Leica M, hole in shutter? Easy as pie to fix!

[photobizzz]

After reading up about fixing shutter holes on the internet I just fixed mine, fast and easy.

There were 2 holes in my shutter from someone pointing the camera at the sun, (prior to me) I had my wife go to Home Depot and buy me a can of "Brush-On Electrical Tape" in black. (Make sure it is black!) It comes in small tubes but they didint have any so I have a large can (size of pvc pipe glue) of black goo. I took a small wooden match and dabbed a bit on the hole, smoothed it out as much as possible, repeat on the other side of the shutter, and let it dry 24hrs! The stuff dries rubbery (like the shutter curtain) and is guranteed not to dry out or crack. I will probably send my M3 to Youxin Ye when I get back to the states for a shutter replacement anyway, but for a quick and cheap fix this cant be beat.

I would recommend that you do not wind the camera or release the shutter for 24 hrs to insure that you do not get any wet goo inside your shutter.

*disclaimer* This worked great for me, but do not promise that you will not accidentally put your finger through your shutter if you are ham fisted or un-coordinated!:D

[Damaso]

Thanks for the tip!

[nikonhswebmaster]

The more conventional fix is just use flat black latex paint and float it into the holes, with a tiny brush.

Whatever you use, you will be surprised, it will last a long time, so unless it bothers you there is no reason to repair the shutter.

[memphis]

how's that m3 treating you? Also the other fix is the black electric tape... it works as well - ugly, but functional (the fix I had done / documented on forum) after the holes appeared.....

We can't wait to see some of your pics with the m3...

[nikonhswebmaster]

While electrical tape will work, I would avoid anything that leaves behind glue that never dries on the surface of the shutter. The advantage of the goop that photobizzz used or just paint, is it is only in the hole itself and it dries completely.

I have seen shutters really messed up by tape, especially if it comes loose. Tape is, however, a very good thing to keep in your bag for an emergency on a trip, where there is just no other choice. (you are not going to be painting shutters when hiking in the mountains for instance).

[photobizzz]

I think the paint is a good idea too but one of the burn holes was pretty big so I dont know if it would have worked for that one. I will be shooting my first roll with the M3 today, I cant wait for my 35 Summaron and 28 Ultron to arrive, I think the Silver CV 28 with external VF will look nice on the M3. I also have a Leica Meter MR for it on the way too. I ordered a clear top/bottom plate protector set too, hopefully it will keep the meter from scratching the top plate. I am looking forward to using this M3 for a long time and maybe passing it to my son when he gets older.

[Spider67]

Yes there are countries where liquid electrical tape is unheard of.....sad story.
I used textile colour but still there was to much curtain in the holes!