M3 RF adjustment

[schmoozit]

Hi all,

Isn't it possible to adjust the M3's vertical alignment yourself? I'm pretty sure I read that it was. Further, is there a weak point in the vertical alignment that would cause it to be a recurring problem, becoming worse over time? I've never heard of this and have done a fair amount (I think) of reading.

I did try to adjust the vertical on my M3 once, but quit when I became worried about damaging something, and the camera was (and still is) easy to focus accurately anyway; even with an 85/1.9 wide open and close up. I only notice the misalignment on a very small percentage of shooting occasions.

Thanks for any help. I was informed by someone recently that the vertical alignment being slightly off was the "cancer" of the M3, and it would be totally broken eventually 😱

 

[Ronald M]

If it won`t stay adjusted, something is wrong with your camera. It could be some other components are not staying aligned and the problem shows up as vertical alignment error. Eventually you will run out of adjustment, and have to have the RF repaired.


There is no trick to it, just turn the screw.

 

[schmoozit]

Well I've never adjusted it to know whether it is recurring, I was simply told by someone that it would be. I have no reason to believe my sample would exhibit this behavior as the alignment hasn't gotten worse for the year and a half I've used it.

I've now found the pages describing the process and recall why I didn't proceed with the adjustment. Apparently, the vertical adjustment will then necessitate a horizontal adjustment. I didn't happen to have a screwdriver that fit nicely in the coupling arm, and was worried also that I might drop something and damage the shutter curtain. I've never had focusing issues, so I just left it be.

 

[laptoprob]

If you can't get it permanently corrected yourself via the screw on the front of the camera, maybe a part of the viewfinder system is loose. I had to correct the vertical alignment on my M2 after removing and replacing the front lens of the viewfinder for cleaning.

Maybe it's time for expert help then...

 

[colyn]

Isn't it possible to adjust the M3's vertical alignment yourself? I'm pretty sure I read that it was. Further, is there a weak point in the vertical alignment that would cause it to be a recurring problem, becoming worse over time? I've never heard of this and have done a fair amount (I think) of reading.

Adjusting the vertical alignment is done by turning the screw behind the cap screw next to the window on the front of the camera. If it does not properly adjust then you need to have the rf fixed.

The M-series rangefinder is a very well made product capable od accurate results and is not weak.

I was informed by someone recently that the vertical alignment being slightly off was the "cancer" of the M3, and it would be totally broken eventually 😱

There is no truth to this...

 

[clintock]

The m3 'cancer' is the balsaam separation of the main beam splitter causing the viewfinder to black out- after several decades and being dropped several times usually.
The alignments are quite robust, not as slam proof as the contax/kiev, but they have no arm to contend with.

 

[schmoozit]

The m3 'cancer' is the balsaam separation of the main beam splitter causing the viewfinder to black out- after several decades and being dropped several times usually.
The alignments are quite robust, not as slam proof as the contax/kiev, but they have no arm to contend with.

Yeah, the balsaam separation "cancer" I have heard of before. I think someone has one confused with the other.

Thanks for clarification and a little peace of mind everyone.