opening an M3

[LChanyungco]

can anyone teach me how to crack open an M3 ? i'm insanely particular about having my viewfinder windows clean and clear and I'm always shipping my user to a tech for cleaning. the cleaning bill is adding up to a pretty significant amount. can anyone teach me ? i'm mechanically inclined and im sure i can handle the task. thanks !

 

[rlouzan]

http://www.jumboprawn.net/jesse/cams/gear-profiles/leica-m2-overhaul/leica-m2-overhaul.html

http://pentax-manuals.com/manuals/service/leica%20basic%20repair.pdf

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kansasray/sets/72157600447636986/

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Polished-Clamps-...ryZ30030QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[rlouzan]

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40038

http://photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Akmp

http://www.feuerbacher.net/photo/frame.html?repair/LeicaM4p/LeicaM4p.html~Main

 

[colyn]

Before you try opening the M-series Leica bear in mind you only gain access to the external glass. If you try taking apart the rangefinder assembly you will most likely destroy it..

 

[LChanyungco]

thanks for the responses guys... i appreciate it, and im scared of it. i think i'll go shoot some photos instead.

 

[Rik]

it's not that scary to take the top plate off. You do need some special tools.
Taking the rangefinder assembly apart is where it gets challenging....

 

[LChanyungco]

thanks for the links guys. it was alot of help. yes Rik you were right ! i bought some clamps and a spanner and went to town. it was quite easy and even fun to take the top off. now my windows are clean !