Leica LTM Leica IIIG Question

[photoman12001]

I snagged a IIIG & Canon 50mm f/1.8 for a decent price. Aside from a few pieces of missing leatherette, the body is beautiful and almost looks new. Everything seems to be functioning well. The only thing that seems a little weird is that distant objects look to be a bit out of focus in the viewfinder. Objects within about 15 feet look sharp but past that they're less well-defined. I don't really notice this with my IIIF. Is this a quirk of the G or a symptom of a possible issue?

IIIG

IIIF

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

The viewfinder, or the rangefinder? The rangefinder eyepiece needs to be focused at different distances, just like the IIIf. The viewfinder should be sharp at all distances. I had a IIIG for a short time (I returned it because it had shutter issues) and the finder was sharp at all distances just like any other Leica.

 

[photoman12001]

The viewfinder, or the rangefinder? The rangefinder eyepiece needs to be focused at different distances, just like the IIIf. The viewfinder should be sharp at all distances. I had a IIIG for a short time (I returned it because it had shutter issues) and the finder was sharp at all distances just like any other Leica.

Viewfinder. I'm wondering if maybe I'm focusing on the 9cm frame lines instead of just looking through them. Hopefully I can get outside tomorrow and start getting through the first roll of film. It's probably user error.

 

[KoNickon]

OK, don't be offended if I'm pointing out the obvious, but the lever underneath the rewind knob adjusts the viewfinder diopter. I've found that with my eyesight anyway (I wear glasses) I need to sometimes adjust the lever slightly for fine tuning. It may be nothing more than that.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

OK, don't be offended if I'm pointing out the obvious, but the lever underneath the rewind knob adjusts the viewfinder diopter. I've found that with my eyesight anyway (I wear glasses) I need to sometimes adjust the lever slightly for fine tuning. It may be nothing more than that.

That only adjust the rangefinder eyepiece, not the viewfinder.

 

[Glenn2]

I was just examining my 3g and used a magnifier to check the viewing and rangefinder windows. The RF window has a bit of a smudge at the bottom. Will probably try cleaning with tissue over a q-tip. They’re pretty small so it wouldn’t take much to cause a blur.

The RF focus tab moves very easily and needs checking regularly. Have tried to think of some way lock it short of a dab of silicone.

 

[KoNickon]

That only adjust the rangefinder eyepiece, not the viewfinder.

Oh, duh. Bad reading comprehension on my part. Yes, probably some sort of smudge/haze in the viewfinder.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I was just examining my 3g and used a magnifier to check the viewing and rangefinder windows. The RF window has a bit of a smudge at the bottom. Will probably try cleaning with tissue over a q-tip. They’re pretty small so it wouldn’t take much to cause a blur.

The RF focus tab moves very easily and needs checking regularly. Have tried to think of some way lock it short of a dab of silicone.

You do not want to do that; the correct focus for the rangefinder changes at different distances. The correct procedure for shooting with these cameras is:

1: Look through the rangefinder eyepiece and focus the rangefinder using the lever under the rewind knob.

2: Focus the lens by making the double image in the rangefinder come together.

3: Move your eye to the viewfinder eyepiece, compose the shot, and take the picture.

 

[photoman12001]

After using the camera for a few days I think it's fine. It does seem that my eye was trying to focus on the 9cm frame lines. If I concentrate on looking through them instead of at them everything looks ok. I snagged a 9cm f/4 Elmar at a local shop yesterday so those extra frame lines are going to come in handy. I don't need the external viewfinder with these lenses but it sure looks neat.