Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/07/01
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Yesterday I received my copy of Thomas Tomosy's "Leica Camera Repair Handbook". On the section covering the R3 he suggests checking the camera on "B" and "X" before disassembly. If the camera works on those settings then the problem is electronic in nature. He attributes most of these problems to dirty battery contacts. He warns not to scrape or sand the contacts but to use a small wire brush in a Dermel. In my own electronics repair business I have found that the white or green kitchen scrubbers are perfect for this; not to harsh on the plating (but cleans the crap off). He then explains that the small quantity of acid that seeps from the batteries can leave a deposit that is high in resistance. He recommends using Windex to clean it off ( this is his approved cleaner for lenses too!!). After checking the batteries with a voltmeter I would also clean them with Windex ( or Isopropyl alcohol ). If that still doesn't do it for you send it out or try the book yourself. The R3 disassembly didn't look too complex, and the electronics are very basic, located on top of the camera. The book was only $35.91 w/shipping from Amazon. A very reasonable deal considering the wealth of information it contains. Although most of it is geared toward the professional repairman I found it fascinating to learn about the inner workings of the only possession that I've never taken apart. Dennis W. Dennis Warters Jr DBS Video dbsvideo@gci-net.com - -----Original Message----- From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us]On Behalf Of Alexander Sent: Thursday, July 01, 1999 7:58 PM To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us Subject: [Leica] Re: need help with R3 I tried everything, really. New batteries, turning the knob from "0" to "I", the meter needle is just stuck at the bottom. What is really baffling is that this is happening to both my R3s. Could I be using the wrong batteries? I am using 2 LR44s. I guess, I'll have to send them in for repairs, and I have found this LINK which repairs them, but they seem on the expensive site. http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/index.html Anyone had any dealings with them? I still think it is weird that both the R3s have the same problem. There *should* be something I am doing wrong...(hopefully). Regards, Alexander