L'flex SL ordered today ... but ...

[dkCambridgeshire]

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On a website saw SL black body today and could not resist it (not the MOT version) .... BUT ... whilst asking the dealer questions over the phone he exclaimed that the lens release button had suddenly broken off (that very second) as he pressed it ... thus offered a lower price which was accepted .. now await the camera next week. I'm aware that the release button is one of the SL's weak points and that many of the original plastic buttons have been replaced with later metal type. Is this repair a DIY proposition and if so does anyone know where I can source the part? And does anyone know of any website illustrating the repair? Dealer seemed to think the body is black chrome rather than the earlier black paint version .

 

Also courier delivered 20cm f4 Viso Telyt lens today plus a Viso 1 and looking forward to trying them after the Viso is given a good clean.

 

Cheers

 

Dunk

[pilot]

My SL has a metal button. It came Like that but I don't know where you can find one. It appears to be the same as the Leicaflex Standard. If you remove the screws holding the lens mount, the whole thing pops off easily and you can replace the button with no trouble (if you can find one).

 

Bryan

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[dkCambridgeshire]

Thanks Bryan ...so if can source a scrap body it should be a DIY repair ... have seen some cheapies recently.

 

Dunk

[earleygallery]

I've heard about this before. I think Leica introduced the metal button when the problems with broken plastic ones came to light. I'm sure you would be able to buy just a button (maybe try Leica service dept first?) rather than a whole doner camera, or if you're buying the camera to use, it would probably benefit from a CLA anyway - one of the usual Leica repairers should be able to sort it all out.

[dkCambridgeshire]

I've heard about this before. I think Leica introduced the metal button when the problems with broken plastic ones came to light. I'm sure you would be able to buy just a button (maybe try Leica service dept first?) rather than a whole doner camera, or if you're buying the camera to use, it would probably benefit from a CLA anyway - one of the usual Leica repairers should be able to sort it all out.

 

Leica UK don't normally supply spares which require dismantling to fit ... but I did manage to get an R4 motordrive battery compartment spare part once. The camera probably would benefit from a CLA but I'm trying to keep £££costs down ... if it works ok and there are no ominous sounds or malfunctions then will use it as it is. Wish I still had the SL I sold some years back ... it was a very satisfying camera to use and had been serviced under Jessops warranty as the take up spool had sprocket tooth missing ... came back from service by Milton Keynes with silky smooth action.

 

Dunk

[stumac]

Duncan,

 

An alternative source for the metal catch if all else fails is the extension ring 14143, the older one without the aperture control I have found quite cheaply. My 2 SLs have still the red plastic.

 

Regards, Stuart

[dkCambridgeshire]

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Thanks Stuart and of course it is a much simpler solution. I was getting confused as have not actually seen or handled an SL for several years ... and have not seen the SL I have purchased yet ... so assumed it has the same lens release button as my SL2 ... but now realise they are different. What I thought was the release button on the SL is in fact the the depth of field preview (on the SL2 the lens release button is on the body and not on the lens mount) . So, ... will now obtain an extension tube and cannibalise the release button.

 

Many thanks

 

Dunk

[stumac]

I would try Leica first, checking my R4 seems to have the same catch in metal, and perhaps later Rs the same. A few years ago I was able to get the dioptre holder that fitted the SL eyepiece from Solms, although I had to make a lens for it by turning the center out of a plastic spectacle lens

 

Stuart

[telyt]

I would try Leica first, checking my R4 seems to have the same catch in metal, and perhaps later Rs the same.

 

The button is the same as the later R model but the SL requires an additional bushing on the button's shaft.

[dkCambridgeshire]

Thanks Doug and Stuart ... this forum is so useful ... if all else fails have sourced a 14127 adaptor but seems a pity to dismantle it ... will try Leica Milton Keynes next week ..if they cannot supply the part may wait 'til "Photographica" camera fair in Westminster next month.

 

Dunk

[telyt]

have sourced a 14127 adaptor

 

I'm not certain the button on the 14127 will work, as it was inteded to lock a Visoflex lens on, not an R lens.

