Leica IIIG - stiff film wind knob

[infrar3d]

I recently acquired a very pretty IIIG. It's in beautiful condition, and almost everything seems to still work reasonably well. But on the test roll I noticed that the film wind knob was very stiff. When I finished the roll, I put a couple drops of naphtha on the knob and worked it back and forth for a few minutes. It seemed much better with the second roll of film but halfway through it became stiff again. Is this something I can fix myself? Will another application of naphtha eventually loosen it up? Or is it time for a CLA?

 

[qqphot]

Do you mean the wind knob (i.e., advance to the next frame) or the rewind knob (wind exposed film back into the cassette)? In terms of low-impact DIY attempts, the latter is much easier to get at.

 

[infrar3d]

The wind knob. Thanks for clarifying.

 

[Kino]

Any time you get a binding wind knob/lever on a focal plane shutter, you need to be cautious about continuing to use it. It could be just lubrication OR something going South in the actual shutter assembly, which will destroy the camera's functionality.

Be safe; stop using it and get a CLA if you value the camera.

 

[Don_ih]

The wind knob is completely tied in to the shutter cocking mechanism through gears. Any of the gears in the line could be gummed up. Also, check that the rewind shaft is rotating easily. I have a Leica III that had a stiff rewind knob that caused the winding to also become stiff (since that shaft turns as the film is advanced).

Lighter fluid won't lubricate anything. It can make grease migrate to various places within the camera, though.

 

[infrar3d]

Warnings heeded. Thanks. So, who’s recommended for a CLA on Barnacks in the US these days? I’m in the southeast if that matters.

 

[GregY]

Warnings heeded. Thanks. So, who’s recommended for a CLA on Barnacks in the US these days? I’m in the southeast if that matters.

I'd go with DAG.... he's still the ne plus ultra....

 

[mshchem]

Maybe without a roll of film try working the wind, then fire, work through all the shutter speeds, look for anything else. Probably very nice because it's been " resting" for some time. Maybe try 1 more drop of lighter fluid if you want to. I have some old Kodak movie film cleaner that I've used to "fix" old Hasselblad backs

 

[blee1996]

Maybe without a roll of film try working the wind, then fire, work through all the shutter speeds, look for anything else. Probably very nice because it's been " resting" for some time. Maybe try 1 more drop of lighter fluid if you want to. I have some old Kodak movie film cleaner that I've used to "fix" old Hasselblad backs

I will also try the above without film in the camera. Also make sure the rewind knob is entirely free to move in both directions. Also make sure you load the film the "Leica Barnack" way, and check there is no shredded film bits in the take-up spool and other obvious mechanical paths.

If the problem persists without film, then it is time for CLA. I will recommend Youxin Ye for CLA, fast turnaround and reasonably priced.

 

[mshchem]

I will also try the above without film in the camera. Also make sure the rewind knob is entirely free to move in both directions. Also make sure you load the film the "Leica Barnack" way, and check there is no shredded film bits in the take-up spool and other obvious mechanical paths.

If the problem persists without film, then it is time for CLA. I will recommend Youxin Ye for CLA, fast turnaround and reasonably priced.

Ye fixed a couple of Leicas for me, reasonable prices, I had a 3 month wait, very popular fellow.

 

[armadsen]

I've had YYE CLA two Barnacks for me in the last few years (a Leica IIIg and a IIIf). The IIIf also needed new shutter curtains. In both cases he did an excellent job, and the cameras came back working as good as new. I can recommend him without hesitation. DAG has a sterling reputation as well of course, but I've never used him.