Does the M3 rangefinder focus down to 0.7m?

[macmx]

Hi there,

I recently purchased an M3 SS (which I don't have access to at the moment), which I have only used with a Summicron DR. However, I wish to primarily use the body with my 50mm Summilux ASPH, which focuses down to 0.7m.

My question is whether the M3 rangefinder will be able to focus down to 0.7m with the Summilux, or is the M3 body somehow limited to 1.0m or something else? And what about parallax compensation of the frame lines?

Any help is much appreciated. Thank you. 🙂

 

[lukx]

The M3 naturally focuses down to 1m, but it is an easy mod to make it focus closer. You'll have to (very carefully) bend a part of the rangefinder arm in the camera so that it stops the arm's movement at a later point (further out). I have done this with my M3 SS without issues (don't know if it works for early DS models). You can find instructions online. Since it is a delicate mechanism, the right tools, patience and a calm hand are important.

 

[macmx]

Okay, thanks so much. I will be getting the camera CLA'd and possibly repainted as well, so this can be done at the same time by a professional I think.

If it wasn't possible, I would probably look into getting my MP viewfinder changed too the 0.85x one, as I only shoot 135 with the 50mm - everything else is medium format.

 

[sanmich]

I'm not sure how easy it is, but I seem to remember that depending on the M3 model, you can get something like 0.8m, or reach a full 0.7m.

 

[albertospa]

I easily made the change on my M3. Now focuses up to 70cm. A lot of attention and patience. I used pliers with a narrow, curved nose. Similar to this
https://www.amazon.it/ALYCO-170536-semirredondas-Resistance-bimaterial/dp/B019EJ1QD2/ref=sr_1_6?__mk_it_IT=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&dchild=1&keywords=pinza+becco+curvo&qid=1610620469&sr=8-6

 

[former member]

I had (and sold) an M3 SS that was modified for 0.7m. The Parallax correction drops out at about 0.8m.