heinz_gassner

<p>The flash sync on a Leica film camera (M2, M3) is 1/50 sec. The flash sync speed is the MAXIMUM speed at which the shutter curtain will be open with the flash timed just right. Slower speeds are ok too. One thing that I just learned is that with flash, as long as you are at the sync speed or slower, what's really important is the aperture at which you are shooting at corresponds with the appropriate distance and guide number (GN) of the bulb you are using. Most bulbs have the chart on the back of the box. There are many resources on the Internet also. If anyone still cares I would be happy to post a couple relevant ones. </p>

<p>I just want to add my experiences to this thread, particularly in response to the criticism of Youxin Ye. I purchased a Leica M2 on eBay that was listed as having the slower shutter speeds off. I used it for a year, snapping some great photos. Then it developed some aberrations in the shots that I thought initially were refections from using a UV filter in strong light with both 28mm and 50mm Zeiss lenses. I removed the filters from each lens and obtained the same result. At this point I was at a loss, thought maybe it could be the shutter curtains, but was not sure. I contacted Sherry Krauter with some questions about this, she confirmed that the camera was "dry", needed servicing, and said she would look at what was causing the aberrations. In the end she did a very good job with lubrication and the CLA; however, even with the photos I had sent her regarding the issue I was seeing, she stated there was nothing wrong with the shutter curtains. Initially I didn't question her assessment, as they did not seem to appear in every shot, but in fact they did, but were just not as evident in some due to being hidden in the more exposed (lighter) areas of the shots. The main reason that I did not send it back to Sherry for rework under some sort of warranty was she took much much longer to get my M2 back to me that she initially stated, and after she had my camera I received zero communication from her even after emailing and calling. Furthermore, I had sent her photos of the issue that clearly showed the symptom of the problem. Either she just didn't care whether she resolved it, or she was so busy that she just "forgot". This is not acceptable and I was not going to make the same mistake again. <br> Then I contacted Youxin Ye and he emailed me back within 30 mins, assessed the issue as most likely being tiny pinholes in the curtains. I committed to sending it to him and he stated to indicate on the package that it was a rush job (since I wanted it back for a family get together). The turn around time was five days, and the camera works as new now. I am very happy with his work, communication, and price. I also sent the same camera to Don Goldberg to have the larger M4 style rear viewfinder installed, and he also made a quick turn around and does excellent work. So my assessment is that all three Leica "Masters" do great work, but my least recommended would be Sherry for her failing to resolve the light leak issue and poor communication. <br> In thinking about the criticism of Youxin's work area practices, I find myself reflecting on my own habits and those of my maintenance repairman at work. We are both very messy and unorganized, yet I have to compliment that my maintenance repairman does brilliant work, showing a talent that perhaps comes naturally and not from formal training. What I mean by that is, just because someone has not attended the Leica Academy and been employed by Leica as a repair person for a long tenure does't mean that they cannot master the craft of repairing a Leica camera. Some people have learned the skills diligently through training, and consider their work their job. Others learn their skills through a yearning passion and studying, and they consider their work their lifelong love of the craft. </p> <p>Just my 2 cents. <br> Heinz</p>