Vickko
Veteran
yeah, the dot at the focus window would drive me crazy. But the OP says he'll CLA the camera.
Help assessing condition of M3 viewfinder
- Thread starter niten
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I'd hope the CLA would take care of the dot, but I'd still want to know what is actually causing it before proceeding. Fungus, separation, or maybe just a dust bunny?
Classique
Well-known
I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet, but this spot (indicated by the red arrow) on the focus patch would bug me. May not bug others though...
Maybe it would be a good idea to get some pictures of the rangefinder window (tiny rectangular window) to see if there is something on it. My M4-2 shows 2 tiny black specs in the second image from small spots of dust on the inside of the rangefinder window.
But as OP is getting a CLA, it should easily be fixed during that time.
niten
Newbie
Seems like good news based on the responses to the previous pictures.
The seller has been a pleasure to deal with up to this point. He has been easy to communicate with and has willingly been taking photos, to the best of his ability, to give an accurate idea of the condition of the M3. Furthermore when I first showed concern over the condition of the viewfinder the seller opted to drop $100 off his already decent asking price. The extra $100 would go a long way towards helping us pay for a proper CLA. That said, I still have my reservations, partly due to my unfamiliarity. I will run past all the input that I have received on this forum past my siblings, and hopefully come to a decision on if this is the route we want to go. I might also give Tamarkin a call to explore that option as well.
Just for clarification, I wanted to go over what I am taking away from everyone's comments on the viewfinder's condition. The dimness of the 135mm frameline and the dark spot on the rangefinder patch could possibly be fixed (or made slightly better) with a proper CLA? The possible causes could vary from more simplistic problems like dirt & fungus to something more serious such as separation (or de-silvering? -- not sure I understand what that might look like or if it is a viewfinder issue).
There were a few other misc. shots he sent today that I will include below.
First two pictures are of the small window on the top left face of the M3. EDIT -- I noticed Classique's post after I posted this reply. These shots were included today, but as they were unfocused I did not include them originally
If you notice anything I might have overlooked please don't hesitate to point it out.
The seller has been a pleasure to deal with up to this point. He has been easy to communicate with and has willingly been taking photos, to the best of his ability, to give an accurate idea of the condition of the M3. Furthermore when I first showed concern over the condition of the viewfinder the seller opted to drop $100 off his already decent asking price. The extra $100 would go a long way towards helping us pay for a proper CLA. That said, I still have my reservations, partly due to my unfamiliarity. I will run past all the input that I have received on this forum past my siblings, and hopefully come to a decision on if this is the route we want to go. I might also give Tamarkin a call to explore that option as well.
Just for clarification, I wanted to go over what I am taking away from everyone's comments on the viewfinder's condition. The dimness of the 135mm frameline and the dark spot on the rangefinder patch could possibly be fixed (or made slightly better) with a proper CLA? The possible causes could vary from more simplistic problems like dirt & fungus to something more serious such as separation (or de-silvering? -- not sure I understand what that might look like or if it is a viewfinder issue).
There were a few other misc. shots he sent today that I will include below.
First two pictures are of the small window on the top left face of the M3. EDIT -- I noticed Classique's post after I posted this reply. These shots were included today, but as they were unfocused I did not include them originally
If you notice anything I might have overlooked please don't hesitate to point it out.
Livesteamer
Well-known
If I remember correctly, the M3 had three different rangefinder units over its lifetime. This one shown has the last unit, with the depth of field notches visible in one of the photos. Has he given you the serial number of the M3? I have an early M3 but it has the dof notches which means my M3 is a Bitsa. Bits of this one and bits of that one. Joe
niten
Newbie
This possibility had not occurred to me, but he has supplied some shots with the serial number shown (#1,044,xxx). Does this serial# line up with the body/parts shown?
Livesteamer
Well-known
That is a late and desirable serial number. That along with the other photos suggest that this is a clean M3 of the last series. It looks like a good camera. Joe
hepcat
Former PH, USN
To give a little perspective here, you need to remember that this is a fifty year old camera. You are not getting a guarantee that it's going to be in new condition, nor are you getting a guarantee that a CLA will restore everything to new condition. You've indicated that the seller seems to be honest, and you've gotten a better representation of the camera in photos than I've EVER gotten on a used camera. This camera is clean, late serial, seems to be in much-better-than-average condition, and you've indicated that the price is fair and reasonable. You've decided that you can spring for a CLA if it's necessary.
Other than buying a new MP, I don't think you're going to find a better deal.
Other than buying a new MP, I don't think you're going to find a better deal.
