Purchased Leica IIIC - Shutter Problems?

[anoldsock]

This might be a good question for Andy, but I purchased a Leica III from you guys about 2 weeks ago, and shot 2 test rolls. It looks like there is some capping between the 1st and 2nd shutter. It appears to happen when I shoot at either 1/1000 or 1/500 and it’s causing blacks streaks across my photos. I was told the Leicas were tested before they are sold, and understand there is a 30 day guarantee on the camera, but do you guys do some cleaning or do y’all provide repair service so we can get the shutter back to working order? Let me know, thanks!!!

I also attached some photos for your convenience.

[Camera Exchange]

Chris,

Sorry about the Leica issue. I will mention this to Andy.

We do test all items when they are purchased. However, with some of the older / exotic items, they can and have developed weird problems just sitting on the shelf. Older Leicas and their shutters are the worst. It isn't a quality issue, it is just that these cameras want to be used and don't want to sit idle for any period of time. In fact, with a couple more rolls of film through your III, your shutter issue would probably go away. However, we can and will certainly get the shutter service done for you.

We don't do any in-house repairs. However, you should bring the camera back and talk with Andy or myself and we will get the shutter serviced for you by a local person that we use exclusively for older Leica rangefinders.

Regards,
Mike

Originally Posted by anoldsock

This might be a good question for Andy, but I purchased a Leica III from you guys about 2 weeks ago, and shot 2 test rolls. It looks like there is some capping between the 1st and 2nd shutter. It appears to happen when I shoot at either 1/1000 or 1/500 and it’s causing blacks streaks across my photos. I was told the Leicas were tested before they are sold, and understand there is a 30 day guarantee on the camera, but do you guys do some cleaning or do y’all provide repair service so we can get the shutter back to working order? Let me know, thanks!!!

I also attached some photos for your convenience.

[anoldsock]

Thanks for the response Mike. I didn't intend to imply that it was a quality issue. Just that the shutter problem may have gone undetected and wanted you to be aware of the issue. I will probably bring it in and see what we can do.

Thanks again, you've been very helpful and having you on this forum is great!

[anoldsock]

Hey Mike, I just wanted to update you. I brought the Leica in and spoke with Ray. It was a pretty painless procedure, he took care of the paperwork and I gave him one of the photos as a reference point. He got everything together and got me on my way, which I really appreciated, especially since I was on my lunch hour.

Thanks goes forward to everyone at HCE, and I appreciate the time and effort y’all are putting in to helping me out.

One other question, do your Leica cameras go through CLA treatment before you sale them? If not, that might be something that I would be interested in since it's already being sent off to the repair guy.

[Camera Exchange]

Chris,

Our guy will do a CLA as a part of the shutter repair / replacement. We require it with any Leica RF service. So no need to worry about that as it will be done at our expense.

I plan to have the camera picked up tomorrow and will let you know as soon as we have it back.

Thanks,
Mike

Originally Posted by anoldsock

Hey Mike, I just wanted to update you. I brought the Leica in and spoke with Ray. It was a pretty painless procedure, he took care of the paperwork and I gave him one of the photos as a reference point. He got everything together and got me on my way, which I really appreciated, especially since I was on my lunch hour.

Thanks goes forward to everyone at HCE, and I appreciate the time and effort y’all are putting in to helping me out.

One other question, do your Leica cameras go through CLA treatment before you sale them? If not, that might be something that I would be interested in since it's already being sent off to the repair guy.

[anoldsock]

Thanks Mike! I appreciate all your help, do you happen to know when I should be expecting it or how long it usually takes?

[Camera Exchange]

Chris,

I will check / prod the service folks, I would have expected it back by now. Unfortunately those folks aren't available on the weekend. I will let you know what I find out on Monday.

Thanks,
Mike

Originally Posted by anoldsock

Thanks Mike! I appreciate all your help, do you happen to know when I should be expecting it or how long it usually takes?

[Camera Exchange]

Chris,

Spoke with the repair folks yesterday. They stated that they are very backed up and would get the III back to us as soon as possible. I asked them to make it a priority and they said they would. They should still be faster than Leica factory service... which averages about three months on new cameras.

I will let you know, but I would expect to see it back this week or early next.

Thanks,
Mike

[anoldsock]

Hey Mike,

Just wanted to let you know that I got the Leica back, I haven't had a chance to shoot with it yet, but shutter is running smoothly and it sounds excellent!

[Camera Exchange]

Glad to hear you got it back. Let me know how it does when you run a roll of film through it.

Regards,
Mike

Originally Posted by anoldsock

Hey Mike,

Just wanted to let you know that I got the Leica back, I haven't had a chance to shoot with it yet, but shutter is running smoothly and it sounds excellent!

[anoldsock]

Hey Mike,

Thanks for taking care of everything in regards to my Leica. I also picked up a Leica M6 from you guys a few weeks ago. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I'm looking forward to getting it out this weekend.

Quick question for you, I have a Rolleiflex and want to have the lens cleaned and possibly a CLA, do you mind forwarding me the information of the guy you used for the Leica?

Thanks,
Chris

[Camera Exchange]

Chris,

The place that did the work on your Leica is Professional Camera Repair. Following is their contact information:

Professional Camera Repair
4410 Richmond Avenue (inside the loop by The Rajun Cajun)
(713) 621-3627

Tell them we referred you and that should get you a quicker turnaround.

Thanks,
Mike

Originally Posted by anoldsock

Hey Mike,

Thanks for taking care of everything in regards to my Leica. I also picked up a Leica M6 from you guys a few weeks ago. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but I'm looking forward to getting it out this weekend.

Quick question for you, I have a Rolleiflex and want to have the lens cleaned and possibly a CLA, do you mind forwarding me the information of the guy you used for the Leica?

Thanks,
Chris