We have a problem, Houston ...

[Gibbo]

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I finished shooting my first roll of film through my recently inherited M2 the other day. I had a bit of difficulty, however, in rewinding the film as the button kept slipping and then re-engaging whilst I was turning it. In the end, I removed the base of the camera and wound the remaining few frames with a 'special tool' in a light proof environment!

 

But I think I've broken it The button will not push back down. I do not wish to cause any further damage by forcing it.

 

Is this a known problem and is it an easy self fix or will it need to go to a specialist?

 

Thanks for any help you can offer Feeling a bit blue at the moment

[earleygallery]

Hi, when you say 'button' do you mean you have a button rewind model M2 (i.e. there is a button you press in on the front of the camera, to allow you to rewind, rather than a small lever)?

 

Once pressed in, the button should stay in until you have finished rewinding. It pops out again as you move the film advance lever.

 

Have you tried cocking the shutter? What happens?

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[Gibbo]

I have pressed the button on the front and it has clicked back out again, James. No, I mean the knob that you twist to wind the film back. It pulls upwards and then allows you to twist it, the film rewinds. But, it will not push back down and was slipping and not engaging properly when rewinding. It is just a nurled knob and has no crank handle.

 

I guess that I will learn the correct terminology for these things in time

[luigi bertolotti]

Well, if the problem is only in the rewind knob at top, you can stay comfortable... whichever it is, is easy and not costly to fix (it would be more delicate if the problem would be in the front button). I had a similar problem on an older model and it was fixed in 3 days - 80 Euros or so (was 8 years ago about). Anyway, M2 is a wonderful classic user Leica, and if you have just inherited it, and plan to use regularly, a good CLA is highly advisable : not too costly, probably, and fully deserved by a fine old Leica.

[Gibbo]

Thanks Luigi. The camera had not been used for probably the best part of ten years, once my Father's Parkinson's Disease made it difficult for him to do things requiring manual dexterity. I shall have to sort out getting it fixed.

 

I presume it will still be ok to use as it is? The knob being up should not prevent it from working?

[jc_braconi]

Thanks Luigi. The camera had not been used for probably the best part of ten years, once my Father's Parkinson's Disease made it difficult for him to do things requiring manual dexterity. I shall have to sort out getting it fixed.

 

I presume it will still be ok to use as it is? The knob being up should not prevent it from working?

 

Better to ask for checking by a repairer.

the rewind knob not only is telescopic but it is not direct on the film cassete

there is a pignon gear inside, so the next risk is to block your film inside during a photo session and next have to go in a dark room for film release.

[Gibbo]

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Right then, any recommendations as to where I ought to take it?

[andybarton]

Have a look here.

 

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/leica-collectors-historica/133653-repair-specialists.html

[Gibbo]

Thanks Andy!

 

I had seen that but wasn't sure that they came recommended or were simply sponsors.

[mikebidwell]

Right then, any recommendations as to where I ought to take it?

 

Hi there, our nearest one who I deal with is Malcolm Taylor, if you want PM me and I can contact you we don't live far from each other, I'm in Yate.

 

Best wishes

 

Mike

[andybarton]

All the people in the link are recommended by Forum members.

 

Do a search on the Forum for people's experiences with individual service providers.

[Gibbo]

Hi there, our nearest one who I deal with is Malcolm Taylor, if you want PM me and I can contact you we don't live far from each other, I'm in Yate.

 

Best wishes

 

Mike

 

 

PM winging its way

[Gibbo]

Thanks to Mike Bidwell for pointing me in the direction of Ace Cameras in Yate. I visited them this morning and chatted with Mike (a different Mike:D) who was very knowledgeable and helpful. The camera has gone away for repair for, hopefully, a fortnight or so. Mike didn't think it would cost mega bucks either.

 

What a nice bunch of people this Leica forum has introduced to me

 

Thanks guys!!

 

 

David

Edited March 8, 2011 by Gibbo

[mikebidwell]

Thanks to Mike Bidwell for pointing me in the direction of Ace Cameras in Yate. I visited them this morning and chatted with Mike (a different Mike:D) who was very knowledgeable and helpful. The camera has gone away for repair for, hopefully, a fortnight or so. Mike didn't think it would cost mega bucks either.

 

What a nice bunch of people this Leica forum has introduced to me

 

Thanks guys!!

 

 

David

 

Very glad to have been of service David , I'm sure you will keep us posted on progress

 

Regards

 

Mike

[Gibbo]

Certainly will. I'm really looking forward to making good use of this camera

[Gibbo]

Ace Cameras have just phoned with the estimate for repair. £53, sounded quite reasonable to me so I gave them the go ahead. They reckon it will take a week or so for the work to be carried out. I'm getting quite excited

[bill]

Money well spent, in my opinion. Don't frget to show us the results

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[mikebidwell]

Ace Cameras have just phoned with the estimate for repair. £53, sounded quite reasonable to me so I gave them the go ahead. They reckon it will take a week or so for the work to be carried out. I'm getting quite excited

 

Hi David

 

Glad to see that you are getting things sorted, give me a call when you get it back.

 

Best wishes

 

Mike

[Gibbo]

Will do Mike

 

Bill, I shall certainly post some pictures as soon as I can

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[Gibbo]

Ace Cameras have just left a message informing me that my camera is ready

 

I shall collect it this morning