What does this screw do on my IIIc?

[Frank Petronio]

So I have an uncovered, nicely working Leica IIIc and there is a screw on the front of the body that is turning loosely without coming out. It just spins. There is some glue residue on it, I suspect it is stripped yet it won't pop out.

Before I recover it, what should I do with this screw? What does it do? Should I just do what I suspect the last fellow did and dab a spot of glue on it and not worry about it for another twenty years? And if it does fall out, does that mean light leaks and all that?

Thanks

 

[colyn]

That is one of the screws that attach the shell to the shutter crate. It is needed.. I would put some locktite or glue on the threads.

 

[Frank Petronio]

Hmm it doesn't want to come out -- should I be pulling it out with needlenose pliers or just toss a drop of Ambroid or Locktite on it and let it dry in place?

 

[colyn]

Hmm it doesn't want to come out -- should I be pulling it out with needlenose pliers or just toss a drop of Ambroid or Locktite on it and let it dry in place?

Remove the bottom plate. You can then see where this screw goes in. Take a paper clip and straighten it and while pressing on the end of the screw try to remove it. Once out clean the threads and place a drop of locktite and re-install. Most likely the screw threads are ok but the crate screw-hole is stripped from over tightening by a previous owner or tech..

 

[Frank Petronio]

Thanks !!!

 

[payasam]

Too obvious that someone has been messing with it.

 

[Frank Petronio]

The test roll I shot seems fine and everything else is in order, so I'll take my chances ;-) thanks