Dismounting the shutter release button?

[Baptiste]

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Dear all,

 

As mentioned above, I got some troubles this week end with sugar beverages & M9, but together in the same spacetime point... Since then, my shutter release seems somehow sticky, and I envisage to dismounting it... Except Mark that I PMed earlier, has someone already done that? Reports would be of a great help

 

Best Regards,

Baptiste

 

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Quote:

Originally Posted by marknorton

So here are some additional pictures of the Shutter Release.

 

First, a picture of the aluminium bush into which the shutter release finger guard screws. This bush is mounted to the black frame, held in position by the screws David W. coloured in in the picture above.

 

Attachment 62572

 

Looking inside, you can see the gold plunger of the shutter release switch. The small circle has a small plastic disc in it to cushion the shutter release and avoid metal/metal contact. Insert a small screwdriver, probe around gently and you can feel the cushioning effect, also press the plunger down to release the shutter.

 

Attachment 62573

 

Here are the three components which fit on the top of the camera - a sealing ring, the mode switch and the finger reset with the actual shutter release knob in it.

 

Attachment 62574

 

Here are the 3 positions of the release knob - rest, normal release, cable release

 

Attachment 62575

 

Attachment 62576

 

Attachment 62577

 

Remove the set screw and the components come apart. You can see how they fit concentrically with, in my case minimal friction and lateral play.

 

Attachment 62578

 

The inner plunger has a tiny nylon washer to cushion its action:

 

Attachment 62579

 

 

Hi Mark,

 

It's been a while since you did that obviously, but it is still of use for somebody else...

 

My M9 got flooded by some kir (champagne + sirrup) this week end, I cleaned as quickly and as far as I could the mess, but I keep feeling that the shutter release button contains some sugar liquid (I got otherwise no issue on the M9). Looking at the thread, it seems that one could unstrew easily the shutter release and clean the visible parts - at least the ones shown by your pics.

 

I assume that for my case, no further dismount will be required (and if I'm wrong, then I'll send the camera to Solms, but I would like to avoid it at the beginning of August, while I'm leaving for la Réunion in 3 weeks).

 

Some questions then:

Am I right to think that this unscrew action is easy, not intrusive, (not warranty destructive?), not requiring anything else than my fingers (I don't expect to have to unscrew the release tip, I have a beep screwed in, should have saved the internal shutter screw)

I don't understand the action of the select ring with respect to the shutter release button: how does it bring the release tip to various positions, as illustrated? I think otherwise that I have understood most of the thing (position of pieces together).

 

Thx for help,

Best Regards,

Baptiste

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[Shootist]

Yes no problem but you need a flex wrench, I think that is what they're called. That is IF you don't want to damage the outer ring. Otherwise a pair of pliers will work.

 

The hole thing as pictured, by Mark, moves the Switch to various positions. The center rod only moves when you have a cable shutter release screwed into the shutter release button.

Edited August 2, 2010 by Shootist

[Nicoleica]

Yes no problem but you need a flex wrench, I think that is what they're called. That is IF you don't want to damage the outer ring. Otherwise a pair of pliers will work.

.

 

If you don't have access to the correct tool, and decide to use a pair of pliers/wrench, if you use a piece of a wide elastic band between the shutter ring and the pliers/wrench, you will increase grip and reduce the risk of damage a fair bit. Good luck!

[hoppyman]

You may like to consider that it is possible for corrosion to develop within your camera following a spill like that and that the liquid may have penetrated further into your camera. If you manage to disassemble and clean that area of the camera yourself without damage, you may still find further damage arising later on.

I recommend that you have Leica service your camera as soon as you can manage.

I know of two M's owned by acquaintances that developed sticky shutter buttons following liquid ingress. One was probably from sweat and /or salt air beach atmosphere that required repairs for corrosion. The other got a red wine bath. I haven't heard further developments on that one.

[gabriel]

Does Leica have a Passport scheme in France that would cover this repair

[hoppyman]

Mon Deiu!

If the French find out that you have been putting syrup in your champagne they may charge you double :D:D

[Baptiste]

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Thx guys for your words. I have already mostly decided that both the camera and the lens would have a trip to Solms (hoping that the warranty will cover it, but I have some doubts...), but I'm not sure to get it back before I leave (I will call the Leica shop in Paris to get an idea about delays). So it might be that I wait for ~1.5 month before it.

 

I have worked on the camera again yesterday evening, to try to clean these parts that show to be sticky (shader of the lens, shutter).

 

Franckly speaking, I fairly hope that the camera is not that sensitive. Ok, it is not weather-sealed, but once said, I expect it to have an appropriate design. Leica has a reputation to hold, and this reputation is not to make cameras that must be kept safe from the world hazards.

 

Btw, I didn't succee dismounting the shutter by the strength of my fingers. Having to use tools for that means that it's not meant to be done by the customer. I have to think a bit more about it...