Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/06/03

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Subject: [Leica] Leica IIIf RD ST fast shutter speeds not working
From: Ray Moth <ray_moth@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon, 3 Jun 2002 00:09:17 -0700 (PDT)

Dear All,

I recently asked a couple of questions about a IIIc and old 5cm Elmar
lens. Thanks to all for your replies. I've just traded in the IIIc and
old lens for a much nicer IIIf RD ST w/ 5cm Elmar red scale lens, with
Leica metal front lens-cap. There is even a brown leather Leica case,
with missing strap and rotted stitching. 

The IIIf is in much better cosmetic condition than the IIIc but the
fast shutter speeds aren't working! (Slow speeds are OK - they were
sluggish at first but after a good work-out they seem fine). I'm
getting erratic behaviour with the shutter, from 1/200 sec. to 1/1000
sec. Sometimes the shutter doesn't even open at all; other times it
seems far too fast for the selected speed. 

To test the camera, I used a 24-exposure Fuji Superia ASA 400 print
film. Half of the frames came out unexposed, i.e. the negatives were
completely clear. All of the slow shutter speeds shots came out OK. On
one frame, taken at 1/500 sec., I noticed that the left side of the
print (I guess that means the right side of the negative) was darker
than the right side and there were horizontal streaks on the negative.
This didn't happen on any of the other the other frames.

I suspect that the first curtain is somehow dragging the second
curtain, but this is only a guess. I have read on the "Lecia Repair
Club" web site <http://www.mediajoy.com/camerashopper/lrc/index.html>
that there are two screws underneath the base plate that can be used to
"stress" the front and rear shutter curtains and maybe I should try
this. However, it seems a bit hit-and-miss, there being no guidance as
to which way or how far to turn the screws. 

I realize the only real answer to this problem is a CLA by one of the
well-known Leica specialists. (I also reallize that a little knowledge
is a dangerous thing!) However, since I live in Indonesia, I am not
close to a known repair secialist. This fast shutter speed problem
seems to be the only serious fault and it would be great if I could at
least attempt to fix it myself. (One other minor problem is that the
baseplate locking tab will not stay put when folded away - it dangles.)

Does anyone have any good advice they are willing to share? 

Regards,

=====
Ray

"The trouble with resisting temptation is
 you never know when you'll get another chance!"

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Replies: Reply from Alastair Firkin <firkin@ncable.net.au> (Re: [Leica] Leica IIIf RD ST fast shutter speeds not working)