[dkCambridgeshire]

I'm not certain the button on the 14127 will work, as it was inteded to lock a Visoflex lens on, not an R lens.

 

You could be right Doug. Will try and get the proper replacement part first ... if not available should be able to source something with the correct button at Photographica which is UK's biggest used/collectable cameras fair held in May in London.

 

Dunk

[stumac]

Duncan,

 

Firstly thanks for your PM, I think it may have been more of a pipe dream, although I will talk to my shipping agent next week.

 

I have checked the dimensions of the catches from the SL, R4. and 14134, the only difference is the width of the section between the button and pin. SL 0.149", R4 0.139" , 14134 0.111".

Both will work in the SL, the 14134 would need side shims to make a neat job.

 

Regards, Stuart

[dkCambridgeshire]

Stuart and Doug, Thanks for the info. Stuart ref button dimensions ... I thought it worth investigating the button on the 14127 'viso lens to L'flex' adaptor that I have .. and comparing it to the button on an original Leicaflex (as distinct from the SL which I don't have yet) ... the button on the 14127 looks the same externally ... but is totally different beneath the lens mount ... so Doug you are quite correct in stating it is not compatible.

 

I will have to try and get hold of a spare L'flex extension tube to cannibalise if cannot source the actual part.

 

Cheers

 

dunk

[steed]

Mine had the same problem. I ordered the part from Leica USA (about $18.00) and did the exchange myself in ten minutes. I'd be happy to tell you how

John W

[dkCambridgeshire]

Mine had the same problem. I ordered the part from Leica USA (about $18.00) and did the exchange myself in ten minutes. I'd be happy to tell you how

John W

 

Thanks John. I did a " dummy run " dismantling the button on my Mk1 Leicaflex and it is a fairly easy job ... the SL should be the same .... camera should arrive tomorrow ... only problem is getting the replacement part.

 

Cheers

 

Dunk

[steed]

Dave Ellwell at Leica USA can get it to you.

[pilot]

You're going to have a problem with batteries as well. There are several solutions - mine was to remove the bottom plate and insert a Schottky diode into the battery lead. Drops the voltage nicely for silver oxide. Worth recalibrating though just to make sure. I recalibrated mine as I like to have it the same as the Leicaflex Standard which is one stop different.

 

Bryan

[dkCambridgeshire]

You're going to have a problem with batteries as well. There are several solutions - mine was to remove the bottom plate and insert a Schottky diode into the battery lead. Drops the voltage nicely for silver oxide. Worth recalibrating though just to make sure. I recalibrated mine as I like to have it the same as the Leicaflex Standard which is one stop different.

 

Bryan

 

The black Leicaflex SL camera has arrived and it is almost like new ... made in 1972 ... the lens release button is still usable even tho' snapped off ... the remnant left still works ... I have a supply of PX 625 batteries but no brand name on them ... the meter works but have not checked accuracy ... but my 'brand x' batteries do not permit proper rescrewing of the battery cover threads ... ie the cover will not mate up properly with the body .. have had this problem before with a previous SL I once owned .. solution was to use different PX 625 battery and Kodak brand did work ok ... but that was over 15 years ago when Kodak PX 625 were available ... I think I can still source some genuine PX 625 different to my 'brand X' and will enquire. Still need to try and source the lens release button but now not so urgently as camera is usable as it is .

 

These PX 625 'brand x' batteries I have were bought in 1999 from a camera fair ... surprisingly they have not leaked or gone flat. Not too bothered at the moment about getting camera modified to take modern battery.

 

Dunk

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[steed]

Congrat's. Here is my prediction: the lens release will break. When it does, there is a trick to removing the lens. You will see an indent and a gap on the surface where the lens meets the mounting flange. One half is on the flange side, and one half is on the lens side. Insert two very fine jewelers' screwdrivers into the gap and, using gentle pressure, move the heads apart. This action will activate the pin that releases the lens. From there, its an easy job to remove the flange and replace the tab, etc.

John W