Using Russian Spools in a Leica LTM

[Frank Petronio]

So I bought a nice IIIc off fleabay and it's a great user - everything nice - except they sent it without the film spool and the seller suddenly "doesn't know anything about cameras..." But I got a good deal all the same... Before I go and pop $$$ for a Leica spool, how do those Russian Kiev spools do for functionality? They are a fraction of the price and readily available.

Or does some here have one to sell me?

[xayraa33]

Kiev spools do not fit the IIIc and I don't think the Zorki or Fed 1 spools do fit , the BL Canon ones do fit the IIIc and are very good.

[payasam]

Some Zorki spools are said to fit Leicas. The one which came with my 1C did not fit my IIIc: it went in all right, but the bottom plate would not close.

[Frank Petronio]

Will the spools from a IIIg, M2, M3 fit in older LTM bodies as well?

[dlove5]

Will the spools from a IIIg, M2, M3 fit in older LTM bodies as well?

Short answer - No.

I did come across a site that advertises a "Metal Take-up Spool for Zorki 1,2,3,4 Leica II, III (http://store.siberian-shop.com/metal-takeup-spool-for-zorki-1234-leica-ii-iii-p-202.html) €6.00"

Long answer follows:

I researched and tested various Leitz spools a while back. Here's what I found.

SPULM - Original type spool for all LTMs through IIIf.
SVOOP/14021 - Spool with spring loaded knob that also fits LTMs through IIIf.
SPOOM/14022 - Spool with spring loaded knob that fits Ig, IIIg, M1, M2, M3, and MD.

For the most part my limited testing agrees.
I can use the SPULM and SVOOP in both my IIIa and my IIIf, but not in my IIIg or M2s.
I apparently have two variations of the SPOOM/14022. Two are stamped with an M and one is not. Two of the three fit my IIIg. The other does not fully seat. All three of these fit my M2s.

For further reference - 14192 fits the M5 and 14260 is the rapid loading system spool and spacer for M cameras.

[Frank Petronio]

thanks!
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