Hi I recently obtained an M3 which I had CLA'd. I've noticed that it is somewhat more difficult to mount/unmount any of my lenses(all current generation)on the M3 as compared to either of my M6's. Does this sound like a lubrication issue? Something overlooked during the recent CLA? I can't imagine the mount on the M3 being bent or out of alignment. Any ideas? TIA. Richard

-- Richard Fulco (calcinc@mn.rr.com), February 11, 2002

Answers

Back when I was using M3s, I sent one into Leica USA for a CLA. I know that the top plate was removed because the finder was very hazy when I sent it in, and it was perfect upon its return to me. I also noticed a distinct stiffness when mounting and un-mounting lenses that was not there before I sent it in. It was sometime later that I found the problem.

If you look at the camera, without any lens on it, you can see a section of the top plate that extends down and conforms to the shape of the top part of the lens mount opening. On the camera with the problem, one side was not behind the actual mount, but was forward of it. I had another M3, and both sides of the top plate were behind the mount, so I knew something was wrong. I should have sent the camera back, but I was impatient, so I unscrewed the mount until I could slip the metal from the plate under it and then tightened everything up. My lens mounted fine from then on. I also did a quick test of a flat surface with a fast lens used wide open and I had good corner to corner sharpness, so I was sure I didn't alter the mount in relation to the film plane. If I had any problems, I would have just sent it back, but everything was fine after my self-help correction of the problem.

I was a bit disappointed that it got out of Leica with an obvious flaw that should have been seen, but other than that the CLA was perfect... the camera was like new.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), February 11, 2002.

I have three M cameras and all have a different feel when mounting lenses. The TTL is as smooth as butter, the M2 is stiffer all the way through, and, the M4-2 is just stiff at the end. If you are concerned about it, use a cotton swap to apply a tiny amount of petroleum jelly to the lens mount. Then wipe it down with a lint free cloth. After that I would not worry about it at all.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), February 11, 2002.

I noticed that current production Leica lenses are hard to mount on a "new" M4 I bought, although they slip right on a new M6. On the other hand, Leitz lenses of the same era as the M4 mounted easily on my M4. A very responsible repair person told me that this is not uncommon. The M4 and lenses built at that time were built to a very high tolerance standard....no slop allowed here. As far as picture taking goes, it probably makes little difference. It is probably why some people say the M4 was the best-made camera by Leica, although as far as use goes, the M6 is fine.

-- Maurice J. Tepper (judiknit@earthlink.net), February 11, 2002.

Some are easier than others,unless faulty assembly in Al Smiths.. Rather than petroleum jelly,use a lil,i really mean very,very, little silicon grease.Put a lil on finger,almost just visible and wipe around camera female bayonet.Try lens.If still stiff try a little more. When its smooth,ya done it.I had a 90mm Tele-Elmarit that was damaged in a very short distance fall.One of the flanges of the bayonet fitting reqd a small of filing with a polishing file!Note i am a watchmaker.Do not attempt this unless you are trained in fine precision work.

-- jason gold. (leeu72@hotmail.com), February 11, 2002.

As others have pointed out, it's less of a lubrication issue than the fact that there's fit & finish variation between the different models (& examples w/in models) of the M cameras--it's inevitable w/any mechanical device. My M3 has a much tighter lens mount than my M2. Using petroleum jelly or whatever may help some, but it's really nothing to worry about (unless you also notice some focus problems).

-- Chris Chen (furcafe@NOSPAMcris.com), February 12, 2002.

This can get very weird - I have a 90 Tele-Elmarit that is very smooth mounting and dismounting from my M4-2, VERY stiff dismounting from a M4-P, scratchy-feeling mounting/dismounting from a Hexar RF, and fairly smooth when I try it on others' M6s.

All my other lenses are smooth on any body - I guess there is just some random variation on how much a lens or camera mount has worn over time, and whether the wear smooths or roughens the mounting surfaces

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), February 12, 2002.