KoNickon
Nick Merritt
I agree with the previous post -- the seller seems on the up and up, and has already given you a discount off his price. While the issues we see with the viewfinder appear to be things that a CLA will address, you won't know until the repairer actually checks it out. So that's a bit of a crap shoot. But I haven't heard anyone in this thread saying that either the 135 frameline or the spot in the RF patch are definite indications of costly problems, or otherwise saying "walk away." That's encouraging!
For me I think it comes down to how much the price is, even with the $100 off. While I'd like to reward the seller for his honesty, the fact he can't give a warranty the way a Tamarkin can means he has to be giving you a price that's better than what a dealer would give you. You have to factor in the cost of the CLA. For what it's worth, Youxin Ye should be able to work on this for a very reasonable fee and do it quickly. If the issues are beyond his ability, that's when you bring in a DAG or Sherry Krauter.
For me I think it comes down to how much the price is, even with the $100 off. While I'd like to reward the seller for his honesty, the fact he can't give a warranty the way a Tamarkin can means he has to be giving you a price that's better than what a dealer would give you. You have to factor in the cost of the CLA. For what it's worth, Youxin Ye should be able to work on this for a very reasonable fee and do it quickly. If the issues are beyond his ability, that's when you bring in a DAG or Sherry Krauter.
Ljós
Well-known
Yep, it looks like a low-mileage camera. That can still mean that it will need tender loving care (relube/adjust), but the good news is that the camera's mechanics (film transport etc.) are unlikely to be worn out.
The blob in the rangefinder patch would annoy me, too. But in one of the pictures you can see that the contrast of primary and secondary rangefinder images is quite good, that is to say, focussing the camera should be snappy.
If the price is good, I'd say: thumbs up!
Greetings, Ljós
The blob in the rangefinder patch would annoy me, too. But in one of the pictures you can see that the contrast of primary and secondary rangefinder images is quite good, that is to say, focussing the camera should be snappy.
If the price is good, I'd say: thumbs up!
Greetings, Ljós
Rotarysmp
Established
My M2 had a similar weak frame line (the 90 on the M2). When I repaired the stuck shutter, I cleaned the frame line frame and exposed viewfinder surfaces with a cotton bud and IPA, and my frame lines are as strong as new.
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/film-forum/236485-diy-repairs.html
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/film-forum/236485-diy-repairs.html
Monochrom
Well-known
Hi, that stain/blob in rather triangular shape could be dust particle...it´s 50 yo camera it should have even more of those things...it´s rather large thou...
Perhaps when you use it the blob will fall to be never seen again...it happens!
Perhaps when you use it the blob will fall to be never seen again...it happens!
niten
Newbie
Alright I think we've all but decided to bite the bullet and purchase the M3 in question.
I will send it to get a CLA, and hopefully that will take care of the supposed dust in the viewfinder. I have taken note of the names that KoNickon had mentioned as suggestions above for the CLA (Youxin Ye, DAG, Sherry Krauter). If there are any other names that some might suggest please don't hesitate to mention them as I will be looking into them all.
As many have pointed out the buyer's communication has been stellar during the whole process, and has gone a long way in deciding to do business with him. I do realize I can't expect like-new condition on such an old item, but I am just trying my best to make as informed a purchased as possible for someone who knows very little on the subject. That said, I am pleased with the M3 in question, and I can holy hope both my siblings and my father will feel the same way in a couple months.
Thanks again for all the help and guidance to everyone who posted. It was extremely helpful.
I'll drop by after the CLA to let everyone know how it went.
I will send it to get a CLA, and hopefully that will take care of the supposed dust in the viewfinder. I have taken note of the names that KoNickon had mentioned as suggestions above for the CLA (Youxin Ye, DAG, Sherry Krauter). If there are any other names that some might suggest please don't hesitate to mention them as I will be looking into them all.
As many have pointed out the buyer's communication has been stellar during the whole process, and has gone a long way in deciding to do business with him. I do realize I can't expect like-new condition on such an old item, but I am just trying my best to make as informed a purchased as possible for someone who knows very little on the subject. That said, I am pleased with the M3 in question, and I can holy hope both my siblings and my father will feel the same way in a couple months.
Thanks again for all the help and guidance to everyone who posted. It was extremely helpful.
I'll drop by after the CLA to let everyone know how it went.
islaloha
Newbie
Hi everyone !
I am writing here because I got a similar problem on my M2.
I wonder if @niten got his M3 fixed, and how much it costed him.
Anyone knows how to reach him ? 🙂
Thanks !
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