Shutter problem on Leica IIIa

[Stephane]

Hi
I've only just joined the forum, so I hope this is the right place to post this query! The shutter on my Leica IIIa is no longer functioning properly - I hadn't used it for over a year and it almost certainly just needs lubrication. Does anybody know of a repair manual available online so that I could dismantle and lubricate the shutter (or is that not a wise idea?).
Many thanks in advance,
Stephane

[earleygallery]

I don't know about repair manuals but are you able to repair camera shutters?

If you aren't experienced at this don't even attempt it - send your camera to an expert. The cost of a basic CLA isn't very much really.

[dkpeterborough]

Thomas Tomosy's book "Leica Camera Repair Handbook" shows a stripdown and reassembly of Leica screw models ... but ... the work requires a good toolkit and some of the tools would have to be made by you. The book is a very interesting read but personally I would not wish to attempt a Leica camera service. But if you feel confident then why not? ... Not as if you would be dealing with a scarce camera and it is not a high value item.

Cheers

dunk

[brianv]

If this was a less expensive FSU copy of a Leica, it would be fun to do this and get some experience. I would not start my first lesson with a Leica. I use Youxin Ye, and he is very reasonable for Leica repairs. He has fixed shutter capping problems on two of my cameras, and just repaired an M2 that had jammed. He can also replace beamsplitters at a reasonable cost.

[doubice]

Stephane,

I have adjusted and lubricated a fair number of thread mount Leicas - if you have a fair amount of technical knowledge and common sense, I would recommend you give it a try.

Without specialized testing equipment you will not be able to adjust the shutter to propper tolerances though, you will just have to go by the sound of the shutter and observation of the shutter slit - this is gained by experience and long-time Leica use.......

I have a 3MB Adobe file which describes disassembly of an LTM Leica and is mainly geared towards the IIIf, which has a differently assembled body housing. I can email the file to you, if you wish. Just send me a PM me through Messages, with your email address.

Best,

Jan

[gvaliquette]

Originally Posted by doubice

I have a 3MB Adobe file which describes disassembly of an LTM Leica and is mainly geared towards the IIIf, which has a differently assembled body housing. I can email the file to you, if you wish. Just send me a PM me through Messages, with your email address.

Jan:

I would like a copy of that file, if you don't mind, just out of curiosity. I don't even have a IIIf! I'll PM you my e-mail address.

Thanks. Guy

[Colt Seavers]

It´s pretty easy when you have the right manuals and tools. Sorry, have nothing online, had a little help of a good friend
and we got it fixed within an evening with enough time for a bottle of good wine as payment

[Ron (Netherlands)]

Hello, I just CLA'd my Leica IIIc, no different from a III or IIIa. I used a pdf service manual.
I will put it on my website (just for this week because it takes a lot of space).
These are the most easy cameras to service yourself (the screwmount leica almost the same as the first models of the fed and zorki). Just don't lose any screws!!!!

good luck,

Ron

service manual: http://www.xs4all.nl/~kpmg0072/Camer...unt_Leicas.pdf

[gyoung]

Originally Posted by Ron (Netherlands)

Hello, I just CLA'd my Leica IIIc, no different from a III or IIIa. I used a pdf service manual.
I will put it on my website (just for this week because it takes a lot of space).
These are the most easy cameras to service yourself (the screwmount leica almost the same as the first models of the fed and zorki). Just don't lose any screws!!!!

good luck,

Ron

service manual: http://www.xs4all.nl/~kpmg0072/Camer...unt_Leicas.pdf

Thanks for that, its a fascinating read, I got Tomosy's book as a Christmas present and one of these days I might have a go. My III is ok after Malcolm Taylor overhauled it a couple of years ago, what I need is a wreck to practise on!

Gerry

[jimmy pro]

Just a FYI before you grab your screwdriver and pliers and get busy: most camera repair guys will charge extra if you bring the camera to him in pieces in a ziplock bag.