Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/02/17

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Subject: [Leica] M3 shutter and Summilux fungus problems
From: John.Beal@orst.edu
Date: Tue, 17 Feb 1998 10:13:45 -0800

> Hello,
> 	I have just received an M3 SS {919xxx} and a chrome Summilux 50mm
> {1691xxx}.  I have a 14 day evaluation period for this equipment and would
> appreciate any feedback on a few items of concern.
> 	The M3 is an obvious user, with pieces of vulcanite missing and SS#
> engravings.  The finders seems to be bright {although not much brighter
> than my Nikon F2} and the winding and shutter release is smooth and
> consistent.  There seem to be two snags.  First, the left shutter curtain
> {when viewed from the back} does not fully retract, even when the right
> curtain closes.  Second, when using the slow shutter speeds {1 to 1/8} the
> camera sounds like it is slowly winding down {like a dying top} after the
> shutter has closes.  It is most pronounced at 1 second.  Are these serious
> and how much, on average, do these repairs cost?
> 	The Summilux is a beautiful lens, very smooth and bright.  However,
> when looking about 30 degrees off axis there appears to be 15-20 small,
> white mold-like spots on the interior side of the rear element.  According
> to the clerk, the lens has recently been disassembled and cleaned.  Is
> this the dreaded lens "fungus"?  Can it be repaired and for how much?
> 
> Thanks for any help,
> John Beal
> john.beal@orst.edu
>