Self imposed problem with Leica R4

I recently returned from a tour of California. During an awe-inspiring trip to Yosemite National Park, I did something pretty stupid - I attached the screw thread from my 'photo' walking pole monopod to the tripod mount of my R4. I then put on the ND grad, and waited for the light to fall on one of the incredible granite domes of Yosemite. Perfect evening light, camera on monopod, press the shutter release...nothing. After changing the batteries, I resorted to using the 1/100 second mechanical shutter speed on the R4 (very useful), after taking a meter reading with my EOS.

 

The following day I noticed that I had screwed the monopod thread too far, and broken through the tripod mount. This seems to have messed with the electronic circuit in the base plate. The meter and electronic shutter control do not work. I haven't checked inside, as I still have a roll of Velvia 50 inside.

 

Does anyone else have first hand experience of this problem? With an R4 or other camera? The camera was a Christmas present for my father in 1983, and has been incredibly reliable until this self imposed problem. I've been told Sendean Cameras on Charing Cross Road (London) may be able to help, but does anyone know of any Leica R specialists in the UK, in case Sendean are unable to fix it?

 

I hope to post some scans of the slides from the trip once I get them back from Ag Photo next week!

Don't know the answer, but I suspect it might not be worth repairing. I would look at ebay for another (working) R4: they seem to be quite inexpensive. Alternatively, you could get an Leicaflex SL for probably less money than repairing an R4. Have you tried Leica itself? They can be quite helpful.

Agree with Robin Smith

Your best bet is look for another R4

meter and electronic shutter control do not work" Greg H.

Make sure you remove the batteries ASAP.

1. Remove the film.
   
2. Extract the base-plate.
   
3. Heat each of the three screws securing the tripod socket with a solder iron (Loctite used).
   
4. Pull out the socket,
   
5. Put camera upside down AND SHAKE until metal debris leaves the scene.
   
6. If needed, easy removal of battery box (Bigger hole for metal exit).
   

As you can see from the image provided, there isn't much of anything in that vicinity that's too sensitive to 'shorting'.

Get that metal intruder out & it may just work again...

Edited September 13, 2017 by Gus Lazzari