Problem with my Leica M6 (dark edges in my negatives and double exposure)

[RMeier]

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Hello Leica friends
Recently, I got a Leica M6. The seller had two Leica M6s; one that he used to take pictures and the other (now mine) he had in a showcase and had not used.
Accordingly, the condition was very good! Externally, the camera looks great. All perfect.
I have now taken three films with the camera and developed them. Unfortunately, I have noticed two or three problems with the camera.

Maybe you know what it can be and how I can fix it. Or if I need to send the camera to the service.

Problem 1:
When I finish a film and I turn the rewind knob, I need so much force that I almost break the knob. It is extremely difficult to turn the film completely back. When you let go of the rewinder, it turns back again. With my Voigtlander Bessa R2M, it was much easier. Are Leicas different?

Problem 2:
I got the developed negatives back. On photos with short exposure times (1/500-1/1000) I always see a black bar on the left. This is not noticed with short shutter speeds.

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Problem 3:
The camera has done a double exposure ... Without me doing anything .. I don't know how that is possible ... Do you have any tips or guesses what it could be? Do I need to send the camera to the service? Maybe it hasn't been used for a long time and thats why these problems occur..

Thank you very much and have a nice Easter weekend!

 

best regards Reto

 

Edited April 7, 2023 by RMeier

[frame-it]

send it to leica for servicing

[Mikep996]

Agree - needs a serious service.  The worst thing for any mechanical device is to NOT use it.  "Sitting in a display case" is a good example of how to abuse a camera as far as function is concerned!  OTOH, the cosmetics are often considered more important simply because the mechanical parts can be repaired/serviced whereas cosmetic restoration is more problematic, expensive, and if this is a consideration, can reduce the resale value.

So, once your M6 is serviced by one of the "usual suspects" (I wouldn't use Leica but that's your business), you will have a really nice M6!

[RMeier]

@Mikep996many thanks for your input!

may I know why not to Leica? And do you may can suggest me someone else than Leica itself?  (I live in switzerland)

much appreciated 

[Mikep996]

I didn't realize that you are in Switzerland - it's early in the morning here and I haven't had my coffee!  Leica are generally rather slow compared with several well-known Leica service specialists in the USA but it would be much easier to have the service done within Europe rather than send it to the USA.   I don't know anything about similar specialists in the EU.  Unless there are well-regarded EU-based specialists, I would send it to Leica and accept whatever timeframe it required.  FWIW,  my comment re not using Leica was directed at the time factor compared with the USA specialty shops, NOT anything to do with quality.

Good Luck!!

[jimmielx]

Hopefully someone here can direct you to a Swiss Leica repair person. I wouldn’t see the need to send it to Leica if a recommended service person can be found. Leica reportedly have long lead times at the moment. Sounds like a good service / CLA is what it needs.

Amongst other things it look like the timing of the shutter curtains is out on the two fastest speeds.

In the UK there are several options, hopefully also some near you. 

[spydrxx]

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I've posted this before, but for a new user I think it is important. Years ago I took my then 10 yr old M4 to a free Leica clinic at a local dealer. After waiting in line about an hour I finally handed my camera to the German technician, who quickly checked things out and said loudly, "Instead of eating your munchies while watching TV you should run your Leica thru the full range of shutter speeds once up and once down. That will keep things working properly much longer". Since then I've run all of my cameras thru this protocol about once every 6 weeks or so. Like others said, shelf queens can develop their own sets of issues without anybody knowig it until they shoot some film.

[Pintpot]

1 hour ago, spydrxx said:

I've posted this before, but for a new user I think it is important. Years ago I took my then 10 yr old M4 to a free Leica clinic at a local dealer. After waiting in line about an hour I finally handed my camera to the German technician, who quickly checked things out and said loudly, "Instead of eating your munchies while watching TV you should run your Leica thru the full range of shutter speeds once up and once down. That will keep things working properly much longer". Since then I've run all of my cameras thru this protocol about once every 6 weeks or so. Like others said, shelf queens can develop their own sets of issues without anybody knowig it until they shoot some film.

I was given that advice some 50 years ago, it's the simplest form of self maintenance for any camera.

[madNbad]

The last new M6 cameras,  before the latest run, were manufactured more than twenty five years ago. It would be worth sending it in for a general service. There are a few changes that will help with longevity like new shutter seals. If you go to the Leica Camera website, there is a section that directs you to the service forms. 
https://leica-camera.com/en-US/service-contact?country_code=CH

[RMeier]

Many thanks guys! I will get my M6 serviced asap.

