M6 Shutter Curtain Discoloured

[Bernard Shakey]

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My M6 has a discoloured Shutter Curtain. Is this a problem and sign of deterioration or nothing to worry about? There are no holes in the curtain. Thanks.

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[adan]

Leica film shutter curtains are made of rubberized cloth (for light-tightness with flexibility).

The rubber will oxidize and turn gray over time, just like rubber focusing rings or car tires.

It is not an immediate concern (many Leicas show this while still working fine) but bears watching since eventually (decades?) the oxidizing rubber may stiffen and be subject to cracking as it wraps around the curtain spools. And eventually leak light.

The curtains can be replaced, but it requires a major strip-down (time without the camera, money), so something to be put off until really necessary, or combined with other cleaning and adjusting by a tech.

Some of the history buffs here may have a better handle on the exact time-frames.

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[Bernard Shakey]

6 minutes ago, adan said:

Leica film shutter curtains are made of rubberized cloth (for light-tightness with flexibility).

The rubber will oxidize and turn gray over time, just like rubber focusing rings or car tires.

It is not an immediate concern (many Leicas show this while still working fine) but bears watching since eventually (decades?) the oxidizing rubber may stiffen and be subject to cracking as it wraps around the curtain spools. And eventually leak light.

The curtains can be replaced, but it requires a major strip-down (time without the camera, money), so something to be put off until really necessary, or combined with other cleaning and adjusting by a tech.

Some of the history buffs here may have a better handle on the exact time-frames.

Thanks for your reply. It is currently working fine so I will put it off until it is necessary. Regards.

[colint544]

The shutter on my M4 looks much like that, and its never given me  any trouble.

[Bernard Shakey]

Good to know thank you. I've just sold a kidney to get the  M6 so just wanted to be sure. The quality is just amazing. Very pleased.

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