Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/27
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]The tolerance amounts your discussing (+0.005 mm to -0.01) are extremely difficult to measure and would require special equipment to do so. I do not imagine the Leitz engineers are that stupid. You design the parts such that assembly should be straight forward, not require huge amounts of time with the very high potential of being out of focus. In the US (and the policy may have changed since I inquired some time ago) Leitz charges a flat charge for R4 repair. Before a specific serial number the cost is quite high, after that serial number the price is only half (though still expensive). Thus you are not only paying to replace the lens mount but for a total overhaul & CLA and warranty. If you only need a lens mount and feel you are not mechanically inclined enough to replace 6 screws take it to any competent camera repair person. If Leitz wants too much for a simple lens mount look for a damaged camera. - -----Original Message----- From: CapsTeeth@aol.com [mailto:CapsTeeth@aol.com] In a message dated 7/26/00 7:22:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time, jbcollier@home.com writes: << Yes there are tools and procedures to follow. On the Leica M you use a special tool to check for the proper distance which involves using "gauge set 56". Tolerances are +0.005 mm. to -0.01 mm. The lens mount can be machined and then you have to carefully use an auto collimator to check for parrallelism. I do not have an "R" manual but expect it is similar. John Collier >> So then, you've corroborated what I said, that there is no designed-in adjustment (such as an adjustable plate or shimming) for the seating of the lensmount. What you're saying, if I understand correctly, is that Leica's current manufacturing procedures are inconsistent to the point each mount requires re-machining by hand to achieve the necessary tolerances? When is your manual dated? I can imagine such a procedure being necessary in the days of the M3-2-4 but I truly shudder to think if it's still true today, given the contemporary work ethic, what the likelihood is there's actually someone at Leica service who actually does it "by the book" : (