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The myth of smoothness of leicas

I started with an M6TTL and then got an M2 after.

I am so used to the M6 having a slight drag whenever film is latched correctly. Many times I find myself questioning whether I loaded the M2 right as the wind is so smooth, there is no difference to when there is no film loaded.
 

My M2 is also buttery smooth, even smoother than my M4 or M4. But, I wonder if that's just 65 years of the brass gears lapping in.
 
My M2 is just back from DAG, and the winding movement is smooth as silk. My other Ms are smooth, but not as smooth as the M2.
 
This might be going against the grain, but if smooth nice wind is important, check out the Nikon FE. Silky wind!

Dale
 
images39 said:
This might be going against the grain, but if smooth nice wind is important, check out the Nikon FE. Silky wind!

Dale
Click to expand...

The F3 too, at least the samples I came across with. An effortless glide.
 
images39 said:
This might be going against the grain, but if smooth nice wind is important, check out the Nikon FE. Silky wind!

Dale
Click to expand...

Absolutely true. I don’t know how Nikon did it but it is way smoother than my M2.
 
Dali said:
Absolutely true. I don’t know how Nikon did it but it is way smoother than my M2.
Click to expand...

Likewise the Pentax LX.
 
Even the Roleiflex XF35 has a silky smooth action (despite the plastic body)
 
RezaLoghme said:
Even the Roleiflex XF35 has a silky smooth action (despite the plastic body)
Click to expand...

I have a feeling you meant to refer to the 35mm Rollei cameras here, not the Rolleiflex cameras, which are larger film format.
 
When I was looking at getting a decent upgrade in terms of a 35mm SLR, late 1974, one option was a Rollei, however they had quickly built up a reputation for issues and build quality. Then there were few third party lenses for them.

I have used a Leica M3 for nearly 40 years, what's important is it still works smoothly despite its age and a lot of use, there's no feeling of anything having wear.

Perhaps a comparison of the opposite is an Exacta Varex IIb, while it works well the wind mechanism has a looseness from wear.

Ian
 
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