Lubricating Leica mount for older camera like M3

[Tachi]

Those whom use M3 may at times face resistance mounting lens. Due to the age of the camera, the lubricating oil on its mounting surface might have been dried up.

On the newer lenses instruction manual, Leica recommends a thin layer of Vaseline.

I have tried a typical branch of watchmaker's oil, as my M3 mount is very tight. Apply a tiny bit of it on a lens mount, then mount/unmount the lens 5 to 6 times from my M3.

Surprise surprise, now my M3 is as smooth as my M6 TTL mounting now

 

[Yatlapball]

Thanks for sharing the useful tip

 

[LowLights]

Good to know..Thanks
Cheers

 

[leej0038]

my m2 had problems mounting my 50mm hexanon. i tried applying vaseline and oil but it turned out to be an issue with the spring ring. $150 repair. ouch.

 

[dlens]

You're probably better off using cotton buds to carefully clean the metal mount parts with methylated spirits or lighter fluid. The tightness could be due to the buildup of gunk over the years. Oil based lubricants will soften the dirt around the mount but it'll eventually evaporate or outgas in this weather and either deteriorate your shutter cloth or fog your lens. The dirt if any will still remain there. That camera might not last another 50 years like this.

 

[Tachi]

Of course the mount gets a good cleaning with IPA before lubricating. As for outgassing of the oil, I am quite assure that it is not as bad as what you have mentioned, as the oil I use is found in IWC watch:bsmilie: