Leica M6 Classic (Wetzlar) Stiff Shutter Speed Dial

<p>Hi,<br /> I was just wondering if it's the same with everyone who owns this camera, on my M6 Classic, each travel from 1/30 to flash to 1/60 to 1/125 on the shutter speed dial seem quite stiff. The travel from 1/60 to 1/125 seems to be the worst as I find it necessary to use my thumb and index finger to make the adjustment as the dial seem to be stuck or misaligned (I think) if I just use my index finger. I just recently bought it from a Leica enthusiast, a good friend, an honest one, who believes it's not a problem as it has been like that ever since. Would really like to hear form you guys.<br /> Kind Regards,<br /> Cast</p>

<p>On my M6 and M4 I've always needed both thumb & index finger to move the shutter speed dial...but the click stops and force required were always constant across the full range.</p>

<p>Hi Stephen, thanks for replying. The force required to rotate the dial is the same through-out the range, but the travel from 1/60 to 1/125 is longer than those from 1/30 to flash and from flash to 1/60 - which are actually quite short. Is yours an M6 Classic as well? Regards.</p>

<p>I always found it an advantage for not to change shutter speeds accidentally.<br /> Flash sync is 1/50s, for this the travel you comment is spot on. Seems you have a nice sample that isn't worn out at all! Congrats also for having a good friend at your side!</p>

<p>This doesn't sound like anything I would concern myself with. It can (and will) be loosened up by simply rotating the shutterspeed dial rapidly back and forth through these click stops.</p>

<p>I have never owned an M6TTL, but I have owned a number of M6 classics, two 'modern' MPs, a myriad of M3/2 cameras, a few M4s, and an M5. So I know their characteristics very well.</p>

<p>Yeah I do agree with Bill, it shouldn't be a big concern. </p>

<p><strong>But</strong>, its an indication that the lubricant <strong>has begun to fail</strong>. When it does, the use of quality metals like brass takes over (Self lubricating). If properly cleaned and re-lubricated, its action definetly feels lighter, more consistant & smooth.</p>

<p>Castor - mine was an M6TTL. I wouldn't worry unless or until you find noticeable resistance, or other issue requiring a CLA, and have it taken care of at that time. In the meantime, enjoy your "new" camera.</p>

<p>Hey guys, thanks for your replies. I actually feel a lot better. I've been going out on midnight "walkabouts" a lot lately because of this camera, I certainly am enjoying it!!!</p>

My M6 classic (non Wetzlar) even after special attention by a good repairman is still stiff between 1/60 and 1/30, going

in that direction, but as noted above I can't or don't change speeds with any M with just one finger, except with the

M5.

<p>per some conversations with DAG when my M6 dial got so loose it wouldn't stay in place, the dial is supposed to be "stiff'...enough so that you can't accidentally change it. This is controlled by a "detent spring"..which can weaken with age. I had mine replaced and it is now stiff like a new camera. </p>

<p>Let's not forget; whether a ball bearing design of the M6 variety, or the earlier spring detent style. You've got a lot of other items attached to that shaft that can also affect the over-all resistance of the speed dial.<br>

Namely, a shaft going through it's bearing and the <strong>stack of stepped cams</strong> attached to it. All of these are lubricant reliant.</p>

<p>I haven't had an M6 (classic) for a while, but I think the shutter dial of the classic is smaller in circumference than the M6 TTl version, thus more or less similar to previous M models like my M4-P. There is a normal resistance between 1/60 and 1/30 sec which I think is due to different shutter tensioning mechanisms above and below those speeds. But a resistance between 1/125 and 1/60 is probably something different and maybe a case for lubrication as Gus has mentioned.</p>

<p>The M6TTL seems to have a slightly larger shutter speed dial, which possibly, like the large dial of the M5, can be rotated using one finger. The pre-M6 Leica Ms were also designed to couple with an MR meter which had a much larger and more easily turned dial. The advantage in this sense of the M5 is interesting.</p>

<p>Yes Arthur, John Shriver eluded to this M6TTL speed dial difference in the 6th picture of a previous thread with:</p>

<blockquote>

<p>"So the reversal of the direction of the shutter speeds on the M6TTL is done with a gear set"</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Click >>> <a href="00YCsA">Previous thread</a>, scroll down to 6th picture. (Also visible against the bottom of the disc is the ball bearing & it's holder)</p>