M2 Mechanism Jammed

[Michael Hiles]

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Hello all.

 

My (beloved) M2 seems to be jammed. I was out shooting today and after my last exposure, I tried to wind on in the usual way, but the lever won’t move and the shutter button is also stuck. I am reluctant to apply much pressure for fear of causing damage. Much wiggling and jiggling of rewind lever, speed dial etc has yielded no joy. Incantations also no better.

 

I acquired the camera about 18 months ago – at that time it had the same problem. Youxin Ye did a total CLA (a terrific job) which fixed the problem and the camera has been working perfectly ever since – until today.

 

I am wondering if anyone has had a similar experience, and if there is anything I can do myself (short of sending it for repair). I am very reluctant to start taking things apart – I am not a competent technician in these matters. 

 

This all surprises me. This camera is my second M2 (the first one was stolen 18 months ago after being my main no-problems-ever camera since about 1965).

 

Thoughts, advice and comments most appreciated.

 

[jaapv]

Don't use force. Normally this occurs when a piece of the Shellac, which was used to cement the shutter curtain guides in place, jams in the wind mechanism. It gets brittle over the years.

It is easily removed by a CLA, but if you force it, there is a considerable risk of damaging the gears. The shellac glue was only replaced by  a more modern product on the M6 IIRC.

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[Michael Hiles]

Thanks Jaap. I was hoping that I could do something mysterious to fix the problem. I guess I will have to use the mysterious postal services - I'm not surprised.

[mikemgb]

This happened to my M2, the shutter brake was worn and the curtains overlapped, locking everything up. A CLA and replacement brake fixed it.

[Michael Hiles]

This happened to my M2, the shutter brake was worn and the curtains overlapped, locking everything up. A CLA and replacement brake fixed it.

 

Thanks Mike - Magic will be elusive.

[darylgo]

HI Michael,

 

Good luck with the repair.  It's rather impressive you have been shooting with this model for over 50 years, the M2 is one of the few contemporary models I haven't shot.  Others have said they love this model also, I'll have to give it a try.   

[Michael Hiles]

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Thanks Daryl,

 

My original M2, which I bought in about 1965, was stolen in 2016 in a house robbery. My current one I acquired from my-then son in law. It was jammed when I got it so I sent it to Youxin Ye who did a major refurbish. CLA, new leather etc. It is simply lovely, best camera I ever have known. And I want it back again ASAP.

 

I am very surprised about the mechanism jam. My first one caused no problem for for 50 years.

 

If you have experience with other film Leicas, a close approximation is an M4. Essentially the same viewfinder and size. 

[jerzy]

As mikemgb wrote brake it most probable cause of the problem. But it could be as well displacement of some parts within wind mechanism. In any case nothing what can be done at home without tools and knowledge.

The only one thing what you can do at home is to take the camera in your one hand and hit with the bottom on open palm of your second hand, 2-3 times. Sometimes it helps, but even if it will help you will need to send the camera for repair.

Edited July 20, 2018 by jerzy

[Michael Hiles]

Thanks Jerzy,

 

I will try a gentle tap. I don't want to disturb the viewfinder, and I believe you are correct - professional help is necessary. I don't have any proper tools, and no experience, so ham fisted intervention by me is likely to end in tears.

[Herr Barnack]

@Michael,

 

My MP (2003 version) did the same thing.  I sent it to Sherry Krauter for repair, and she did exemplary work.  What had happened was that a screw had backed out, binding up the film advance/rewind mechanism. 

 

I would highly recommend Sherry - you can find her contact information on her website:  http://www.sherrykrauter.com/

[Michael Hiles]

Many thanks - I had a good experience with Sherry many years ago. A more recent good experience was with Youxin Ye. I spoke with him this morning, and the camera is now on the way to him. I am anticipating another good repair.

 

I was hoping to use Gerry Smith in Toronto (Kindermann as was), but his estimated time was very long due to volume of work.

[250swb]

 

 

My (beloved) M2 seems to be jammed. I was out shooting today and after my last exposure, I tried to wind on in the usual way, but the lever won’t move and the shutter button is also stuck. 

 

 

Have you got to the end of the film? 

 

(well somebody had to ask)

[Michael Hiles]

Have you got to the end of the film? 

 

(well somebody had to ask)

 

Good question. No. The problem happened at about frame 7. I rewound and removed the film, and tried all combinations of options involving the rewind lever, spool in/out, modest rapping to maybe loosen something..?? - all to no avail.

 

The camera is now with Youxin Ye for gentle ministrations. I have every confidence.

[Michael Hiles]

I today received the following email from Youxin Yee:

 

"I have your camera done.  The cause of jam was easy, just because the camera after some use needs routine adjustment.  The shutter brake had some wear, shutter went too far caused jam.

Leica M2 - Adjusted shutter brake properly, checked and adjusted all speeds, shutter works well now."

 

 

Camera should arrive in a  few days. Hopefully the end to an event in the camera's and my long life.