Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/07/28
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>The screw cameras use Phlogiston type XSA and the M models use type XMA. I just thought I warn you about this. It can be critical. >Actually you can interchange them by use of the PLOTZ LTM to M phlogiston adapter. Be careful though, most of these adapters are pretty old and the gasket may be brittle and require replacement. Most qualified repair people can replace the gasket for about US$175. I'd never realised that the XSA and XMA versions were not interchangeable, and my local dealer says it's been years since he last saw a PLOTZ. However, an ancient Leicaman, well versed in Leica lore, taught me the following procedure which will achieve the same effect, but does not require a hard-to-find PLOTZ, or require that the camera to be returned to Leica or sent to an independent repairer who has adequate stocks of XSA and XMA. Wait until evening, and pour into a glass a goodly measure of ardent spirit. I find single malt whisky works best, but have had good results using Armagnac, and have even resorted to raki when in Crete. Others have reported equal success with whatever spirit suits their personal photographic style and tastebuds, or was available in their locality. Contemplate the magic words "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar" (some guys go to far as to face in the direction Wetzlar when doing this). Invoke the blessed names of Oskar Barnack, Ernst Leitz II, and Max Berek, and drink the libation of ardent spirit. The ancient Romans believed that the tiniest error in any ritual required that ritual to be promptly repeated. I see no reason to question their wisdom in this matter. The level of Bokeh, Phlogiston, mana or whatever you call it will have returned to normal in all your Leica cameras and lenses.There is no need to repeat the process for each individual camera and lens. Some guys find that the level doesn't last, and need to repeat the procedure at regular intervals. However the ancient Leicaman explained this by telling me the duration of the restored level follows a simple rule - it lasts for exactly as long as you want it to last. The above procedure only works with Leitz-era cameras which contain the Barnack shutter or a recognisable variant thereof. It thus works for CLs and Leicaflexes. It does not work for Leica Rs, for which there is apparently a separate procedure, but I have never learned it. Does anyone know it? I'd the curious to know if it works for Solms-era M6s, Japanese Leica copies, and for early-model Feds and Zorkis. After all, these have Barnack-type shutters. Regards, Doug Richardson