Newbie ? - Rangefinder showing only one image

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amcclain

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Hello - apologies for the newbie question, but I just acquired a 1950 IIIc and am new to rangefinders.

When looking through the rangefinder on this camera, I only see one image, which remains clear no matter how I focus the lens. I don't see the 'two images that need to be merged into one' that I understand is needed to focus. I can also cover the rangefinder portal on the front of the camera that is closest to the shutter release without seeing any difference.

The lens on the camera is a collapsible screwmount type, says "Leitz Elmar f = 5cm, 1:3,5".

Could the rangefinder be misadjusted, or somehow incompatible with this lens? Could something be broken?

Thank you for any advice!!! - ATM
 
Another bit of info - I just noticed that if I cover the primary rangefinder window on the front of the camera (the one further away from the shutter release), I can see a very dim and small image of the scene in front of me that is coming from the rangefinder window closest to the shutter release.

Perhaps the reason why I don't see the two images is that whatever mirror is producing the secondary image has lost its silvering and is too dim? Reading around a bit, it seems as though this is possible. Thanks again!
 
Are you looking in the correct eyepiece? For LTM Leicas there are two windows, one is for framing and the second one is for focusing; it is entirely possible you are looking in the wrong window.

However, it might be that the mirror in the RF mechanism has desilvered, in which case you might as well buy a new body lest incurr insane repair costs...


edit: I guess we were thinking the same thing at the same time.
 
Yes - thanks, I was looking through the rangefinder (and not just the viewfinder). It's tricky, but I got that far!

I have written to DAG Camera Parts - their name seems to come up with regards to repairs/reconditioning. Is this issue common?

Thanks again - ATM
 
eh, desilvering happens to older cameras on occassion. Sorry, I don't know that much about LTM cameras but I've trusted my camera to Don Goldberg before and he's treated them very well.
 
amcclain said:
Perhaps the reason why I don't see the two images is that whatever mirror is producing the secondary image has lost its silvering and is too dim? Reading around a bit, it seems as though this is possible. Thanks again!
Click to expand...

That's a very good guess, although it's possible that the internal optics of the rangefinder simply have gotten very dusty. Either way, sending it off to DAG is a good way of handling it.
 
ATM

I had the same problem with two LTM cameras , a IIIc and a IIIf, Don at DAG replaced the beamsplitter mirror on both and did a fine job. Since the camera has to be really taken apart to do this, including a CLA at the same time is not much more money and well worth the extra. That should make your camera operate as new. Not all Leica LTMs are like that. I have a IIf that is just fine and needs no work on it.

Bob
 
And, a CLA when the camera is already parrtly open, would be a very good idea. The camera probably needs fresh lubricants, and will perform like a jewel for a long time after the comparatively small expense.

These Barnack Leicas will have an appreciative audience for generations to come. If you wonder why, just pick one up, and go through the motions of taking a picture. If it's squinty and clumsy to you, then you will never understand the feeling others get. It isn't the perfect tool, but my IIIf is certainly one of the most attractive ones to take pictures with...

Harry
 
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