Leica IIIf shutter's curtain has cracks but works fine - shall I replace it?

Hello, I have bought a post-war Leica IIIf on eBay. It is in mint
condition and looks like it has not been used for 40 years but I have
noticed some small cracks on the very inner part of the shutter
curtain, which are visible only when the shutter is rewinded. All
speeds appear to be working fine including the slow ones. It also looks
as no light is passing through but I cannot be quite sure because the
back of the camera cannot be removed without disassembling it.
Is it safe to use the camera in its current condition or I need to send
it for servicing and shutter curtains replacement? Is there any other
way to repair cracs on the curtains without replacing them?
Any input is appreciated!

 

There's only one way to find out for sure, isn't there? Shoot a roll, see
what happens.

 

Just replaced the curtains on my IIIf. The curtain replacement,
cleaning viewfinder and calibration cost $180 US.... now the camera is
good to go for another 50 years. Did some research on the curtain
issues (since deleted links... sorry) and found some who use a black
cement to repair small holes in curtains. Eventually the small holes
become larger.. at least mine did.

If any light is passing through you will see it on your prints,
particularly at slower shutter speeds. The curtain material is old and
dried out, sooner or later you will likely 'snag' a curtain in this
condition while loading film... then you will have to replace the
curtain.

It's a great camera. If there are no light leaks I'd leave it alone
for now. Also be sure to use a lens cap when outdoors. This camera can
easily end up with the curtains burned through from the sun just by
setting them down for a few minutes in direct sunlight.

Enjoy your IIIf, it's a great camera.

RP©

 

Thank you for your input. I will run a few rolls to make sure it is not
leaking light. If it behaves then I shall leave it as it is and spare
£180 (I am in Europe and here we have $1 = £1 ;o) if not then
probably will send it to Leica Germany for replacement of the curtain -
the idea of filling in the cracks with cement or any other substance
does not appeal to me.
I wish Leica was not so expensive but as we say "The who has hair
should have a comb too" ;o)

 

Thank you for your advice. I will run a few rolls to make sure it is
not leaking light. If it behaves then I shall leave it as it is and
spare £180 (I am in Europe and here we have $1 = £1 ;o) if not then
probably will send it to Leica Germany for replacement of the curtain -
the idea of filling in the cracks with cement or any other substance
does not appeal to me.
Fakir