M3 - lens mount question

[jschweigl]

Today I got my M3 which I shopped at the auction site. According to

the seller it was serviced before and he also supplied the bills as a

proof. Fine camera, the leather is perfect, the usual scratches from

the Leica meter are there, the shutter sounds ok and everything is

perfectly smooth. I instantly loved it. There is just one thing that

annoys me - mounting the lenses is incredibly stiff and there is no

snap when the lens is in place with all but my old 35 summilux, which

mounts normally as on my other two M's. My lenses are not the latest,

but quite recent models and the summilux is the oldest one I own. Is

this some known issue with newer lenses or should I have someone

check the mount?

 

Ah, and BTW I can't wait until my Summarit 1.5/50 arrives, will be a

nice match for the M3.

[john_collier2]

I have noticed some variation in lens mounting effort with my M2 being stiff

with some lenses while my TTLs are fine. Leica recommends the occasional

lubrication of the bayonet mount with a very small amount of petroleum jelly

(vasoline). Apply it with a cotton swab (q-tip) and wipe off any excess with a

lint free cloth. Why not try that first?

[roger_michel]

light lubrication is a very good idea. it is not unusual for lens to show variable stiffness when mounting. however, by all means, there should be a click. p.s. the summarit is a great lens -- i love mine. be careful to check yours when it arrives for scratches on the front element AND haze. it is a very haze prone lens. assuming all is ok, make sure you try it wide open as a portrait lens. this produces a very nice effect in my view. pps if you have trouble finding filters that fit your summarit, contact me off line. i may be able to fix you up with something gratis.

[mark-j]

Johann:

 

One of my M3's is very stiff to mount also. I tried lubricating the mount, and that did not make life any easier. I live with it, as do my fingers. All of my lense mount on the other M6 and M3 bodies without any problems. It was serviced by Leica NJ and they did not correct the problem either.

 

Enjoy.

[richie chishty]

I have the same problem with my circa 1955 Leica M3 DS. There is no 'snap' when the lens locks into place. But with my circa 1961 Leica M3 SS and a recent M6 TTL, there is a firm 'snap' and mounting and dismounting is also much smoother.

[furcafe]

That's not unusual. My M3 has a much, much stiffer mount than my M2, M6, or Hexar RF. However, all other things being equal, I'd rather have a too stiff mount than one that's too loose. But either way, it's not too difficult to have a technician loosen or tighten the mount.

[chris_david]

My M3 is a lot more stiff than my M6. I wouldn't lubricate it. If it's so stiff it can't click into postion I would return it to the seller or have it serviced.

[stephen_w.]

Stiff is good: means less slop in the mounting. What I do is clean the mount and the lens mount regularly to remove the inevitable grit and use some nose grease on both to facilitate lubrication - no worries.