Part for Wild M3Z

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Pitufo
Posts: 260
Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2015 4:32 am
Location: United Kingdom

Part for Wild M3Z

Post by Pitufo »

Hi

I'm looking for a small internal part to fix a broken M3Z if someone has a non-working one for spares.

I need the small axle/wheel that rides along the guide. I'll post a photo if someone thinks they may have one.

Thanks,

John

Scarodactyl
Posts: 1617
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2018 10:26 am

Re: Part for Wild M3Z

Post by Scarodactyl »

A user over on microbehinter had (I think) a similar issue with a Leoca mz6 and the part needed was a 6mm od flange bearing https://www.microbehunter.com/microscop ... =5&t=14252

Pitufo
Posts: 260
Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2015 4:32 am
Location: United Kingdom

Re: Part for Wild M3Z

Post by Pitufo »

Brilliant, thanks Scarodactyl. That link is very useful.

It turns out the (micro) bearings are quite widely available

e.g. https://www.smbbearings.com/products/st ... rings.html

I think what is needed is a 5mm O.D./2.0mm bore/1.5mm width. (non-flanged).

My guess is this one https://www.smbbearings.com/firebrick/c ... x1.5mm.pdf

I also need to make a small "axle" to mount it on. If I'm successful I'll post details.

PeteM
Posts: 178
Joined: Sat Jan 05, 2019 12:06 am
Location: West Coast, USA

Re: Part for Wild M3Z

Post by PeteM »

In my case (Leica MZ6, and similar to your Wild M3Z), the 6mm OD and 3mm ID worked out. The flange is useful in keeping the bearing aligned on the cam without requiring the bearing ID to be either an interference fit (hard pressed) or permanently attached to the mating shaft. Sourced (and cheap) from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YC ... UTF8&psc=1

Pitufo
Posts: 260
Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2015 4:32 am
Location: United Kingdom

Re: Part for Wild M3Z

Post by Pitufo »

Thanks Pete

I found it quite hard to measure the bore but I thought I'd just get one of these and see if it matches.

https://www.wychbearings.co.uk/682_mini ... _open.html

I'm hoping I can mount it on the end of a 10mm (M2?) bolt somehow. Flanged may have been a better option.

Pitufo
Posts: 260
Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2015 4:32 am
Location: United Kingdom

Re: Part for Wild M3Z

Post by Pitufo »

I realise we're straying from the area of equipment exchange here but I've added images showing the problem in case it is useful for someone in future.
axle_text.jpg
This is the "axle" that needs replacing (along with the microbearing).
bearing_diagram.jpg
I think the reason this happens is a lack of lubrication of the vertical guides (quite common in this model) causing the lenses to "stick" in place. When the lenses come free they then have a long way to travel and hit the guide cam with force.

Pitufo
Posts: 260
Joined: Sun Jun 21, 2015 4:32 am
Location: United Kingdom

Re: Part for Wild M3Z

Post by Pitufo »

Here is my attempted fix for the M3Z part just in case it is useful for someone. Not fully tested yet.
m3zbolt.jpg
From left to right:

1) M2 x 10 screw (the conical head slightly ground down on the thread side so that it sits as flush as possible to the microbearing. The flat head can also be ground down if too prominent).
2) 5mm O.D./2.0mm bore/1.5mm width (non-flanged*) microbearing
3) M2 nut - the first nut next to the microbearing is ground to turn it from hexagonal to circular shape, so that the metal lever can hang on it. Threadlock applied.
4) small gap (where spring hangs)
5) M2 nut
6) Not shown - M2 nut (to hold in place on lens platform)

* an alternative is to use the flanged version as suggested by Pete M.

Scarodactyl
Posts: 1617
Joined: Sat Apr 14, 2018 10:26 am

Re: Part for Wild M3Z

Post by Scarodactyl »

Nice work! Please let us know how it works for you.

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