Leica M3 viewfinder problem

[TheHub]

I picked up a pretty cheap M3 yesterday. A problem I've noticed, is that the while the patch is nice and bright, the second image is quite dark and so focusing is difficult, unfortunately even in bright light.

Is this the infamous separation that people dread? Is this a repairable problem? 🙁

 

[__hh]

It may be that the mirror in your secondary window/mirror (not sure of the term) needs re-silvering. Youxin Ye should be able to help (drop him an email).

If you want, drop me an email and I should be able to dig up some previous correspondences I've had regarding this issue.

I never got around to fixing my M3 with the problem that you have. I sent it back for a refund.

 

[TheHub]

I'd rather not use him. 1.) I've had bad experiences with him in the past and 2.) he's on the other side of the planet from me.

Is this an expensive repair?

 

[rustysheepdog]

I picked up a pretty cheap M3 yesterday. A problem I've noticed, is that the while the patch is nice and bright, the second image is quite dark and so focusing is difficult, unfortunately even in bright light.

Is this the infamous separation that people dread? Is this a repairable problem? 🙁

I'm not sure if it is, but it will be repairable - one way or another. If you Google " CRR Luton " you'll find some useful information. A friend has had work done there on several occasions and been delighted.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Cleaning the surfaces in the optical path of the rangefinder unit sometimes brings old finders back to life!

 

[maddoc]

As Jon said, cleaning can help (it was the case with my DS M3) or the expensive way of resilvering the prism ... CRR Luton does the job, Youxin Ye and maybe Don from DAG also (not so sure). Don`t know if there is any repair person in Japan who re-silvers prisms.

 

[splitimageview]

To my knowledge only CRR will resilver. Youxin has performed magic for me on M3 viewfinders, and his turnaround is unmatched. Last time I talked to DAG he said he had 200 cameras in his queue...

Maybe return it for a better M3?

 

[jonmanjiro]

Kanto Camera Service based in Kawasaki can resilver prisms. Not sure how much they cost, but Japanese repair places aren't exactly known for being cheap. Could try contacting them via their website (link below).

http://www.kanto-cs.co.jp/
http://www.kanto-cs.co.jp/repair/repair.html

 

[rlouzan]

Lumiere camera?

As Jon said, cleaning can help (it was the case with my DS M3) or the expensive way of resilvering the prism ... CRR Luton does the job, Youxin Ye and maybe Don from DAG also (not so sure). Don`t know if there is any repair person in Japan who re-silvers prisms.

 

[maddoc]

Youxin has told me that he can re-cement prisms but not sure about re-silvering.

I have gold-coated myself a lot of optical mirrors at work (for building specialized IR spectrometers) but the quality of the coating is difficult to control outside a factory with certain production standards.... 😱

 

[jonmanjiro]

Probably also Hayata Labo in Asakusa. He does just about everything!

 

[maddoc]

Probably also Hayata Labo in Asakusa. He does just about everything!

As I remember Tommy Oshima recommended this shop when I had a problem with my Noctilux.

 

[jonmanjiro]

Lumiere Camera
http://lumierecamera.blog77.fc2.com/

Hayata Labo
http://www.hayatacamera.co.jp/

 

[elshaneo]

Go for CRR Luton !!!

 

[sanmich]

I would try the usual suspects before sending to CRR luton.
My guess is that DAG is able to do quite a lot if resilvering is not needed.
CRR is expensive and he didn't do a perfect job on my M3, and when I discovered it, a few months after, the guy went totally mad about it.
I have a hard time working with people that can't admit they can make even the smallest mistakes.

 

[excellent]

I am having the same problem. Just picked up a cheap m3. everything is great except the V/F. I took the top plate off but cannot get any of the viewfinder elements apart. does anyone know a good online tutorial on how to take it apart?
thanks.

 

[Riccis]

You can always send it so Solms... One of my M3s is there now for a full CLA. They are very good and on top of it as they received the camera yesterday and I already have a repair estimate from them.

Cheers,

 

[TheHub]

Thanks to everyone who responded 🙂

Maybe return it for a better M3?

This maybe the best idea. The shop had another M3 that I will have a look at today. It was only $100 more, it may be in better condition. Fingers crossed ...

 

[excellent]

You can always send it so Solms... One of my M3s is there now for a full CLA. They are very good and on top of it as they received the camera yesterday and I already have a repair estimate from them.

Cheers,

I would send it away but I just spent my money on the body haha. Have no problem trying a DIY solution. If I botch that it will get sent away.

 

[TheHub]

For another $80 I was able to exchange it for a SS 976*** M3 with a better VF & RF 🙂