Steve H Posted November 1, 2020 Share #1 Posted November 1, 2020 Advertisement (gone after registration) Having recently purchased a IIIf from ebay for £109, I was naturally excited at the prospect of becoming a Leica owner. However, I was advised by the seller that there is an issue with the advance knob making a clicking sound just before it completes a full rotation, sometimes not making a full rotation at all. On investigating the issue, I've found that when the slow speed dial is set to 30 (where it locks into place), the problem vanishes and it works apparently flawlessly. However, when the slow speed dial is set to another number, the problem increases to a point where, when set at 1 or 10, the camera stops short of a complete advance and would require excessive force to turn further. And, of course, the shutter stops short (as seen in the photo). Am I doing something wrong or is there a mechanical issue? 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! 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/314718-leica-iiif-advance-problems/?do=findComment&comment=4072255'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted November 1, 2020 Posted November 1, 2020 Hi Steve H, Take a look here Leica IIIf advance problems.. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jaapv Posted November 1, 2020 Share #2 Posted November 1, 2020 I would send it to DAG (if in the USA) for a CLA in any case Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reini Posted November 1, 2020 Share #3 Posted November 1, 2020 The shutter curtain is broken. Dried out and has a kink. It needs to be renewed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share #4 Posted November 1, 2020 It doesn't seem to be. As I said in my post, the shutter only fails to slide fully across when the slow speed dial is set to either 1 or 10. When locked to 30, the camera behaves as normal, with the shutter sliding fully across. There are no holes or tears in it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share #5 Posted November 1, 2020 A question I forgot to ask: Is there supposed to be a resistance at the end of a full advance when the slow dial is set to higher or lower numbers? I've noticed that when set to 1, as well as the resistance and click, there's also a whirring sound which I assume to be the mechanism for keeping the shutter open for 1 second. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted November 1, 2020 Share #6 Posted November 1, 2020 If setting a speed slower than 1/30 the main dial should be first set to 1/30 and then you set the slower speed on the second dial. Nothing should need any force so it seems like you camera needs a CLA which given the price you paid will still represent excellent value knowing you have a camera that should be fine for another 20 or more years. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matlock Posted November 1, 2020 Share #7 Posted November 1, 2020 Advertisement (gone after registration) 9 minutes ago, Steve H said: A question I forgot to ask: Is there supposed to be a resistance at the end of a full advance when the slow dial is set to higher or lower numbers? I've noticed that when set to 1, as well as the resistance and click, there's also a whirring sound which I assume to be the mechanism for keeping the shutter open for 1 second. The whirring and click are normal, there shouldn't be any perceptible resistance though. It looks as though you may be in the UK? if so and you decide on a CLA then Aperture in London now work on Leica's. Three years ago they did a great job on two of my Rolleiflex TLRs so it might be an idea to give them a call. The repairers with the best reputation, Cameraworks - UK, are snowed under with work at the moment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share #8 Posted November 1, 2020 Thank you. I have already tried that procedure. The results are as follows: 30 - no resistance 20 - very slight resistance 15 - slight resistance 10 - heavy resistance The same applies going the other way, 4-2-1 and T. In fact, set to T, I'm too afraid to force it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share #9 Posted November 1, 2020 5 minutes ago, Matlock said: The whirring and click are normal, there shouldn't be any perceptible resistance though. It looks as though you may be in the UK? if so and you decide on a CLA then Aperture in London now work on Leica's. Three years ago they did a great job on two of my Rolleiflex TLRs so it might be an idea to give them a call. The repairers with the best reputation, Cameraworks - UK, are snowed under with work at the moment. I've contacted cameraworks-UK.com to get some advice on repair and cost. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matlock Posted November 1, 2020 Share #10 Posted November 1, 2020 9 minutes ago, Steve H said: I've contacted cameraworks-UK.com to get some advice on repair and cost. Well I hope you have more luck than me, I contacted them about 4 months ago and still no reply, as I said the are snowed under with work at the moment, that is why I recommended Aperture. I would still prefer Cameraworks - UK but only if they can carry out the work in a reasonable time. Good luck and keep us informed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share #11 Posted November 1, 2020 7 minutes ago, Matlock said: Well I hope you have more luck than me, I contacted them about 4 months ago and still no reply, as I said the are snowed under with work at the moment, that is why I recommended Aperture. I would still prefer Cameraworks - UK but only if they can carry out the work in a reasonable time. Good luck and keep us informed. I read on their website a waiting time of up to 6 months for anyone sending cameras in. They may also have to suspend accepting work indefinitely if they get to inundated with work. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share #12 Posted November 1, 2020 An unrelated question. I've noticed quite a few 'no serial' IIIf's on ebay. What is the difference between these and the one's with serial numbers? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reini Posted November 1, 2020 Share #13 Posted November 1, 2020 (edited) Ok, got it wrong with the click. Thought it could be heard at the curtain. The problem is in the area of the winding button, connection to the long-time Knob. Too dry, too strict, to strong spring, a blockage.In any case, you have to dismantle, clean and lubricate the camera. Do not try it any longer! No matter what time you set. It should never work harder or easier. With a Contax, yes. But not with a Leica! Edited November 1, 2020 by Reini Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share #14 Posted November 1, 2020 Yes, I decided to leave it set at 30. It's still a usable camera, just not at a slower shutter speed than 40. So anything from 40 to 1000 to B is perfectly fine. Not that I can use it yet, also don't have a lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share #15 Posted November 1, 2020 I've just realised something. There is a missing screw on the advance knob. Could this be related to my problem? 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! 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/314718-leica-iiif-advance-problems/?do=findComment&comment=4072351'>More sharing options...
Reini Posted November 1, 2020 Share #16 Posted November 1, 2020 Normal Should not. This screw is there so you can't turn the knob counterclockwise and lose it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share #17 Posted November 1, 2020 10 minutes ago, Reini said: Normal Should not. This screw is there so you can't turn the knob counterclockwise and lose it. It doesn't seem to turn counter anyway, unless its lifted to change the asa. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reini Posted November 1, 2020 Share #18 Posted November 1, 2020 Sometimes it gets hard to turn counterclockwise. There's a resistance in the camera, gears! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
spydrxx Posted November 1, 2020 Share #19 Posted November 1, 2020 Get the CLA and become a happy user. You'll be surprised at how smoothly things work afterwards. In the meantime, don't force anything, as you may aggravate wear on irreplaceable parts. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve H Posted November 1, 2020 Author Share #20 Posted November 1, 2020 2 hours ago, Reini said: 14 minutes ago, spydrxx said: Get the CLA and become a happy user. You'll be surprised at how smoothly things work afterwards. In the meantime, don't force anything, as you may aggravate wear on irreplaceable parts. I'll wait to get a quote. What I mentioned earlier about the missing screw was a mistake. It is present, just set quite deep. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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