Leica IIIF Dim Viewfinder

[dave y]

I have recently bought a Leica IIIF but checking the serial number i have discovered it started life as a IIIC.
On inspection i have noticed that the rangefinder double image is very faint and hard to focus. I have done the black marker pen trick and now it is really good. In a few months if i send the camera off for a service will the dim viewfinder be rectified during the service or is it an extra charge?
Thanks

 

[Nikon Bob]

It may be that you will need the beamsplitter mirror replaced to restore the RF patch. That would cost extra over and above a CLA.

Bob

 

[dave y]

Thanks for that Bob.
Out of interest how good are the viewfinders when they are clean and working properly?
Are they ever really bright at all or are they normally quite dim?

 

[xayraa33]

Thanks for that Bob.
Out of interest how good are the viewfinders when they are clean and working properly?
Are they ever really bright at all or are they normally quite dim?

once the 50/50 beamsplitter mirror is replaced and all the optics are cleaned, it is like going from night to day.

 

[Dingo]

Thanks for that Bob.
Out of interest how good are the viewfinders when they are clean and working properly?
Are they ever really bright at all or are they normally quite dim?

Bright enough, I got my IIIf did such repair.

 

[Nikon Bob]

once the 50/50 beamsplitter mirror is replaced and all the optics are cleaned, it is like going from night to day.

I will second that. I had two LTMs done and it was worth every penny.

Bob

 

[dave y]

I'll be getting the job done in the near future then.
Thanks for the advice guys.
Dave

 

[Sonnar Brian]

Youxin Ye replaced the beamsplitter on three of my Barnack Leica's. They are much more usable after the replacement.

 

[wolves3012]

Not quite the camera, I know but I replaced the mirror on a FED 1 recently and the difference was HUGE. The mirror had deteriorated with age and I got a replacement via that auction site, cut to size.