Scratchy Pressure Plate

[foggie]

Hi Tom,

My M2's pressure plate has some scratches on it that are scraping up any film fed through my camera. Is there any way I can fix it myself? Maybe by sanding it down or polishing somehow? Failing that, what are my options? Would I have to buy an entire new(used) back door?

Thanks!~

[Gabriel M.A.]

Hi Tom,

My M2's pressure plate has some scratches on it that are scraping up any film fed through my camera. Is there any way I can fix it myself? Maybe by sanding it down or polishing somehow? Failing that, what are my options? Would I have to buy an entire new(used) back door?

Thanks!~

How is it scratching it? Is it bubbles, rust, jagged edges?

I had this problem with a Zeiss Ikon MF folder. I looked at the scratch pattern on my negatives to the back, and I used a metal file (don't use one of those that come with nail clippers, get a real filing tool with exchangeable files). Do it with patience, you do not want to create new scratchy edges.

If you get a good tool set, perhaps you could use the round filer. Don't do the whole area at once, do it in stages.

Oh, and don't forget a good air blower (manual or canned).

[Tom A]

If it is edge marks on the pressure plate, you can probably file them down with a small "instrument" file The finer the better. If the marks are on the plate surface, you could try some fine (#000) steel wool and try to rub them down. Work along the film movement so you dont create "ridges" in the plate. If nothing works, talk to Leica USA about a replacement plate. It can be changed (held in place by slotted springs).