Damaged viewfinder, Leica M3

[Tomas M]

I dropped my m3 today, ever so stupidly, and am looking to find out what you'd call this problem. Only the rangefinder patch and framelines are visible, everything else is black. The rest of the camera works fine. I was told that it is "Decemented", is this correct?

 

[sepiareverb]

It's a trip to CRR Luton for you. Not a quick or inexpensive fix.

 

[Vickko]

The rangefinder prism has separated.

I've fixed 2 or 3 of these.

The old balsam had become brittle and the jolt was enough to knock it off.

The old prism needs to be pushed out, and the glue cleaned off, without damaging the reflective coating. Then reglued.

It is very straight-forward.

Condolences, on your unfortunate accident.

Vick

 

[Gary Sandhu]

Yes decemented and yes to what the two wise men before me said. God bless the Queen and Canada -- sorry for you and nervous about my M3. I've heard that a good jolt is all it takes .:-(

 

[ferider]

Youxin Ye does re-cement prisms as well. I suggest to send him an email.