Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/01/08
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Relax, Your Leica is just fine! Times between 1/1000 and 1/50 are regulated like this: The first shutter blind starts to move, and at the required position it releases the second shutter blind by a release arm. The longer the exposure the greater the delay between the first blind starting its traverse and the releasing of the second blind. The above mechanism is sufficient for the above speeds, but not for 1/30 or longer: Shutter speeds from 1/30 to 1 sec are regulated by a retarding mechanism for slow shutter speeds "Hemmewerk". This is sort of a clockwork with gears and anchor, that has to run before the second blind is set free to move. By the momentum of the second blind the Hemmewerk is rewound, and this causes the special sound after the long times. At 1/30 and 1/15 only a metal part swings back, and from 1/8 and down you will hear a buzzing sound. These sounds are very characteristic for the Leica shutter Take your time and get yourself well acquainted with these sounds. Then you will be able to hear if a used M-Leica will need a CLA or not. A M-body with fresh CLA (Cleaning, Lubrication, Adjustment) will sound just like a brand new M6. If you listen to the shutter sounds when inspecting a used Leica, the dealer will know that you are an experienced buyer, not to be fooled around with. I have even listened to these sounds over the phone, and it works! These mechanical shutters are made to be used, so in order to keep your Leica in good shape, I will advice you to exercise every shutter speed a few times every month, if your camera is unused for long periods. The reason for this is that the mechanism is lubricated, and oil will tend to get dry in the long run. If this is the case, I saw a tip on this list a few weeks ago: warm up the camera a little by leaving it on top of your TV-set or satellite box a few hours, exercise the shutter speeds, and eventually the oil will loosen up. If this does not help, you will have to do a CLA. For people who have used Leica, these shutter sounds are very familiar. I think listening to them is one of the best ways to determine the health of the shutter mechanism. /Hans I've stepped in last week, after 15 years of hesitations. Of course, I'm going through all forms of manipulation of my new toy. And I have 1 specific question I have seen no trace of in all the literature and Usenet archives: when I trigger the shutter at 1/15th and 1/30th of a sec, I get an aftermath of small, gradually silencing mechanical "noises" during what seems like the better of 1 sec. This does not happen between 1/1000 th and x sync. While from 1/8 down, the mechanism makes the characteristic motion work noise of slow speeds. My question is : is the aftermath "noise" at 1/15 and 1/30 normal ? And why ? Thanks beforehand for your clarifications ! Alan Brussels-Belgium.