Should the M5 be stored with the shutter cocked?

[hoyin_lee1]

I read somewhere that the M5 (and other M cameras) should be stored

with the shutter cocked--is this true? This came to mind today when

my M5's meter refused to come alive, and I had to cock the camera

several times and waste several shots in the process before it

started acting normally. I wonder if this has anything to do with

the camera being left inactive for several weeks with the shutter

uncocked?

[jay_.]

The M shutter is a low-tension spring. In my experience it doesn't really matter whether you store a Leica with the shutter cocked or not, if you don't exercise it something will eventually hang up. At least you got your meter stalk working. Most of the time lack of use hangs the slow speeds and most of that time it takes a CLA to get them back working.

[andrew n.bra hrefhttp]

See also this topic in the faq:

<A

HREF="http://nemeng.com/leica/006b.shtml">nemeng.com/leica

/006b.shtml</A>

[chad_hahn]

I just read today that the M5 was the first (only?) M camera that can do double exposures. Put the lens cap on pull down the rewind crank and put the film under tension by turning the crank in the arrow direction until you feel resistance. Turn the rewind release lever downward and hold it while cocking the shutter (with the rewind crank still unfolded to prevent the film from advancing.)

 

Leave it to Leica to make some thing overly complicated. But at least next time the meter won't turn on you don't have to waste film.

[hoyin_lee1]

Many thanks guys, for your prompt answers and very useful info.

[gl5]

According to the Nemeg FAQ quoted above, the Leica M shutter

spring tension is never zero, but is at 50% when uncocked and

75% when cocked.

 

So by these stats, that means that the shutter spring is getting

25% more wear when leaving the shutter cocked, no?