Is this going to be expensive?

[mwooten]

Hey folks,
I need some help/advice. I just bought a very user M3. It came today, and there seems to be a problem with the viewfinder. I've attached a lens with a VC 50/75 adapter, and my frame lines don't appear. In fact, it looks like there is a black mask inside with only the rangefinder rectangle showing. Is there anything I might easily do, or is this something that must be sent off and will cost an arm & a leg?

Thanks,
Michael

 

[jmcd]

The 50 frames should show up even with no lens attached.

I'm not sure but this sounds like blackout from prism separation.

 

[Al Kaplan]

Prism seperation isn't a cheap fix unfortunately. You probably would be best off to just return the camera. With a seperated prism it's NOT a "user".

 

[fbf]

common problem for m3 and won't be cheap to fix. better off returning it.

 

[mwooten]

Thanks y'all

 

[Ken Ford]

Question: can an M3 body take a later .72 VF assembly? Just curious...

 

[aizan]

Question: can an M3 body take a later .72 VF assembly? Just curious...

yes we can.

 

[thomasw_]

Question: can an M3 body take a later .72 VF assembly? Just curious...

Yes. In fact, according to DAG the M3 can take any later VF assembly whether .72 or ,85. I didn't ask Don about the .58 VF assembly.

 

[BillBingham2]

Ask for a MAJOR rebate or return. With the major rebate you might be able to fund new finder bits.

B2 (;->

 

[maddoc]

M4 and later cameras are not subject to this problem. The blackout in the viewfinder is a reault of this decementing.

Unfortunately, also - older - M4 can suffer form this problem, see here. Fortunately, the rangefinder of an M2 and M4 are easier to repair than that of an M3, due to the more simple construction and still available parts.

 

[Ken Ford]

yes we can.

Yes. In fact, according to DAG the M3 can take any later VF assembly whether .72 or ,85. I didn't ask Don about the .58 VF assembly.

Interesting... something for me to keep in mind!

 

[mwooten]

thanks everyone, I've contacted the seller and he quickly wrote to send it back for refund. So, I'm sending it back. This was the first M camera I've held. I do like the size and control layout. The take-up spool thing seems to be something to get used to.

 

[shadowfox]

If you don't *have to* have an M3, consider an M4-P.

It's usually cheaper, has framelines for wider lenses than 50mm, no take up spool to mess with, and just as good a rangefinder/viewfinder (which in my mind the strongest suit of the Leica M-body).

I know you're not asking for an alternative advice, just saying... 🙂