Leica IIIf (new camera - a couple of questions)

Jerevan · 03-16-2006

Hello,

I am not sure whether this would go in the repair notes forum...

I bought a Leica IIIf (serial 646xxx) with an Elmar (probably bought at the same time as the camera). I bought it blind, but from a shop, which I have buying from a few times and which I know are serious about their business.

Generally, the camera is dinged a bit but does otherwise seem sturdy and rangefinder is clear and correctly adjusted in horizontal and vertical. Speeds all seem okay. Vulcanite is nice and clean. Overall a typical user camera. Price was $450.

Problem 1:

I just heard something that rattled a bit in the camera. After looking around a bit I found that the winding knob has play in it, and that the exposure counter wobbles a bit. Further investigation leads me onto the knob itself. Slight groaning noises ensue as I understand the cause of it all. The set screw in the knob is gone - it has gone off to Bahamas on vacation or wherever.

Am I right in assuming that the screw does tighten the rest of the assembly? What size is the screw? Is it a "normal" size I might find in say, hardware store or in a watch repair shop?

There's play and wobble but it does wind as it should. In almost any other old and well used camera I'd disregard it, but here... nah.

I suppose the only reasonable way to fix this, unless I can find a new screw, is to send it back for repair. Arrrh... Another week...

Problem 2: now I am getting paranoid...

If I press slightly on the back, a bit below the rangefinder housing, I can hear a "clicking" sound. Is this normal? Is it the pressure plate making contact with something inside?

Apart from this: one damn fine camera!

laptoprob · 03-16-2006

You bought it from a shop, that means a warranty! I think $450 should get you an (almost) pristine and perfect specimen, not a work in progress.
I am sure I can get you another browsing Marktplaats.nl for less.

Go back, go back.

pshinkaw · 03-16-2006

For that price, you should at least get all of the parts!

The set screw is not an ordinary hardware store variety. It's possible that a replacement could be found on a Russian camera, but it would be best to get the real thing so you don't damage the threads. It is basically a locking screw that keeps the knob from unwinding itself.

The film counter is supposed to have a multi-point "star" washer underneath it to keep it tight and straight. It might be missing.

In the US you would get some kind of warranty unless you purchased it expressly "as is".

-Paul

Jerevan · 03-16-2006

Paul:
Yeah, I got at least a three month warranty, so if I decide to keep it, then it'll have to go back for a checkup. I am gonna call them tomorrow.

Rob:
I tried to PM you, but your mailbox was stuffed, so I couldn't get it thru... But basically, you're right about getting the whole camera. Fortunately, I can always send it back. Do take a look at the camera you mentioned.

ffttklackdedeng · 03-16-2006

Jerevan,

to your second issue: There's no play and no clicking noise upon pressing on the back of my IIIf.

But I can also hear some soft rattling while shaking the camera (but not as if there were loose parts inside), the loudest rattling is made by the shutter release button which has some play, maybe 1/2mm..

Robert

laptoprob · 03-16-2006

Jerevan, I asked the shop about the price they want.

cheers, Rob.

OpenWater · 03-16-2006

No play or clicking on the back on my IIIf either. I would insist on getting everything fixed to your satisfaction or get your money back.

Mike

Paul Connet · 03-16-2006

Jerevan,

Are you sure the screw is missing? The hole that you see in the side of the knob is just that, a hole. The actual set screw that holds the knob in place is down inside the knob. Shine a light into the hole and you should see the screw.

I think your camera is a red dial version that does not have the two screws that tie the top flange to the back like the black dial version. I don't know why they did that. My black dial is insensitive to thumb pressure on the back, but my red dial does just what you described. If I press too hard on the back I get the click, like an oil can when you press the bottom.

Nice cameras, just use it and see if it takes pictures. If the frame counter is too loose and won't keep track of the shots then you do have something that needs fixing.

Regards, Paul C.

laptoprob · 03-16-2006

My IIf does not do any click when pushed in the back. BTW you don't push an old lady in the back.

john neal · 03-16-2006

Jereven,

Paul is right about the screw - it has a long head that is the same diameter as the thread - don't know what to call that - it sits inside a recess in the wind knob and is only visible when the asa setting is set to 100 (from memory). Suggest you rotate the outer knob while shining a light in the hole.

There is a sort of star washer under the wind knob that allows the knob to rock a little so that the eccentric gear on the counter ring can actually work - if the knob was completely solid, this would not work.

I have not tried pressing the back of my RD model, but can believe that there could be a slight clicking as the top plate moves relative to the outer body and vulcanite.

I would also suggest you take advantage of your warranty to ensure you are satisfied with your purchase.

Jerevan · 03-17-2006

Paul C:
Yes, it's a red dial one, without selftimer. I have been looking at the knob, but can't see no screw, but I need a flashlight to check for sure. The assembly wobbles when there's no film in the camera. And there's a bit of play under the counter. But it works. I am just a bit afraid it'll fall apart. Annoying? Yes. Still gonna check with the shop...

That your IIIf creaks as mine while others don't, seem intriguing. Just a difference between samples or differing constructions? Or is it age?

Rob:
Okay, no pushing old ladies in the back. Got that!

Mike Kovacs · 03-17-2006

My Contax makes an annoying rattling noise when I nail drywall with it....

Seriously, I have a IIIf RD coming soon that I'm going to overhaul. I can drop a line if you don't figure it out in a few weeks. It also has something going on with the film reminder and wind knob - previous owner disassembled and didn't put it back together correctly (see the black tape?).

I just hope all the parts are there. (is it true Leica still sells new parts for all its cameras?)

Jerevan · 03-17-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Kovacs

My Contax makes an annoying rattling noise when I nail drywall with it....

Seriously, I have a IIIf RD coming soon that I'm going to overhaul. I can drop a line if you don't figure it out in a few weeks. It also has something going on with the film reminder and wind knob - previous owner disassembled and didn't put it back together correctly (see the black tape?).

I'd be really interested in seeing how it all hangs together, a picture and some words about it would never go amiss, if you get the time.

BTW, I called back to a gentlemen in the store today, who promptly asked me to return the camera with the shipping fees paid by them. They were very friendly, talkative and concerned about the issue.

And isn't driving nails into walls what Contaxes are made for?