Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/06/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Dear All, I recently asked a couple of questions about a IIIc and old 5cm Elmar lens. Thanks to all for your replies. I've just traded in the IIIc and old lens for a much nicer IIIf RD ST w/ 5cm Elmar red scale lens, with Leica metal front lens-cap. There is even a brown leather Leica case, with missing strap and rotted stitching. The IIIf is in much better cosmetic condition than the IIIc but the fast shutter speeds aren't working! (Slow speeds are OK - they were sluggish at first but after a good work-out they seem fine). I'm getting erratic behaviour with the shutter, from 1/200 sec. to 1/1000 sec. Sometimes the shutter doesn't even open at all; other times it seems far too fast for the selected speed. To test the camera, I used a 24-exposure Fuji Superia ASA 400 print film. Half of the frames came out unexposed, i.e. the negatives were completely clear. All of the slow shutter speeds shots came out OK. On one frame, taken at 1/500 sec., I noticed that the left side of the print (I guess that means the right side of the negative) was darker than the right side and there were horizontal streaks on the negative. This didn't happen on any of the other the other frames. I suspect that the first curtain is somehow dragging the second curtain, but this is only a guess. I have read on the "Lecia Repair Club" web site <http://www.mediajoy.com/camerashopper/lrc/index.html> that there are two screws underneath the base plate that can be used to "stress" the front and rear shutter curtains and maybe I should try this. However, it seems a bit hit-and-miss, there being no guidance as to which way or how far to turn the screws. I realize the only real answer to this problem is a CLA by one of the well-known Leica specialists. (I also reallize that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing!) However, since I live in Indonesia, I am not close to a known repair secialist. This fast shutter speed problem seems to be the only serious fault and it would be great if I could at least attempt to fix it myself. (One other minor problem is that the baseplate locking tab will not stay put when folded away - it dangles.) Does anyone have any good advice they are willing to share? Regards, ===== Ray "The trouble with resisting temptation is you never know when you'll get another chance!" __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Yahoo! - Official partner of 2002 FIFA World Cup http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html