OK to keep shooting Leica IIIf with slow speeds off

[BillG]

I have a Leica IIIf with slow speeds off. It needs a CLA and I have an estimate of $300 to get this done in Toronto.

My question is this: is it all right to keep shooting at normal outdoor speeds like 1/500, 1/250th or am I going to damage the camera by continuing to use it without the CLA?

[denishr]

I don't think there's danger of damage if the slow speeds are off - are they slower, or what?
Probably the curtains need tensioning.
$300 seems high for that, though

Denis

[BillG]

slow speeds off -- by off I mean way off the time they should be.... as in much longer. The $300 is in CDN from Kindermans. CDN was about .75 US at the time of the quote. CDN is now up to .82 cents US.

[FrankS]

Bill, where in Toronto did you get this estimate?

[BillG]

a fellow PN Toronto Leica Forum fellow talked to Kindermans on my behalf back in August/September

[FrankS]

Have you heard of Kominek Camera? Russ is a real old-time camera shop owner, located at College and Younge St.

[pshinkaw]

My IIIf is in a local shop now for a curtain replacement (both). The estimate I received was $180 US plus local taxes (8.25%). You should get some comfort in knowing that your Leica isn't leaving the country without you. That's got to be worth some $$.

I think the slow speed mechanism on the IIIf is basically bypassed when the front dial is set at 1/25. That's the default setting when you are using the high speed dial.

-Paul

[BillG]

thanks for the lead, Frank

Paul, I think you are right. I am not really a 1/25th kind of a guy. I prefer enough speed to compensate for my sometimes shaky hands. Then there are days I am steady enough to think I could do neurosurgery

[pshinkaw]

My 1/25 days are long gone too, But I try to keep up with all of the possible ways to avoid sending a camera in to the shop. foras long as possible.

-Paul