[RMeier]

Hello everyone,

I have listened to your advice and brought my Leica M6 camera in for service. After a CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) with no parts replaced, as they claimed everything was in very good condition, I received the camera back after only 2 weeks. However, the service was not done directly by Leica themselves.

Unfortunately I didn't have time to test the camera at home to see if everything was OK, so I had to take it with me on holiday to Greece right away. 
Now I'm back and have had the films developed.

I took a total of 10 films, so I took about 360 photos. Of the 360 photos, some were taken with fast shutter speeds 1/500 & 1/1000. 
When I digitised the films yesterday, I unfortunately noticed that the black bars at the edges are still there... and now even more than before (see photo).
What's weird is that the black bars "only" appeared in about 15 out of 360 photos.... 
Once on a colour film and once on a black and white film.
I can't see any pattern as to why the bars appear... Could it have something to do with the sunlight?

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!

I am very frustrated with the Leica M6... 

What would you do in my place? Send it back for repair again?

PS: the rewind knob of the film has also supposedly been eliminated, but I still have to use a lot of force to rewind the film. 
Is this also the case for you with your m6? 
Many thanks for your help.
Reto

 

[Fotoklaus]

Looks like the shutter curtains need an adjustment. This black bars come frome one curtain which disappears not quickly enough from the film window.

Could happen at higher shutter speeds.

[earleygallery]

Send it back to whoever 'repaired' it for you with these observations and ask them to put it right!

[hansvons]

4 hours ago, RMeier said:

I am very frustrated with the Leica M6... 

Don't be. The images are sharp and nice-looking (focus can also be an issue!). But that fast shutter curtain thing should be resolved. And as you still have problems with the rewind knob (my knobs need some force on the M6 and M4P, too. But that feels normal considering the action inside the camera and the short lever), I'd send the camera to someone else, as the first guy didn't pull it off. Sure, this will be more expensive than making a complaint, but likely less hassle and a better result.

Be reminded that nothing is coming close in UX and results if an analogue rangefinder camera is correctly set up.  

 

[espelt]

The M6 can be a mimosa at 1/500 or 1/1000. I don't know if it's very difficult to adjust. But I know that these times are not really accurate for many people. It was the same with my M6. I just didn't notice it because I came from a IIIf and only ever worked with 1/15 - 1/150. Expose richly - develop briefly. I didn't really need the rest of the time. I did the same thing with the M6. When such things as you showed up more often, it was time for a service. (By the way, in Freiburg - maybe that would be an option for you too) Since then it has worked perfectly. Also with 1/1000. Although... I really haven't needed it for a long time.
Stay tuned. Since you had the camera with the service, I would complain there first.

 

[Huss]

Unfortunately the people who serviced your camera are not competent.

Do not be frustrated at the camera when it is not the camera's fault!

[Fotoklaus]

This should not be a big deal for an experienced craftsman. A common asjustment for this type of shutter. Same since 1954...

[jayroon]

I had a similar issue with the rewind lever on both my M6’s, it’s either a loose lockring or the shaft bearing that needs some lube. Dont force it, its just makes things worse, its should be fairly easy to rewind your film. 

Come to think of it, I also bought an unused M6 that sat in the box for 25 years, absolutely mint condition, but needed a full service including unsticking the frame lines. So indeed, a used and well maintained camera gets you further. 
 

Dont be frustrated with your M6, once you’ll get it working theres nothing better! 

[Huss]

On 6/2/2023 at 1:19 AM, RMeier said:

Hello everyone,

I have listened to your advice and brought my Leica M6 camera in for service. After a CLA (Clean, Lubricate, Adjust) with no parts replaced, as they claimed everything was in very good condition, I received the camera back after only 2 weeks. However, the service was not done directly by Leica themselves.

Unfortunately I didn't have time to test the camera at home to see if everything was OK, so I had to take it with me on holiday to Greece right away. 
Now I'm back and have had the films developed.

I took a total of 10 films, so I took about 360 photos. Of the 360 photos, some were taken with fast shutter speeds 1/500 & 1/1000. 
When I digitised the films yesterday, I unfortunately noticed that the black bars at the edges are still there... and now even more than before (see photo).
What's weird is that the black bars "only" appeared in about 15 out of 360 photos.... 
Once on a colour film and once on a black and white film.
I can't see any pattern as to why the bars appear... Could it have something to do with the sunlight?

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!

I am very frustrated with the Leica M6... 

What would you do in my place? Send it back for repair again?

PS: the rewind knob of the film has also supposedly been eliminated, but I still have to use a lot of force to rewind the film. 
Is this also the case for you with your m6? 
Many thanks for your help.
Reto

 

On the upside, at least your M6 does not scratch film.

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Hallo,

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