Leica IIIf RD Shutter noise

[mikebidwell]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Several months ago I bought a IIIf Red Dial through e-bay, the description as usual was very glowing so I went for it. Well I was successful in my bid although when it arrived whilst the condition was as stated near mint unfortunately mecahanically it was in need of some TLC. So I sent it off to be serviced and when it arrived back I'm very pleased with it. Everything works perfectly well but I've noticed one thing which I wonder if anyone can provide an answer for. When operating at slow shutter speeds (1/25 and below) after the blinds close there is a slight follow on noise which all I can describe as the shutter mechanism still running on for a very brief time.

 

Has anyone any thoughts on this please

 

PS, I forgot to say I have a Leica IIIg but this noise doesn't appear to happen on this one.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[harryzet]

thats perfectly normal, dont worry

[mikebidwell]

Thanks for your reply but makes me curious as to why it should happen on the IIIf and not the IIIg.

[Irishimage]

Hi,

 

As the above posting mentioned this sound you hear is quite normal,

 

The noise you hear is the Slow-Speed Escapement device ,this is a clockwork mechanism that time's the curtain release,and normally runs down after the shutter close's.

 

Noel

[wizard]

Thanks for your reply but makes me curious as to why it should happen on the IIIf and not the IIIg.

 

Actually, Mike, your IIIg should make the same noise at shutter speeds of 1/30th and below. Mine does, and it was CLAed recently. In fact, every Leica with a mechanically governed shutter (I am excluding the Leica CL here) and shutter speeds down to 1s should make this noise if everything is in good order. My IIIf, IIIg and M3 all do it. Someone told me that if this noise is NOT present, your camera likely needs a CLA, as the slow speed escapement (read clockwork mechanism) is sticky then.

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

[mikebidwell]

Actually, Mike, your IIIg should make the same noise at shutter speeds of 1/30th and below. Mine does, and it was CLAed recently. In fact, every Leica with a mechanically governed shutter (I am excluding the Leica CL here) and shutter speeds down to 1s should make this noise if everything is in good order. My IIIf, IIIg and M3 all do it. Someone told me that if this noise is NOT present, your camera likely needs a CLA, as the slow speed escapement (read clockwork mechanism) is sticky then.

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

Thanks for your reply Andy and everyone else too for theirs. Regarding my IIIg that too was CLA'd about a month before by the same engineer who did my IIIf, and he comes highly reccommended so I don't think it can be a case of a perhaps a sticky mechanism.

 

I'll have to listen carefully again to both and try to compare. Problem I have is that being a bit 'mutt & jeff' I tend to miss things.

[mikebidwell]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Andy, I've checked both bodies and the IIIg does not exhibit the same noise as my IIIf, although in fairness both shutters are working perfectly. So can anyone else throw any light as to why this should be????

 

Regards

[brianv]

My Leica M3's do this. Imagine a spring motor winding down. On some springs, they slow down as they are near the end. So if you want an accurate time with the spring, you may not want to wait till the bitter end. Start time is easy, set the mechanism to close the shutter while the unwinding is still linear. The technician chooses the set points. A second camera, the mechanism might be "just perfect" till the bitter end. Set it differently. I have some non-Leica cameras that the slow speeds are too slow, the spring runs till the very end to close the shutter. It runs too slowly at the end of the run.

 

My guess, anyway. Nothing to worry about. Take pictures.