M3 Rangefinder Issue?

[pharyngula]

I'm interested in purchasing an M3 from a local camera shop. It is a high serial number SS user in good cosmetic and functional condition. The finder is bright and the patch looks nice and contrasty.

However, I noticed that the patch and the frame lines, have what appear to be a few subtle but noticeable hairline-like cracks running through them. Is this anything to worry about - I've yet to see this mentioned in any posts about the M3 and I can't find it by searching. From what I've read, this doesn't sound symptomatic of decementing - or does it?

I own an MP but don't have much experience looking through M3's. Thanks for any advice - I'd like to pull the trigger on the M3 otherwise.

 

[mdarnton]

Sounds like strands of dust? I used to have some of that on my M3 framelines.

 

[boomguy57]

Depends on the price. If it's a good deal, go for it. If it's not, talk to them and see if they'll adjust their price for you since you'd like to have it serviced.

Either way, I'd send it to DAG and have him sort it out.

 

[pharyngula]

Thanks for the advice - I don't think it is dust. He has a couple of M3's and in one of them I can see what looks like strands of dust near the patch but this looks different; like very fine "cracks" but only limited to patch and frame lines. The price is ok as far as I can tell but maybe I can talk him down a little.

It does impress upon me, however, the need to look through an M3 before buying - if at all possible. Or perhaps buying from reputable (and knowledgeable) folks here on RFF but seems like not many M3s offered of late......

 

[Rob-F]

My M2 finder is similar. At a Leica annual meeting, they have a man from the factory who will check out any Leicas submitted. You turn it in in the morning, and before dinner they hand it back with a report. I was told the cracks are from loss of silvering of the prism. I don't worry, it doesn't stop me from using the camera.

 

[Lflex]

... I was told the cracks are from loss of silvering of the prism...

Probably thin cracks in the mirror coating. It wouldn't be too concerned, but be aware that it probably won't go away with an overhaul - in case it bothers you. It would probably take a resilvering.

Decementing is a whole other beast - and it doesn't sound like that from your description.

 

[boomguy57]

Funny...I was just thinking of posting my M3 in the classifieds. PM me if you are interested at all!

Trevor

Thanks for the advice - I don't think it is dust. He has a couple of M3's and in one of them I can see what looks like strands of dust near the patch but this looks different; like very fine "cracks" but only limited to patch and frame lines. The price is ok as far as I can tell but maybe I can talk him down a little.

It does impress upon me, however, the need to look through an M3 before buying - if at all possible. Or perhaps buying from reputable (and knowledgeable) folks here on RFF but seems like not many M3s offered of late......