rahul_glad

Is the focusing ring supposed to lock up in AF mode? I'm using this on a Elan II.

When I flip the AF switch on the lens, the focusing ring locks up.

When I depress the shutter button half way, the in-focus indicator lights up and the camera beeps - meaning the subject is in focus - but the focusing ring doesn't move and the image in the viewfinder is still blurry.

How can this lens focus with the locked focusing ring?

I recent acquired this camera brand new with tags!

Can anyone point to me any 50 or 35mm equivalent lens I can use this camera?

I'm strictly a film rangefinder and have no idea about SLR cameras.

What's considered a CLA? I'll ask this question directly to Tamarkin / Leica Chicago.

R

If they tore down the camera completely and rebuilt it piece by piece, checking every piece, along with testing it with film, the CLA would have to be pretty expensive. I'm guessing they have a fixed set of tasks in a CLA and add to that anything you actually mention to them. But the whole camera is old enough so that even as good and durable as it is, it can probably have a part fail at any time (even if that is hopefully rare).

 

In Aircraft maintenance, they often remove parts and subject them to detailed analysis looking for evidence of cracks and fatigue in the metal. Probably not the case with Leicas, though Leicas are maybe the only cameras this old which are actually still used regularly. ;)

 

Anyone know more about what Leica considers a CLA to include?

Thank you for the replies.

DAG is guessing that a major light shield is missing inside. I find that interesting because these were CLAd by Leica in 2016. :rolleyes:

They don't check light shield material during a CLA?

R

Does Leica refurbish M2s and M3s? I know they refurbish M8s, but the cost doesn't justify the actual price of the camera.

R

Contact Gus Lazzari - thegreatgus [at] gmail [dot] com or Don Goldberg - dagcam [at] chorus [dot] net

 

Either should be able to tell you what the problem is from looking at these pictures.

Yes, I contacted DAG and I'm sending him my camera.

Thank you

Rahul

First guess it looks like pressure plate seals are shot. Suggest black electrician's tape on seams. Also, use case if you have one and try to keep camera out of sunshine if possible. There may also be a problem with the shutter.

Thank you! I carry this camera in Zhou half case if it matters.

R

Can any kind soul tell me what's going on with my M3? All the photos turned out fine except a few of these. I'm guessing it's a light leak? My camera was CLAd 2 years ago by Tamarkin Chicago.

R

<p>Hello everyone -<br>

<br />It seems the shutter stopped firing @ 1/1000 and 1/500. Time for CLA!</p>

<p>I know someone with both an M-A and a M2. He says the M2 feels a bit "loose" compared to the brand new M-A.<br>

I have an M2 also, but am eyeing the M-A. I'll most likely end up buying a used M-A after a few years. There was a used M-A body on ebay for $3500 a few weeks ago.</p>

<p>R</p>

<p>Thank you for the advice Keith and Bill!</p>

<p>R</p>

<p>Thanks for the replies everyone!<br>

I think I'll just get a CLA. Even though my M2 works perfectly, it has been sitting in a closet for at least 30 years. I have no idea who used it before and in what capacity, and whether maintenance was done. Imagine doing something like this with a car - no oil changes for 30 years and I begin driving it....probably not a good idead.<br>

<br />I'll most likely send it to Gus. I also need a vulcanite replacement.</p>

<p>"lots of grinding taking place inside"</p>

<p>I mean, <em>theoretically</em>, the oils have long dried out and there <em>might</em> be grinding taking place - although I don't hear or feel anything. Do I still need a CLA?</p>

<p>Thanks Stephen and Gus.<br>

<br />Honestly, I don't have any of those issues.<br>

My M2 works smoothly - there are no grinding sounds, and shutter speeds are accurate, but could that be a smoke screen? I mean, the camera has been sitting in a closet for 30 years. Should I just keep using it?<br>

Gus - are you from TLC camera? I was thinking of sending this camera to you for a CLA!<br>

<br />R</p>

<p>Hello everyone,<br>

<br />I had bought a M2 body off eBay. The seller was the grandson of the original owner and told me that the camera had been sitting in a closet since the 80s. I now have the camera and I tested it with a roll of film. Everything works perfectly and I'm very pleased with the results.<br>

<br />Now, a school of thought states that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." So, I shouldn't have a CLA done. However, I read on forums that the old oils dry out in the camera and turn into a sticky glue. Even though the camera is working fine, there is lots of grinding taking place inside; the gears and levers will wear out prematurely.<br>

Now, I'm confused whether I should get a CLA done or not...<br>

R</p>

I'd buy the Leica M-A with a 50mm lens. But I have an M2 right now

and it serves me well.

<p>I use my lenses as follows:<br>

50mm = candid street photography.<br>

35mm = travel/family photography.</p>