Shutter issues with the M3

[Erwin Park]

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I'll try to make it short so that people actually care to read.

I wonder how many people, M3 users in this forum, have experienced shutter-related issues with their M3.

In my case, I've had:

1. a problem that the images have some faint horizontal lines across the frame

2. uneven exposure across the frame (i.e. broad vertical lines/shades)

3. Shutter capping (i.e. complete darkness on either the left or the right side of the frame)

Important point I want to emphasise here is that I've always had a Leica-certified serviceman fix my camera (Camera Doctor, Mr Kim; I live in Seoul, Korea, if you know you know).

1. happens owing to the dust particles stuck between the shutter curtains, according to the serviceman; a simple cleaning job will fix this issue, he said, but even after doing so, it happens quite often. (Refer to the first pic, in the foreground, you can see it more clearly)

2. happens a lot, especially at the higher shutter speeds (i.e. 1/500 and 1/1000 s). This happens in various styles, but the most common one for me is that the left side of the frame appears a bit darker than the rest of the frame. I know this happens because the shutter slit distance is not consistent during the movement. (Refer to the second pic, you can also see a faint horizontal line as well, probably owing to the first issue)

3. happened only once, and the weather was very cold, almost close to 0°C. The camera was serviced, and it has never shown the same issue (just yet), although I have yet to test at such a low temperature.

"2" happens the most and irritates me the most, but my serviceman said it is inevitable since the camera is very old, so the inside mechanism has been worn out, which causes the inconsistent functioning.

I then asked him would I be better off buying another M3 body, but he said my camera is actually in good condition considering the age.

What I want to know from the M3 users is how many of you have experienced this problem with the shutter mechanism, and how did you deal with it? Would be nice to know if this is a common problem that I just need to concede and carry on, or if I've got the shit one and been unlucky.

 

This is not a scanning issue as this same problem appears on different pics as well.

This has been a problem for me, I’ve posted a similar issue about a year ago: here (Reddit post)

And then as you can find in the comments of the post, someone else reported a similar problem. It happened with an M6. M6 with the same problem (Reddit post)

 

I honestly just wanna use the camera and enjoy the photography itself without worrying about how the image will turn out every time I send the films to the lab, because each time I found some faulty photos, it just takes me back and makes me not want to do this hobby anymore (let alone the increasing price of the films). Since I love 50 mm so much, getting other M-bodies is also not really a solution for me (again, that will cost me a fortune as well).

Thanks for reading this long complaint. I hope I can find some answers and peace.

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[jaapv]

Just send it to a trusted repair shop for a CLA. Mechanical things do need maintenance over the decades 

[105012]

I did have an issue with one of my M3’s at 1/1000th where a small amount of unevenness on the leading edge of the second shutter curtain caused streaks (and only at 1/1000th did it become visible). I was able to repair this myself using a very fine file, and lots of care. I have a shutter speed tester and was able to confirm that nothing changed in shutter timings before and after. The issue has never reappeared and that particular M3 has been a real workhorse for me. 

[earleygallery]

Streaks are due to loose threads on the shutter curtains - you can carefully trim these yourself. 

The 'banding' is uneven shutter travel - faulty shutter / needs adjustment. 

Capping is a faulty shutter / needs adjustment. 

I would try a different repair tech, unless it was 'repaired' recently in which case I'd go back to them to put it right under their warranty. 

[wizard]

vor 9 Stunden schrieb Erwin Park:

a problem that the images have some faint horizontal lines across the frame

1.) I have had a similar problem with my If, and it was caused by the shutter cloth being too old, such that there are tiny light leaks, which may not be visible to the naked eye, but very small leak spots will cause those lines when the shutter blinds travel across the film surface during exposure. I'd say your M3 needs new shutter cloth to resolve that problem.

2.) Has happened to me on various M cameras (M3, M6 TTL). Shutter mechanism needs a thorough CLA, and then should be fine again. If there are worn parts, they should be exchanged. My M3 is from 1965 and does not show this problem, but is was serviced.

3.) Could be due to lubricant becoming sticky, as a result of the low temperature. However, all M cameras, if correctly serviced, should be capable to work at 0 degrees and even much lower temperatures without problems. I have used my Leica cameras at -15 degrees Celsius, and they worked flawlessly.

[250swb]

I think you need a new repair man.

[plaidshirts]

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I just checked photos from my M3 folder and none of them show the symptoms you describe. My even older M2 takes perfect pictures as well - no streaks or unevenness - so I don't buy your tech's explanation. A camera in "good condition" should take good pictures, not just look good cosmetically.

When I was in Seoul, I had my CL looked at by Mr Chung of Choong-Il Camera Repair, also in Chungmuro, and from my research, he is well respected by the local Leica community. You can read about my experience below.

 

Edited September 11 by plaidshirts

[Martin B]

My M3 shutter failed a few years ago - couldn't even advance it anymore. Sent it for replacement with YYe in MA/USA. It works like a charm since. Was told at the time that shutter failure in M3 cameras has been very common. The shutter simply doesn't last this long in most M3 cameras. 

[peepingpok]

Hello Good People!

I'm in Dubai and recently purchased a lovely M3 and it seems like it has shutter capping (as per attached pic). While having it fixed, I'd probably have a CLA for it too. 

If I hand it in to Leica Dubai to send it to Wetzlar, it will take 6 months at least (as far as I know) and I really don't want to be part from my camera that long.

Would anyone know a reputable independent workshop/technician in the UAE who could probably do it in a reasonably shorter time frame?

Many thanks for any hints!

 

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[Don Flynn]

2 hours ago, peepingpok said:

Hello Good People!

I'm in Dubai and recently purchased a lovely M3 and it seems like it has shutter capping (as per attached pic). While having it fixed, I'd probably have a CLA for it too. 

If I hand it in to Leica Dubai to send it to Wetzlar, it will take 6 months at least (as far as I know) and I really don't want to be part from my camera that long.

Would anyone know a reputable independent workshop/technician in the UAE who could probably do it in a reasonably shorter time frame?

Many thanks for any hints!

 

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!

Will this help?

Leica Repair Centres - Directory - Leica Blog (Matt Osborne)

 

 

 

[peepingpok]

13 hours ago, Don Flynn said:

Will this help?

Leica Repair Centres - Directory - Leica Blog (Matt Osborne)

 

 

 

Many thanks for the link! A good page with lots of info but unfortunately nothing in the UEA or Middle-East Region in general. I'll try to contact Matt though, so really thanks for the reference link.