how tight does IA close?

[inglis]

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How tightly should the non-pinned side of the Leica IA be when closed?

 

With or without film the non-pinned side of my Leica IA can wiggle and move a little, a fraction of an inch, if pulled and I wonder if that will harm the film in use. It only wiggles if I pull, but I do not remember this happening on my IIIF. And I do not want to test too much since I would rather not damage it.

 

One of my fears is that on a tripod or in a case that attaches to the tripod socket that attaching, detaching, or just using could lead to a light leak.

 

Is the wiggle on the non-pinned side of the camera something that should be fixed?

 

Any help appreciated.

 

John

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[sabears]

A couple of pictures might help, sometimes the bottom plate was changed so, particularly on Leica IA, do not fit perfectly.

 

Regards.

[inglis]

Thanks,

By comparing the IA with a II, I see that the lid swivel only turns to just before half way towards open, 1/12 of an inch before half way. I try to turn it and it goes no farther towards the correct open position.

So this is why the camera lid on the non-piveted end can wiggle up to a 30th of an inch from being shut when pulled. Not sure if this will affect picture taking.

 

Does anyone know if this is easily adjustable so that the lid swivel would close all the way?

 

John

[luigi bertolotti]

I think that there is no risk of light leaks, or, at least, not for the issue you quote (light leaks are mostly caused by irregularities along the straight side of the bottom plate.

Probably your baseplate had been exchanged with a not new one (very probable, for a I A....) : it is a component that abounds in all the repair labs which put their hands on old Leicas, and I'm pretty sure they can fix your problem.