Re: [Leica] IIIf at 1/1000 plus new question

[Don McClure <mcclure1@erols.com>]

>I don't think this is normal. My sample drops down all the way, and it did
>so also before the CLA I just did.
>
>Too bad that the repairman did not assemble the film pressure plate
>correctly, as I cannot load film. Does anybody know if it is the same
>construction as on the non-die cast LTM:s. Can I fix the problem myself by
>removing the housing plus pressure plate and springs, and the assemble
>again? (I did this on a Zorky, Leica II copy)
>Has anybody done this operation on a die-cast body?
>My sample has a self timer, so I will have to unscrew this one too, but I
>guess it is only a matter to unscrew the two screws in front of the housing.
>I cannot send the body back, as the repair man went on vacation today...
>
>Hans
>

I've removed the housings from my IIIc and IIIf several times. The 
innards of Leicas are fascinating and this is a harmless procedure. There 
are six screws to remove, four on the top plate flange (two front, two 
back). There are two more on the front of the body, on either side of the 
lens mount. My IIIc has another screw on the top plate flange above the 
strap lug (shutter release side), but my IIIf does not. 

If you open the shutter by putting it on T you can reach through and push 
the pressure plate back when you pull the chassis out of the housing. 
Watch out for the two pressure plate springs that will come loose and fly 
who-knows-where if you aren't careful. I do this type of work over a big 
white baking pan (lasagna dish) with my desk chair set low enough that 
everything is almost eye level. This makes it easier to keep track of 
those screws. I lost a tiny retaining screw from a 50 Summar into my 
computer keyboard one time when I was being careless. Someday I will have 
take the keyboard apart to recover it.

Good luck!

Don McClure
Abingdon, MD