[Leica] IIIf love at first click

["Bill Harting" <wharting@adelphia.net>]

I have just acquired a IIIf, black dial, in very good cosmetic shape, but
the slow shutter speeds appear not to work. Furthermore the camera has lain
unused for many years and undoubtedly could use a cleaning and adjustment. I
have run one roll of film through it, using the f3.5 Elmar 50mm that came
with
it (a lens in fact that I used for some years in the early '70s as an
enlarger lens) with delightful results for the higher shutter speeds.

This is the first time I have handled a IIIf  (I have an M2, 3 and 4) and I
love the weight, size and
appearance. I can see it getting a lot of use in the future.

The slow speed symptom is that the shutter behaves as if it were set on B,
it remains open as long as the shutter button is depressed, then closes. I
have followed directions on setting speeds in the 1962 Leica Manual.

Question is, are there any special concerns about CLA, is anyone especially
expert? I've had very good experiences with Sherry Krauter recently. I also
will probably use this camera some with flash, and have absorbed the recent
conversations on this list, though these mostly referred to the red dial
version. Any tips, anyone?

bill harting

(if this is a repeat i apologize... i may have sent in html format)