M3 viewfinder

[cameratos]

I have both the M2 and M3.My M3 viefinder is hard to focus. Unlike the M2 you see the 2 image easily where you can join it together easily.The small rectangular white focus point in the middle of M3 does not have the second image unless its a light or something.Why is that...does the camera need calibrating?

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Hmmm... hard to tell... You say you cannot see the second image unless you move the camera so the light hits it at a particular angle? Or you simply don't see it at all?

You can always send it to Don Goldberg, in DAG, for a check up.

 

[johannielscom]

Over time the internal mirroring system in the M3's rangefinder might get dusty, or mirrors might even deteriorate.

I had the top off my M3 (used specially bought custom fit tools!) and have found that when the mirrors are somewhat coudy or dusty, the rangefinder patch improves greatly when you wipe two mirrors that are in plain sight with a cotton swab, very gently. Also, clean the inside of all windows before reassembling.

With the right tools, this is a DIY job if you are very careful, since you do not want the mirrors to shift. IMHO, cleaning a sensor is more stressing and many of us consider this a DIY job as well.

But, for Pete's sake, avoid marring your camera and get the right tools! These might set you back the price of a CLA anyway on evilbay. Your choice.

Happy shooting!

 

[cameratos]

Sometimes the second image non existent, its as if it faded away...yes maybe I should it checked

 

[cameratos]

you mean if I had the right tools I can perform the cleaning myself?

 

[drewbarb]

Sounds like your M3 needs some attention. Yes, you can do it yourself, if you are at all mechanically inclined. You will indeed need the right tools (which are easy to get and not terribly expensive); you'll also want a good set of servicing instructions. These will show you how to remove the top plate of the camera and give you an idea of where are what needs to be cleaned. I suggest talking to someone with experience doing the work before you tackle the job yourself.

Once properly cleaned, the M3 should be at least as bright, contrast-y, and easy to focus and compose with as your M2.

 

[Matthew Runkel]

My sense is that it would be very unwise to open up an M3 rangefinder without specialized tools and knowledge.

I had a long discussion with Sherry Krauter a few years ago about dim M3 patches. The upshot was that a dim rangefinder patch is not easily fixed. If the camera has never been opened for service (intact L seal), then a cleaning may help. If it has been opened, someone likely already tried that. Resilvering may be an option, a service offered by CRR Luton.

 

[Beemermark]

you mean if I had the right tools I can perform the cleaning myself?

Yes you can do it yourself, however given that the camera is over half a century old and the viewfinder needs cleaning the rest of the camera needs a good cleaning, lubrication and adjustment. Send it to a good repair person and you'll love it all the more when you get it back. Ye Youxin does a great job and a simple CLA is in the $150 range and you'll have it back in a week or 3.

I hate to praise Ye too much or soon he will be over loaded and will take longer and raise his prices.

 

[Larry Manuel]

Considering the simplest solution first: Is it possible your finger is sometimes over the tiny rangefinder window? I'm not all insulting you; I do this all the time.

 

[Dunk]

M3 rangefinder repairs are a very specialised art especially as there were several different rangefinders used during the camera's production period. It is a delicate machanism and might need resilvering so best left to a professional eg CRR Luton http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/, or DAG http://www.dagcamera.com/

Peter Grisaffi of CRR wrote a 5 page article on M2/3/4 Rangefinder Restoration which was published in the UK "The Leica Society Newsletter" No. 82 Feb.2008 ... well worth a read if you can access a copy.

Cheers

dunk

 

[cameratos]

thanks guys,realy appreciate it;I got the M3 mint about a month ago; dont know if it was all at all opened;its the double stroke version.So far I have had great sharp taken from it when it is in the infinity mode,its just the struggle to find the point of focus anything below it and a little time consuming trying to spot the double image I need to allign before I shoot.

If its only $150 to CLAed maybe I can still afford it.

 

[HuubL]

Is the M seal still intact? If the camera is really mint, opening up the camera to clean the VF might negatively affect collector's value. I know, it's a strange world...

 

[notturtle]

go back to the seller. A RF camera without the RF working is not mint!!!!!! Its is non-functioning. if your mirror needs resilvering this can be really quite expensive. Check out the CRR Luton prices but I recall a good few hundred pounds. If the seller knew how to use or work a RF or abything about them he almost certainly knew he was selling on a duff camera and should have described it appropriately.

 

[cameratos]

yes maybe I have been had;will try to resell mine warning the buyer before hand;good ethics brings good karma....