leica tech that should last for sevral years.

 

[Tom A]

The shaft on the goes through the body and engages a flatspring at the bottom of the camera. With time the screw on that spring can "rotate" loose and as the shaft can spin it can get stiff.
The spring at the bottom has a slot adjustment to "raise" the release when it becomes worn. Often stiffness in the release can be simply dried out lubricants in the shaft "bore".
Of course, if you apply sufficient force on the release, the shaft can give a bit - though I have found that you really have to "whack" it for this to happen. Only ones that can have a "notchy" release. without being "whacked" are some M7's (though not all?). The switch for the AE can give some resistance as you depress the release. It is more noticable with a softrelease than without - but it is still there.