ramramram Posted March 28, 2024 Share #1 Posted March 28, 2024 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello, First off pardon my ignorance, this is my first Leica 35mm rangefinder camera purchase. I purchased one on Ebay and it has mold inside and on the shutter curtain (front and back). Googling cleaning options makes me extremely hesitant, can someone please share any home cleaning options? Is this even possible to do by myself? If not should i just get it CLA'd -- I live near YYE. Thank you in advance for your time and assistance! 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 March 28, 2024 by ramramram 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/392016-mold-inside-my-newly-purchased-m4/?do=findComment&comment=5141948'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 28, 2024 Posted March 28, 2024 Hi ramramram, Take a look here Mold inside my newly purchased M4. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
ramramram Posted March 28, 2024 Author Share #2 Posted March 28, 2024 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/392016-mold-inside-my-newly-purchased-m4/?do=findComment&comment=5141949'>More sharing options...
ramramram Posted March 28, 2024 Author Share #3 Posted March 28, 2024 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/392016-mold-inside-my-newly-purchased-m4/?do=findComment&comment=5141953'>More sharing options...
rogxwhit Posted March 28, 2024 Share #4 Posted March 28, 2024 (edited) Return it for a fully justified refund. By rights, the issue should've been described. But many sellers are ignorant of what they're selling - whilst others just hope to prey upon the unwary. Take the hassle of returning it, discard your hope of owning it, and going forward, avoid the risk. Edited March 28, 2024 by rogxwhit Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramramram Posted March 28, 2024 Author Share #5 Posted March 28, 2024 I should have mentioned in my first post -- I bought this at the end of December -- so it is well beyond the time for a return. Can this be remedied with a CLA and/or home cleaning? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mute-on Posted March 28, 2024 Share #6 Posted March 28, 2024 I would just use warm water on a cotton bud (Q tip) and rub very gently top to bottom. Don’t soak the curtain, just wet enough to absorb the mold or whatever it is. Let dry completely before winding on and test firing. Regardless, it’s probably worth taking it to YYe for inspection. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted March 29, 2024 Share #7 Posted March 29, 2024 Advertisement (gone after registration) If the viewfinder and rangefinder patch look clear just plan on using it after a wipe over with a cotton bud. I would use something other than water, given dampness is probably the cause in the first place and you don't want to spread it if it's still alive. An 50/50 mix of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide will kill and clean on the metal parts, but I'm not sure if it's ok for the shutter cloth. The mould may not have spread inside the camera. For general maintenance when you haven't got a film in it leave the lens off and back open near a window so UV light can kill any residual mould. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stray cat Posted March 29, 2024 Share #8 Posted March 29, 2024 As you live near Youxin Ye, I'd recommend taking it to him. He will also remedy any other unseen problems the camera may have. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Collier Posted April 17, 2024 Share #9 Posted April 17, 2024 +1 on the unseen issues. This camera looks like it has been sitting in a basement somewhere - who knows what else looks like this. Take it or send it to Youxin. Replacement of some components might make more sense. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
nitroplait Posted April 18, 2024 Share #10 Posted April 18, 2024 Given you didn't bother examining the camera upon reception, I am getting the impression you didn't feel the anxiety that many do when making a purchase of significant economic impact to them. I may be wrong, of course, but I would subsequently assume the relatively moderate cost of a professional clean-up shouldn't be a huge burden on your economy, thus that would be the path I would choose if I was in your situation. Fungus and mould is best keept far away from photographic equipment. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danner Posted April 18, 2024 Share #11 Posted April 18, 2024 That focus cam follower and arm look corroded to me. Likely there is more corrosion on the internal mechanisms. It's a bummer, hopefully a CLA will rectify the issues. Good luck... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ramramram Posted April 18, 2024 Author Share #12 Posted April 18, 2024 Thanks everyone for the replies. I was able to sit with YYE while he CLA'd the camera last week, he really is an angel as is his wife, and everything is working fine now! 4 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
petard Posted March 7 Share #13 Posted March 7 (edited) In case anyone has the same issue, my M4 shutter curtains had same looking mold on the lens-facing front. Tried different solvents (alcohol, naphtha, hydro peroxide) but only 23% ammonia worked to get it removed. I'll sent it on for CLA anyway including curtain replacement but wanted to stop the molding. Edited March 7 by petard Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BradS Posted March 9 Share #14 Posted March 9 (edited) .... Edited March 9 by BradS too late. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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