M6 with squeaky focus. CLA?

[steffen]

Just got an early M6 in a very good (cosmetically) condition. So good that I was afraid it had hardly seen any use over the years. And lo and behold; it emits a certain squeaking sound when focusing (fast) in the direction of infinity (when the little wheel-doohickey rangefinder coupling travels in the direction of the shutter). No squeaking when focusing in the other direction. With cocking the shutter, same issue only a very faint sound (really need to remove the lens to hear it).

Question is; do you think I need to have it CLA'd* ? I'm hoping that it will loosen up and self-lubricate with use, but wanted to ask you guys in case I'm damaging the camera by using it in this condition.


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* I live in Norway, so having a CLA involves expensive shipping halfway around the world. Trying to avoid this scenario.

[George S.]

If you suspect your camera has had very little use through the years and its making these strange sounds, then I'd say it probably does need a CLA. Someone could probably tell you what to lubricate the wheel with, but also just for the heck of it, try a different lens. And if your camera does need a CLA, you'd only be fixing one item of around a hundred that would benefit from a CLA.

Cocking the shutter does produce sounds that are normal. What you need to see and feel is a smooth motion, and not a halting or producing a grinding sound or feel.

[payasam]

Probably safe to put in a tiny drop or two of thin machine oil with the point of a needle. But, as George says, if the camera really has seen little use...

[steffen]

If you suspect your camera has had very little use through the years and its making these strange sounds, then I'd say it probably does need a CLA. Someone could probably tell you what to lubricate the wheel with, but also just for the heck of it, try a different lens. And if your camera does need a CLA, you'd only be fixing one item of around a hundred that would benefit from a CLA.

Cocking the shutter does produce sounds that are normal. What you need to see and feel is a smooth motion, and not a halting or producing a grinding sound or feel.

It's not the lens, I've tried several. It's the coupling mechanism that's making the squeaking noise. There's a slight squeaking noise (only noticeable with lens removed and ear close. he he) when cocking the shutter, but the feel is definitively smooth.

I guess I'll run a few rolls through it first, maybe try the needle-oil trick if it doesn't improve. Unless anyone would strongly advice against. Thanks for replying! :)

[payasam]

Steffen, put a few drops of oil into a shallow container: a spoon is not bad. Then put a needle into it, held close to horizontal. Lift up the needle and tilt it so that any really large quantity of oil falls back. Then carry the needle, held horizontally, to the place where you want to put the oil. All you must watch out for is not to soil the shutter curtains and the meter sensor. If you move slowly and deliberately, it should be perfectly safe. Is the shutter of the camera running properly at all speeds, specially the slower ones (1/15 sec. and longer)?