Sticky Shutter release

[Stealth3kpl]

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I'm sure there was a thread on this recently but I can't find it throught the search engine.

My MP shutter release often needs extra pressure at the half depressed point (after the meter actiating zone) so that, in order to activate the shutter, a gentle squeeze isn't possible. Instead, the release suddenly gives slamming to the bottom of its travel activating the shutter with, no doubt, some camera shake. Do you think it will smooth with time?

Pete

[aesop]

I'm sure there was a thread on this recently but I can't find it throught the search engine.

My MP shutter release often needs extra pressure at the half depressed point (after the meter actiating zone) so that, in order to activate the shutter, a gentle squeeze isn't possible. Instead, the release suddenly gives slamming to the bottom of its travel activating the shutter with, no doubt, some camera shake. Do you think it will smooth with time?

Pete

 

 

...are we discussing a brand new camera here?

[Stealth3kpl]

Practically. One roll a few months ago, and 3 films in the last 2 weeks.

Pete

[aesop]

Practically. One roll a few months ago, and 3 films in the last 2 weeks.

Pete

 

...Pete, none of my MPs has ever exhibited the sort of sudden shutter release movement described in your post. All three cameras were purchased new and have been in my possession since.

 

Shutter release in MPs is a two-stage process; in the first stage, pressing the release activates the camera's meter - further depression of the release (and there is a slightly noticeable increase in resistance here) fires the shutter. This is not restricted to Leica Ms - most cameras with built-in meters employ similar two-stage processes.

 

It is important to note that the action from start to finish is silky smooth - there are no sudden jerky movements during the entire travel.

 

I have re-read your post and you are correct in that there is noticeable resistance about halfway through shutter the release process - but not to the point that the fluidity of travel is compromised. I am able to shoot handheld at 1/15s and sometimes 1/8s without any discernible loss in sharpness.

 

Sorry to ask again, but did you purchase the camera new or used? And did you notice this issue from the start? Also, have you ruled out user error? Let us know.

[Stealth3kpl]

 

It is important to note that the action from start to finish is silky smooth - there are no sudden jerky movements during the entire travel.

 

Also, have you ruled out user error? Let us know.

 

I generally try to squeeze the shutter release past the increased resistance point then continue to release the shutter smoothly. Despite this,on 2 occasions in trying to get past the increased resistance phase the shutter has released due to resistance being too great and my finger suddenly following through to the end of the release's travel.

I have warranty but it'll be a pain to send it away.

Pete

[aesop]

...if you're certain it is not user error then I say send it in - no point in holding on to a defective tool when you can get it fixed. Good luck.

[Stealth3kpl]

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I'll phone them.

I've noticed that it's very smooth when no film is loaded. The fault only seems present when the film transport system is under tension, whether the shutter is cocked or not. My M6 is silky smooth with or without film loaded. How frustrating. I bet they return it without loading a film and running it through.

Pete

[Stealth3kpl]

Just in case anyone else has this problem, I've noticed that, once the film has been advanced and the film advance lever returned to it's resting position, if I hold the advance lever out with my thumb (as if using it like a thumbs-up) the shutter release button action is smooth as silk. I can live with it for the moment with a holiday looming and will decide whether or not to send it off at a later date.

Pete

[DerekF]

I've experienced similar behaviour with one of my MPs and an M8, but only when I use a soft release. It happens if I slightly twist the shutter button while depressing it, i.e., the release "sticks" at a certain point. I got an explanation on why this happens over on RFF perhaps last year, but can't remember the specifics. I don't use my soft releases anymore for this reason, although, strangely, I find this happens only with my newer Leicas. The MP I bought in 2004 has no such problem while the à la carte model I bought in 2007 and the M8 exhibit this "problem." I never had a need for the soft release on my M9 so I never bothered trying it out on that one.

 

Without the soft release in place, shutter action is always predictably smooth on all my Ms. Perhaps your shutter release is just a bit out of alignment. Either way, if you have any warranty remaining, I'd return it ASAP.

[Xmas]

Hi

 

Before you return it fire the shutter 500 times, then try another film...

 

Noel

[Stealth3kpl]

Just an update:

I posted it to Leica, Solmes explaining the problem about a month ago with a film loaded so they could experience the problem. I got it back yesterday and it's is working perfectly now.

Pete