weak rf 2nd image

[xayraa33]

Has anyone solved the problem of a weak secondary image on the rangefinder of an Ltm Leica? Ive tried an orange on the rf window, no great improvement. I do not think cleaning the silvered prism would help much. any suggestions?

[xayraa33]

orange filter that is.

[Graybeard]

The problem is almost certainly loss of silvering of the rangefinder beamsplitter mirror. The only real solution is to replace the mirror.

DAG, John Maddox and Gandy's repair service have the parts and do the replacement. Essex Camera may also do this as well.

Plan on replacing the beamsplitter every 55 years or so.

[Brian Sweeney]

Essex solved this problem on my Leica IIIf, the finder and RF came back like new. Mine was originally a IIIc from 1946 factory converted to a IIIf. The secondary image was virtually gone before sending it up, now it is a pleasure to use. No filters required. They have also repaired the finder on an M3DS that I sent them 2yrs ago. The secondary image had a chip in it, also came back like a heads-up-display.

[xayraa33]

Brian, What was the cost for that RF work on your IIIf ?