Leica LTM Cleaning the veiwfinder optics on my IIIf

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
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robertcambab

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All,

What is the best way to clean the veiwfinder and focusing windows on my IIIf. I find them very difficult to access with my cleaning cloths and to remove the cover would be problematic. looking for some handy tips folks.

Many thanks,

Campbell.
 
I use a blower-bulb / canned-air to blow-off any loose dust, then carefully take some clean cotton swabs ( Q-tip, or other quality brand), and a tiny drop of lens cleaning fluid, and gently twirl the swab against the window. Follow with a dry swab.

This works pretty well for cleaning the exterior VF / RF windows.

The front windows will unscrew from the camera, if you feel compelled to clean the inside surfaces of them; I'm am reluctant to disassemble any part of a Leica, due to previous regrettable experiences due to my own clumsiness.

When you're done with the swabs, again use the blower / air to remove any lint.

Should you remove the front windows, I would avoid the temptation to poke the swab inside the top cover to attempt to clean the mirror, any inside surfaces - there are pointy bits inside which will catch and pull strands off the swab, and you wil be forced into removing the top cover to clean them out.

I've had reasonable success with my III 's doing the external swab cleaning.

Good luck !

Luddite Frank

( some of my ancestors are from Dalry, Ayreshire.)
 
IIIf

For the viewfinder you can unscrew the rear eyepiece and use a Q tip to clean the inside of the front viewfinder window.

For rangefinder you can also unscrew the 'outer' front porthole and clean. Unless you are confident that you can adjust the rangefinder correctly do NOT unscrew the inner porthole or you will lose adjustment

Michael
 
Campbell,

A trip to Scotland is on my "life list"...

Recently discovered that ancestors on another side of the family had to leave Scotland rather hurriedly after a disastrous turn at the Battle of Preston in 1715... they were on the side attempting to put a Catholic monarch back on the throne - it didn't work out that way!

Will definitely be bringing my screw-mount Leica when I come !

Regards,

Frank
 
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