Leica R3

[Mark Layne]

Anybody had a problem with a Leica R3/Minolta XE-7 which has erratic shutter speeds when set on 'automatic'?
Mark

 

[nemo999]

Anybody had a problem with a Leica R3/Minolta XE-7 which has erratic shutter speeds when set on 'automatic'?
Mark

What does "erratic" mean? Wrong speeds giving bad exposure or the shutter not running properly and giving uneven exposure? I have 3 examples of R3, they were virtually identical insofar as they had been amateur owned and looked after well, were cosmetically in mint condition, had not been used for a long time and needed servicing to deal with the same 2 problems, firstly perished door seals, and secondly a dirty (oxidized) commutator ring that transferred aperture values and resulted in the meter giving around 2 stops over-exposure. At no time did I have a shutter sticking or running unevenly, although I am sure this is possible. If your camera is like mine, all the problems are caused by lack of use rather than wear or component failure, which means that a CLA will cure them all!

 

[Rol_Lei Nut]

Especially the early "R"s were prone to electronic problems...

While most of the "dodgy" one have long been fixed by now, it is (was) the typical problem for these cameras.

 

[michiel fokkema]

Hi,
I've had two R3's. They always used to work perfectly.
Then I switched to a R8. After a few years in the closet both R3's had developed this problem.

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema

 

[Uncle Bill]

I Have a XE-7, no troubles, yet.

 

[Mark Layne]

Hi,
I've had two R3's. They always used to work perfectly.
Then I switched to a R8. After a few years in the closet both R3's had developed this problem.

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema

Yes I think the closet has been part of the problem, but it has not been stored anywhere damp. I don't suppose exercising she thing is going to help any.
I really like good old chrome and brass cameras

 

[Mark Layne]

I Have a XE-7, no troubles, yet.

I must check my XE-7 again. I seem to remember querying something on that shutter too