twcxz Posted August 27, 2020 Share #1 Posted August 27, 2020 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi everyone, I'm currently working on a project to once and for all fix the analogue Leica CL's broken take up spool problem, by 3D printing them. I've ran a roll through mine with version 2 of the spool and it works pretty good, but i'm working on version 3 which should be better still - I got the dimensions slightly wrong on this one - it's too short. How many of you CL owners would be interested in buying such an item? They'd cost around £20 and be sold through eBay all said and done, and I'd make a video showing how to take apart the CL and install them, as well as reassembly - International shipping would happen too through the eBay GSP as I'm UK based. The attached photo is version 2 and not by any means the final version as this is still in very early development, but the quality of the ones that go on sale will be much higher. This one was printed by a friend of mine, but I'm soon going to acquire my own printer and make them much better. I know also that this doesn't look anything like the original, but when I copied the original part dimension for dimension, curve by curve, it didn't work and suffered the same problems as the original.. immediately. Thus I simplified it and made it more "3D Printer friendly." Thanks Tom Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/312749-fixing-the-achilles-heel-of-the-leica-cl-leitz-minolta-cl-with-a-brand-new-take-up-spool/?do=findComment&comment=4034502'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 27, 2020 Posted August 27, 2020 Hi twcxz, Take a look here Fixing the achilles heel of the Leica CL / Leitz Minolta CL - with a brand new take up spool. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
TomB_tx Posted August 27, 2020 Share #2 Posted August 27, 2020 Never had a problem with the spool on my CL - used it since about 1980. So no interest here. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
M.piras Posted September 2, 2020 Share #3 Posted September 2, 2020 Interesting but basically not a solution if you arr in mind to use PLA. It could be interesting having a ABS injected part, PLA after some months of use will definitely destroy. But idea is noce if you have time to manage. Then see too many error in your print. I Suggest to use at least a resin printer. Not filament at all. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
twcxz Posted September 2, 2020 Author Share #4 Posted September 2, 2020 12 hours ago, M.piras said: Interesting but basically not a solution if you arr in mind to use PLA. It could be interesting having a ABS injected part, PLA after some months of use will definitely destroy. But idea is noce if you have time to manage. Then see too many error in your print. I Suggest to use at least a resin printer. Not filament at all. Thanks, There are a few errors in this print, as it was not done by myself so it's an early prototype done by a friend of mine. So far it's survived 2 rolls and isn't showing any signs of breaking. Once I get version 3 installed i'll use it for a month or so and pass several rolls through it to test it out. I think the final product will be made from PETG as it is stronger overall and has a higher melting/deformation temperature. ABS is actually weaker (from my understanding) and an injection moulded part would require a costly piece of equipment to manufacture. Resin printing is not something I've looked into, but certainly will to see if it's cost effective (and strong enough) before I start selling these. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbray Posted December 24, 2020 Share #5 Posted December 24, 2020 I have just installed this new take-up spool on my CL without any real problems (just a bit of filing to make the slot at the top of the spool large enough to slip over the top mechanism). Good thing I did replace it as I discovered that the connection between the white and black parts of the original was using just friction rather than the three little tabs that should hold them together. The installation was easy: I made a small tool out of a flat screwdriver bit to get the spindle nut off; even the meter still works! I have just loaded some FP4+ and am looking forward to keeping the camera going for another good few years! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
twcxz Posted December 24, 2020 Author Share #6 Posted December 24, 2020 2 hours ago, mbray said: I have just installed this new take-up spool on my CL without any real problems (just a bit of filing to make the slot at the top of the spool large enough to slip over the top mechanism). Good thing I did replace it as I discovered that the connection between the white and black parts of the original was using just friction rather than the three little tabs that should hold them together. The installation was easy: I made a small tool out of a flat screwdriver bit to get the spindle nut off; even the meter still works! I have just loaded some FP4+ and am looking forward to keeping the camera going for another good few years! Awesome to hear, thank you! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
twcxz Posted December 24, 2020 Author Share #7 Posted December 24, 2020 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Just thought I'd make an update to this post: Many prototypes later, the spools are on sale. They look a lot nicer than this one in the photo. Here's the new spool! eBay link Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited December 24, 2020 by twcxz 2 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/312749-fixing-the-achilles-heel-of-the-leica-cl-leitz-minolta-cl-with-a-brand-new-take-up-spool/?do=findComment&comment=4105141'>More sharing options...
Marckyokay Posted July 7, 2021 Share #8 Posted July 7, 2021 On 12/24/2020 at 3:49 PM, twcxz said: Just thought I'd make an update to this post: Many prototypes later, the spools are on sale. They look a lot nicer than this one in the photo. Here's the new spool! eBay link Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Well what do you say about that... I just ripped two of these white teeth off... (or rather a mechanical problem cause them to break while rolling the film back)... The ebay link is dead... Where could I get such a spool? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pyrogallol Posted July 7, 2021 Share #9 Posted July 7, 2021 See here. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324559646816?hash=item4b91433060:g:45gAAOSwTspfWjwE 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
giannis Posted July 7, 2021 Share #10 Posted July 7, 2021 On 8/27/2020 at 6:32 PM, twcxz said: I copied the original part dimension for dimension, curve by curve, it didn't work and suffered the same problems as the original Hmm do you think a different material, like aluminium, would help with that? I'm guessing you already have a 3D CAD file, maybe you could convert it to g-code and give CNC a try, if the model is suitable with no crazy surfaces (which I'm guessing it is). Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ioanam Posted January 3 Share #11 Posted January 3 Hi all I joined this forum specifically to find more information about the little CL spool replacement. The links above are no longer valid unfortunately, so hoping by replying to the thread someone - @twcxz perhaps? - can point me in the right direction. I've found a seller in Germany but hoping to still find a replacement in the UK. Thank you in advance, and happy new year to all. ioana Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
twcxz Posted January 3 Author Share #12 Posted January 3 @ioanam Hi, I'm sorry to announce that I've not been producing these for some time now since demand dried up and then my 3D printer broke. I keep meaning to repair it however life since got in the way. Apologies, it seems the German seller might be your best bet, at least for now. I'll notify this forum if I ever get it sorted out. Tom 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted January 3 Share #13 Posted January 3 If you don't plan to use the concept you might consider posting the design for DYI 3-D printing. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pyrogallol Posted January 5 Share #14 Posted January 5 I had one leaf break off the take up spool of my CL. I glued it back on with two part epoxy glue which also stopped the light coloured leaves from freely spinning round the main part of the take up spool. I now put the film leader in one of the other slots and add a bit of masking tape to secure the film to the main part of the spool. I just have to remove the tape when I have rewound the film. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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