lllf veiwfinder problem

malcD

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i have a blur top center of my veiwfinder leica lllf ---- can it be cleaned by myself --- is there a prisum that you veiw through --- just can't find any pics to look at to see how it's put together --- the rangefinder is fine and works properly --- any help much needed
Malc
 
Probably dirt on the one of the reflecting surfaces of the prism. Presuming it's like a Imarect, the "reflecting" surfaces of the prism aren't silvered, they just aren't painted black like all the non-reflecting surfaces. If those surfaces are dirty, you get problems.

Removing the top cover to get there is a little tricky. Thing is that you need to remove the rims from the two rangefinder windows on the front without mauling them. You need to use a ring wrench to do this. You either buy one (Micro-Tools), or make your own from 2mm sheet brass.

Other than that, it's pretty obvious. I'd really recommend a copy of the National Camera IIIf repair manual, and Tomosy's Leica Camera Repair Handbook.
 
thanks

thanks

thank you John -- put my mind at rest -- haven't got to worry about silver mirrors--- all i've got to do now , is get books,tools and cross my fingers I dont mess up
malc
 
Another thought... after rereading Thomas Tomosy's Restoring Classic & Collectible Cameras again last night.

He suggests for removing the vf bezels: place a small piece of inner tube over
the bezel, press down and turn with a 3/8" socket.
 
Last edited:
put back together

put back together

striped and cleaned without not to many problems, but my camera must be later than the manual --- there were screws that no-body had Mentioned --- 2 under rewind dial not 1 --- 1 under focus lever that you have get at from inside body --- 3 screws on flash cam not 1 --- other bits not the same as manual or any of the site links.
but all put back together now rangefinder , veiwfinder a lot clearer now --- will not be so worried next time
thanks for the support and comments 🙂
 
striped and cleaned without not to many problems, but my camera must be later than the manual --- there were screws that no-body had Mentioned --- 2 under rewind dial not 1 --- 1 under focus lever that you have get at from inside body --- 3 screws on flash cam not 1 --- other bits not the same as manual or any of the site links.
but all put back together now rangefinder , veiwfinder a lot clearer now --- will not be so worried next time
thanks for the support and comments 🙂

Rick Oleson's pages on tripod.com has instructions for the IIIf.

That sync dial is very critical. If you don't use flash, it won't matter. But if you did, you've probably lost the proper timing positions if you removed any part without marking their/its position(s) relative to the top plate.

The IIIf is perhaps the trickiest of all Leica to service. Lots of running changes, mostly hidden. That's why in the factory service manual, there are about three or more sets of instructions- one for each of the variations, identified by serial numbers.
 
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