Leicaflex SL - Shutter Problem

[tom_duffy1]

My Leicaflex SL's shutter jammed in the open position this weekend.

I'm the original purchaser and it's given me a great 35 years of

extensive use. Despite the emotional attachment, I'm reluctant to

have it repaired; the meter isn't accurate, the rear eyepiece is

scratched to act like a diffraction grating when pointed at a strong

light source.

 

I have 3 lenses for it, a 50 summicron, a 90 summicron and the

original 180 f2.8 elmarit. The 90 is my favorite portrait lens for

the 35mm format. Despite the weight I've always enjoyed using the 180

in conjunction with a wider lens on my Leica M. All the lenses could

use a CLA.

 

I have four choices I'm considering.

1. purchase a lightly used SL to replace mine.

2. Purchase an SL2 which doesn't seem that much more expensive than

an SL in excellent condition.

3. buy an R8 and have my lenses recammed; slightly used an R8 seems

to cost under $1,000 and would give me a fast flash sync speed and

more modern camera.

4. say the hell with it and buy a good telephoto (thinking 135mm f2)

for my Canon 7N.

 

Any input would be appreciated.

[al_kaplan1]

I dumped all my 'flex/R stuff 2 years ago. I was mostly just using the 180/2.8 on a beat to crap SL body along with my M bodies with shorter lenses. I now have a 135/2.8 with goggles for my M bodies. On the rare occasion it's not quite long enough I crop.

[gerald_widen]

I would go for either an SL or SL2. You were very happy with yours and you still have the lenses. So you can "upgrade" to one that is in better cosmetic condition and with a working light meter.

[gary_pinkerton1]

I would either get a replacement or get the old SL repaired. A CLA/repair *might* not be much more than a good working "new" SL.

[paul_neuthaler]

You can buy a great SL for $250-$350 often on Ebay.

[doug herr]

I'd at least get an estimate for repair. Send it to either Sherry Krauter or Don Goldberg; they'll either give you an estimate or tell you it's not economically repairable. At worst you'll be out the shipping cost, and more likely you'll spend about as much repairing it as you would getting another that will probably need a CLA.<P>

The viewfinder eyepiece is easily replaced, the meter is easy to adjust, and the shutter is hard to kill unless you take a vacuum cleaner to the shutter curtains. I suspect your shutter problem will be fixed with a simple adjustment. I have a couple of SL bodies that have been used very heavily; one even has extensive brassing through the chrome where the right thumb rests. Internally there's no visible wear.

[ronald_moravec1]

I would at least get an estimate for the repair. An other old body off ebay may be in the same condition in a year.

 

If you like the big r8, maybe now is the time to get it. They are not known for being problem free.

[a m]

I agree with Mr. Herr - have your SL checked by a repair service. It can probably be repaired for a reasonable coat. Think of it this way: any used SL you buy will almost surely need to be cleaned and overhauled, so you'll be spending the money anyway. I've seen few cameras on eBay that didn't need a thorough CLA. And, I presume you are attached to your SL; the 35 years that you have used it has an emotional value. Take your friend to the Leica doctor.

[feli]

I'm with Andy and Doug. Buying another SL, which will probably need a CLA, will cost you more than getting the one you already own fixed.

Besides, how cool is it that you've already had her for 35 years? ;-)

 

I would send it in for a repair. DAG, Sherry, Kinderman, Leica NJ are all well respected on this list.

 

http://www.lhsa.org/repair.html

 

 

Feli

[tom_duffy1]

my thanks to all who responded. My SL is going off to DAG this week for an estimate.