Note: I’m lacking photos at the moment. Will get them up as time allows.
Tools Needed
Screwdrivers (#00 Philips)
Flexiclamp (10mm and ~14mm)
The Leica CL top plate is surprisingly easy to remove. It is secured at 4 points which are easily accessed with a minimum of tools.
First, remove the film advance lever. You will need to use a flexiclamp of a suitable size. I did not have one, so I padded my 16mm flexiclamp with some rubber hosing. That worked. The actual diameter needed is around 14mm. Unscrew (counter-clockwise)the flat screw holding the lever to the body. Remove the lever and rings, noting the order of the washers underneath.
Second, remove the collar around the shutter release. The 10mm flexiclamp fits snugly. Unscrew counter-clockwise and remove.
Third, there is a screw underneath the wind lever. Using the #00 Philips screwdriver, remove it.
Lastly, there are a pair of screws securing the top strap lug in place. These are accessed from the inside of the body. So take off the back, and look at the side where the film canister ought to go. You should see two screws close to the edge. Remove these with the #00 Philips screwdriver. The strap lug should fall out if you tilt the camera to the side.
At this point, you have removed all the parts retaining the top plate to the body, so go ahead and slide it off.
Good luck doing whatever it is you wanted to do inside! And as a disclaimer, you follow these instructions at your own risk. ;)
Comment
Do you remember how to get the little keyed washer to stay at the right angle when you put the film advance lever back on? I’ve taken mine apart, and now I can’t get the film advance tight enough without sticking. I think I have all the washers in the right order, bottom to top I have thin aluminum washer, black collar, film advance lever, keyed washer. If I get the top screw on tight enough, the lever binds. Any ideas? Thanks.
Jimmy
— jimmy · 10 September 08 · #
you do not need to remove the top cover to regulate the rangefinder, it is regulated from outside
— Konrad · 30 November 08 · #
Konrad,
Yes, you do not need to remove the top cover to adjust the rangefinder.
However, trying to adjust it blindly through the small hole in the top is rather difficult. I found it easier to remove the top to see how the mechanism works.
— Justin · 30 November 08 · #
Some pics would be nice.
My meter needle could be stuck, I want to remove the top plate to give the needle a push.
— Alan · 27 August 09 · #
Hi!
I have removed the view finder from the body in an attempt to re-silver the rangefinder prism. By reassembly I am have difficulties as I can not remember, after a pause of 3 years inbetween, where the parts belong to. Would you have some pictures of the CL with the top cover removed?
Many thanks in advance.
Regards
Li
— Li · 4 November 12 · #