Broken screw on lens mount

daniel_aj7 · 08-20-2012

Hi Tom and other members,

I have a leica m2 that has a broken screw on the lens mount. There was supposed to have the L seal up top and the 4 screws around the lens mount, but the 1 on the top right is broken. Would this loosen the lens mount in anyway?

Thanks

Rob-F · 08-20-2012

The screw on the top right? Then I take it that it is not the one with the L seal, which is the top screw--the black one. I think it would weaken the mount. whether that is serious would depend on how large and heavy the lens is. If it's a 35mm Summaron, that's one thing. A 90mm Summicron, well, then I would worry.

But just as importantly, how could this screw get broken off? Is the head broken off? I would worry that it could mean the camera, with lens attached, had a bad accident. And that makes me worry that the critical lens-to film-plane distance may have been distorted.

Do you know this camera's history?

daniel_aj7 · 08-20-2012

The camera did not have a bad accident, at least not related to this screw. The head broke off because some silly technician tried to screw it in too tight and the head snapped off. I usually use a zeiss 35mm c biogon on it. Is the lens mount glued down to the body in any way besides the screws?

Rob-F · 08-20-2012

Well, I don't work on them, so I don't really know; but I don't suppose it is glued on. Then again, I would not suggest attempting a DIY. There are still several qualified techs in North America (any of us can supply their names upon request) who can probably set it right. The M2 is the photographer's Stradivarius! It's worth getting the work done by the best!

Best,

Rob

Tom A · 08-20-2012

Unless you can see a gap where the mount screw is broken - I would not worry about it. The other 4 screws should hold it tight enough. Only problem is that if yu ever have to have the camera serviced - the screw would have to be drilled out and replaced.

daniel_aj7 · 08-21-2012

The mount and the body had a very very tiny gap that gets covered up towards the bottom by the vulcanite in the first place. The broken screw did not make it bigger though. So i guess it should be fine.. Thanks Rob and Tom.