paul_chiu Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Just came back from a trip to Morocco and I encountered some problems with my Leica. After a visit to the Sahara, I noted some minor grinding when turning the aperture knob. It was never stiff but I can definitely feel the sand in there. After a day it went away and now it turns smoothly. I don't see any sand through the lens as far as I can tell.<P>Also, after that I had three rolls of 36 exposure film that became difficult to wind after around 26 exposures, one of which I actually broke the film. This has never happened to me before. This would happen sporadically, some rolls wind fine, some didn't. Coincidentally I also noticed that the top plate is just slightly loose, with maybe at most 1mm of play. Not sure if that has anything to do with it. <P>Anyway do you guys think I should send this in for CLA? The lens appear to be back to normal, but the thought of sand in the mechanism kind of bothers me. The body is otherwise in good shape and I wonder if my problem is something I can fix myself?<P>BTW, some pictures from Morocco, if you're interested, are at <A HREF=http://www.paulchiu.com/Mar07.htm>http://www.paulchiu.com/Mar07.htm</A> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronald_wills Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Very nice pictures Paul. I would have the camera cleaned and lubed. It's worth the peace of mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alan_chan4 Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Sounds like some screws have loosen by themselves after some rough riding, not uncommon to lenses or cameras. Better have it checked if you can afford to. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monochrome11 Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 nice photos... if you can afford trips to morocco and a M6 and nice glass, you can afford to clean and lube your gear... i was also recently in Morocco and know first hand how fine and invasive the blowing sands of the Sahara can be... I keep my SWC in a large zip lock bag the entire time (except to change film) while in the desert and didn't even bring the M3 into the sands and opted for my sealed F100... no matter how little sand might of entered your camera and lenses, it will cause damage over time... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troll Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 It might not be sand, but something shaken loose from the airplane vibration. Anyhow, yes, send it for repairs and let the repairperson decide if it needs CLA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
35mmdelux Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 No brainer. Yes, CLA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
christopher_a._junker1 Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 A thorough CLA is needed as the fine sand will eventually migrate to every moving part in the body and lens. Be sure to inform your repair person that it has very fine sand in it. What we would call dust is really very fine sand. Ken Ng's protection idea also applies to photography around active volcanos, like Mt. Etna in Sicily which generates dust that is actually rock and volcanic glass particles. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
35mmdelux Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Great fotos. Your website challenging to negotiate. Best - Paul PS: Love the camel head.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shambrick007 Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Awesome pix. I'm surprised that you were able to get some of the pix you got w/100 ISO. I never carry 100 unless I KNOW I'll be shooting in sunlight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCL Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Get it CLA'd, no question about it. Your shots were very enjoyable. You certainly want your gear to perform as well on your next trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richie chishty Posted March 30, 2007 Share Posted March 30, 2007 Another vote for a CLA. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_chiu Posted April 1, 2007 Author Share Posted April 1, 2007 Great. Thanks people. I guess cheaping out on a CLA is not an option compared to the longevity of the equipment. Also, thanks for the comments on the pictures. I would love to have taken more but it is challenging to take decent street pictures because people either cover their face or demand money from you afterwards. Shooting with ISO 100 is not bad, but a few instances I did miss out on many great pictures because of low light. Having said that I'm still glad I took the Leica instead of my digital SLR. It is just a great travel camera. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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