Hair in Leica M3 focusing patch

[Jowake]

**UPDATE** It is definatley grass and not a crack as it has moved and changed shape slightly with further use.

Recently a small line has appeared in the focusing patch of my Leica M3 (see attached image). I’m presuming just a hair or small blade of grass and not a crack. It does not affect focusing at all. Aware these models are not weather or dust sealed is there a way of removing this that does not involve taking the top plate off or sending the camera away to be repaired? I have tried using a rocket air blower around the windows and screws near the affected area but it remains there. Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[splitimageview]

I've had similar situation, unfortunately it does require top removal. Which isn't hard if you have the right tools...

 

[Jowake]

Thank you, I did wonder if that would be the case. I'll look into getting the right tools. Was locating the hair fairly straight-forward in you case?

 

[punkzter]

It is possible that it's not a hair and that it is a crack? It does look awfully similar to some that I've seen.

 

[Jowake]

That is one worry I have, however there appears to be a smaller one beside it and both appeared a day after I had been sitting, photographing in a field (a rather poor choice on my part).

 

[Mackinaw]

It could be dust, but I suspect it's a crack. I'd think the odds of a piece of dust ending up directly in the middle of the focusing rectangle are slim.

Jim B.

 

[zenza]

One of my Bessas has this, though not as prominent. I don't even notice it anymore. Too scared to open the top.

 

[farlymac]

Unless it starts growing, I wouldn't worry about it.


PF