We have recently changed our policies regarding the servicing of screw mount Leica cameras. For all cameras prior to the IIIf, so that includes Leica I to the IIIc, we no longer carry out a FSO (Full Service/Overhaul). The reason for this is simple. Getting accurate and consistent shutter speeds relies on the precision of the moving parts of the shutter. Unfortunately, as parts wear, especially the shutter drum, upper bearing and the connected curtain release catch, a certain amount of 'play' occurs. This is due to bearing wear. This can result in inconsistent shutter speeds and in the case of the IIIb with 1/1000th top shutter speed in some cases may be almost impossible to set correctly. This is compounded by the lack of fine adjustments for 1/500th and below and in the case of the IIIb fine adjustment for 1/1000th. Slow speeds 1/20th-1 sec may also vary somewhat from standard due to wear of the escapement although are usually consistent and perfectly useable.

 

Because we are unable to replace the parts needed in order to restore full accuracy, we will carry out a CLA - clean, lubricate and adjust. This includes removal of the top cover and shell, cleaning and lubrication of the shutter and transport mechanism, film rewind and reversing mechanism. We will also clean the rangefinder optics and replace the beamsplitter if necessary as well as rangefinder calibration. We will reset the shutter curtain tensions and calibrate the shutter speeds. This is a thorough service but we cannot guarantee 1/1000th second accuracy and with certain cameras, other shutter speeds may not meet the Leitz service manual standards, although in practice, the shutter should be good enough for general photography but not up to 'M' standards. We will of course rectify faults in the process of doing a service 'A' including things like reskins or curtain replacement if required at additional cost.

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Leica IIIf and IIIg - FSO (Full Service/Overhaul)

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The Leica IIIf and IIIg are younger cameras and while the general shutter arrangement is similar to earlier cameras, the shutter and transport engineering evolved to make use of better materials and construction, ball bearings as well as fine adjusters for 1/500th speeds and below and for 1/1000th. As a result, we are more confident in returning the camera to correct functionality. For these cameras we carry out a full and more detailed service/overhaul including calibration of the shutter to the correct standard. This includes shutter tensions and slit width adjustments. The calibration of a focal plane shutter allows for 1/3rd stop deviation, that is 1/500th overall shutter speed but more importantly, the deviation in exposure from one side of a negative to the other should also be within 1/3rd of a stop. This is usually the case at 1/1000th but if in certain cases, if camera has experienced a great deal of wear and tear, the deviation may exceed 1/3rd of a stop. In general, we favour getting 1/500th and below to be as accurate as possible at the expense of a slight loss of accuracy at 1/1000th although in most cases, the camera should be perfectly useable at that shutter speed without an impact on performance.

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Leica M - FSO (Full Service/Overhaul)

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We don't offer CLA on Leica M. Because the term CLA is used very loosely, any Leica M or IIIf variant/IIIg received with a CLA request will be fully serviced to our FSO standard. Our Leica M service requires a full stripdown. This doesn't describe every step but will give a good idea of what we do. Always let us know of any particular problems you may have experienced with the camera, so we can check that they have been rectified - especially any intermittent problems: All shutter components are cleaned and lubricated to the correct standard. The baffle is removed and repainted if required. The baffle plush strips are removed and re-glued or replaced if necessary. Slow speed escapement cleaned and bearings lube. Shutter curtains are checked for holes/curling (curling can lead to light leaks).

 

Blind tensions are reset, shutter slit width calibrated and shutter speeds set to standard. Transport mechanism is cleaned and serviced and all timings are checked and adjusted. The advance block is serviced and checked, paying attention to the forward transport clutch. Parts refaced or replaced as required. Shutter brake serviced and new friction disc fitted. Flash sync checked and contacts cleaned. Rewind mechanism serviced and in the case of M4 and beyond, we make sure there is no binding of the mechanism and that the take up spool clutch is set correctly.

 

We also service the rangefinder assembly and will carry out remedial work as required. In certain cases, the entire rangefinder assembly may require a full rebuild or prism repair. A blacked-out rangefinder is a good example. This is not normally required during a service. There would be an extra cost associated with this complex job and it can be done as a stand alone job. Please see our pricelist. The rangefinder is also properly calibrated to be accurate through 1m to infinity. New light seals fitted as required.

 

We will also attend to minor defects in the vulcanite by carrying out localised repairs if possible as part of the service but it up to you to let us know if you would like us to reskin the camera at the same time. Anything that wouldn't be required during a normal service, like major other parts, rangefinder rebuild as mentioned, shutter curtains, strap lugs etc are not included. If we find a problem we will generally let you know or you would advise us to do the extra work while we have your camera and it is less expensive as at some point your camera will have been fully dismantled. On completion, on all cameras that have a black wax seal on the lens mount, we apply our own seal, impressed with a 'W' to signify we worked on your camera. You will also be provided with a written report of all work carried out.

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Spot Repairs

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If your camera has been recently serviced and you are happy with the camera performance it may be possible to 'spot repair' particular faults. Things like a frame counter not zeroing, repairing a dent or replacing a window or the rangefinder being out of calibration or maybe the prism shifting, requiring constant calibration, these may be fixable without servicing your camera. Some of these things are covered in the 'standalone work' section of our pricelist or we may simply charge on a labour only basis. This may not be a good idea if the camera is really in need of a full service and may prove to be a false economy. If unsure, speak to us or send your camera in telling us you would like us to do a spot repair and we will advise. We don't charge for looking at your camera. If we don't fix it, you pay for the return postage - that's it.