Leica M4-P Portion of Frame Dark

[Arno Ryser]

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Picked up an M4-P recently, apparently CLA'd in 2020. A few frames from every roll so far have had the left 1/3 or so much darker than the rest of the frame to varying degrees (see examples). I have noticed that this happens only when I shoot in the sun at 1/1000s. I even tested it by shooting the same subject at 1/500s and 1/1000s. The 1/500s was fine while the 1/1000s had the issue. Is this a shutter problem, or am i just clumsy and blocking the lens with my fingers?

(Don't mind the banding that was a development issue I have since fixed.)

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[wattsy]

2 hours ago, Arno Ryser said:

Is this a shutter problem, or am i just clumsy and blocking the lens with my fingers?

Shutter I'm afraid. The curtains look like they need some adjustment as the slit doesn't appear to be staying open across the frame. At 1/1000, the slit is quite narrow (something like 2mm I think) and therefore most sensitive to anything being slightly out of whack. It's something any competent Leica technician should be able to adjust.

Edited February 14, 2021 by wattsy

[mechs]

Yep, had this happen on another camera I own. Nothing a service can't fix. If money is tight or you just don't have the time to send it in, simply avoid using 1/1000 for the time being.

[giannis]

On 2/14/2021 at 9:14 PM, Arno Ryser said:

Is this a shutter problem

Yup, it's called shutter capping. As @wattsy explained, usually happens at the top speeds. Yours looks like a textbook case. 

It's an easy fix for a repairman in 90% of cases.

[Arno Ryser]

Thanks for the help. I've heard elsewhere that this issue could be magnified by the cold weather causing the lubricants to thicken and shutter curtains to stiffen. I'll have it fixed soon.