Problem with rewind button when loading film Leica

[Bobby]

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I started using a Leica M3 a few days ago.
After loading the film, the rewind lever pushes the film forward; however, the rewind knob (to the left) does not rotate. It starts rotating after about 5 exposures, and then the lever becomes really stiff.

Any idea what the problem might be?

[Guest]

 

...

 

Maybe the following will help first:

- Take a 35mm film that you do not want to develop but which can be wasted.

- Fill the camera with this film strictly according to the instructions, which can be read in every manual on M3 and many Leica-M books.

⇒ Only divergence (that will destroy this film for development):

⇒ Let the rear flap of the M3 open so that you can see what happens inside to your film:

• Is it lying flat in front of the film plane?

• Does the film tab sit deep enough in the transport spool so that the film is transported exactly?

• Do the transport wheels reach into the film perforation holes?

 

- If you still can't see why the film is not getting properly wound up, try contacting an experienced Leica owner or an older photo dealer or mechanics, who still knows mechanical cameras.

⇒ And - I am positive our London Leica friends might help you.

Good luck.

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[Bobby]

I've tried multiple times. With the flap open, I can see that the film advances. And in fact, the rewind knob starts moving after about 5 exposures.  

 

However, the lever becomes very stiff eventually. 

 

NB: I've done it multiple times, and the film is flat and properly positioned. 

Edited August 13, 2018 by Bobby

[Guest]

I've tried multiple times. With the flap open, I can see that the film advances. And in fact, the rewind knob starts moving after about 5 exposures.  

 

However, the lever becomes very stiff eventually. 

 

NB: I've done it multiple times, and the film is flat and properly positioned. 

 

Well, that doesn't sound good to me but it's the end of my possible internet consultations.

One could still speculate about any older broken film remains in the take-up reel, broken gears inside or whether a perhaps later added film loading aid is no longer seated properly.

Maybe someone has some more tips here, otherwise an experienced Leica friend should take a look at your M3.

Hopefully it's just a small thing - but with vintage cameras you can experience some surprises.

Didn't you check the M3 when buying it?

[Bobby]

I'll go to a specialist. 

 

I was able to load the first roll properly, and only the first one. Since then, the problem occurred. Hopefully, it is a minor issue. 

[250swb]

Sometimes it is worth asking the most very basic questions, so here goes, are you sure you aren't using very short rolls of film, like 12 exposures? 

[jmahto]

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I'll go to a specialist. 

 

I was able to load the first roll properly, and only the first one. Since then, the problem occurred. Hopefully, it is a minor issue. 

There is one way I know that will make the shutter cocking more stiff as you proceed from frame to frame. If the film is placed at slight angle on the sprockets (so that top and bottom teeth of sprocket catch the film slightly forward or behind the film). This will cause the film to be pulled at and angle and will become stiff after some time. I have done it before (non Leica camera) that's why I know it.

 

It is also possible that your loading is correct but the top and bottom teeth of the pulling sprocket are not aligned. This can be visually inspected when you don't have any film inside.