View Full Version : Leica IIIc viewfinder red filter
aperture64
07-09-2009, 04:03
I just got my Leica IIIC in the mail and it has a red filter over the viewfinder (pictured below.) I don't seem to remember my IIIA, which I owned years ago, having this. I tried unscrewing the viewfinder, to remove it, but had no luck. I will have to put the camera in for a CLA, since the shutter speeds seems to be off, and will ask to have it removed then. But what is the point of the red filter over the viewfinder and was this something simply inserted by the previous owner or did they need the special wrenches that are used during the CLA to remove this piece?
http://daytonadesign.com/leica_iiic.jpg
The beamsplitter mirror is probably weak so the previous owner had a red filter put in place to increase image contrast in the rangefinder.
elshaneo
07-09-2009, 05:34
I have this OKARO Orange filter attached to one of the finder of my Leica IIIf RD ST, this filter is used to increase the contrast in the rangefinder so that it's much easier to focus, and in my case, the filter can also be easily removed without any tools ;-)
LeicaTom
07-09-2009, 06:15
I just got my Leica IIIC in the mail and it has a red filter over the viewfinder (pictured below.) I don't seem to remember my IIIA, which I owned years ago, having this. I tried unscrewing the viewfinder, to remove it, but had no luck. I will have to put the camera in for a CLA, since the shutter speeds seems to be off, and will ask to have it removed then. But what is the point of the red filter over the viewfinder and was this something simply inserted by the previous owner or did they need the special wrenches that are used during the CLA to remove this piece?
http://daytonadesign.com/leica_iiic.jpg
Yeah, that`s pretty crazy looking......that`s for sure a Homebuilt project, but I`m sure it works (enhances the VF patch when focusing).
You will need a speical tool to remove that window trim, just have them do it when you CLA......
As also posted Leitz also made a factory press-on filter that went over that window called the ORAKO (for pre 1940 cameras) and a OKARO (for post 1940 cameras) ~ BOTH of which now are stupidly priced collectors item (up to $100+ each for the Black Enamel version for the Leica II and III).
I lucked out and bought some years ago, when they were 5DM at the German camera shows back in the 1980`s.
Happy Shooting!
Tom
As has been said, the R/F beam splitter might need replacing. The red filter could well be a piece of plastic, or even exposed film, placed over the window and held in place by the trim ring. You might unscrew the ring and check.
aperture64
07-09-2009, 06:36
I can see that helps with focusing when I look through, so I could see why someone added it, but the red drives my eye crazy.
elshaneo
07-09-2009, 06:48
I got my OKARO Filter last year from DAG Camera at 25 USD which is quite cheap compared to the price that the Ebay sellers are asking for ;-)
Yeah, that`s pretty crazy looking......that`s for sure a Homebuilt project, but I`m sure it works (enhances the VF patch when focusing).
You will need a speical tool to remove that window trim, just have them do it when you CLA......
As also posted Leitz also made a factory press-on filter that went over that window called the ORAKO (for pre 1940 cameras) and a OKARO (for post 1940 cameras) ~ BOTH of which now are stupidly priced collectors item (up to $100+ each for the Black Enamel version for the Leica II and III).
I lucked out and bought some years ago, when they were 5DM at the German camera shows back in the 1980`s.
Happy Shooting!
Tom
xayraa33
07-09-2009, 07:01
I use to place a clear circular piece of developed colour film negative behind the RF trim ring on my IIIc to get the enhanced RF contrast.
aperture64
07-09-2009, 07:07
How did you get the ring off?
hans voralberg
07-09-2009, 08:14
Twist it. Anti clockwise I think.
Hans is right. Fingers are usually enough. If they aren't, use pliers -- but with a protective layer of rubber or leather.
aperture64
07-09-2009, 14:06
I used the pliers with success. It turns out, after removing the red filter, the double image is very week. Hopefully, this can be fixed during the CLA.
Luddite Frank
07-09-2009, 14:15
It might be a piece of red filter gelatin or theatrical "gel".
When I got into LTM, I choked at the prices on the Leitz RF/VF filters, and upon close inspection, noticed a little groove inside the trim-ring of the RF window...
I cut a couple "dots" of Rosco-lux #21 or #23 gel, and slipped them into the groove, using a tooth-pick to ease it in. ( I was too chicken to try unscrewing the trim rings)
I did this to both my 1932 "D" and my 1952 III-f; my other LTMs seem to have good beam splitters, so I haven't felt the need to "upgrade" them.
At any rate, there appeears to be a wrinkle towards the edge of your red window that makes me think someone slipped some gel, or perhaps even used the exposure-counter window from some poor box-camera to make a filter ?
I cannot see myself paying $75 for the ORAKO / OKARO...
Luddite Frank
( A Couple of my Argus C-3 cameras had the RF patch tinted yellow, from the factory.)
xayraa33
07-09-2009, 14:52
I used the pliers with success. It turns out, after removing the red filter, the double image is very week. Hopefully, this can be fixed during the CLA.
Normally a CLA does not include replacing the weak 50/50 mirror that is in the rangefinder optical system.
This is usually a separate specified operation at additional cost.
aperture64
07-09-2009, 15:00
Normally a CLA does not include replacing the weak 50/50 mirror that is in the rangefinder optical system.
This is usually a separate specified operation at additional cost.
Of course. I realize that, but I'm hoping they can look into it more while they have the camera open.
I think you will find it much more helpful if you put it over the other rangefinder window--the one on your right.
That way it only colors the center patch.
The one I have on my IIIf just pushes on.
John Shriver
07-09-2009, 16:21
About $75 to replace the beamsplitter. Worth it.
aperture64
07-09-2009, 18:10
About $75 to replace the beamsplitter. Worth it.
Did you have it done? If so, who did it, and did it make a huge difference?
Did you have it done? If so, who did it, and did it make a huge difference?
Having the beamsplitter mirror replaced will make a huge difference. You won't need the red filter..
About $75 to replace the beamsplitter. Worth it.
I buy the mirror from an eBay source for $20 and replace/adjust myself..
John Shriver
07-10-2009, 16:26
Same here, I got a real NOS Leica one for about $20, and did my own. But I've also replaced shutter curtains on several LTM cameras, so I know my way around these cameras.
I know that Steve Gandy's posted price for the mirror replacement is $75.
goodtimes
07-16-2009, 10:20
Could one of you direct me on the ebay line where I could get the mirror. I have an amazingly nice III C but the RF contrast is week in interiors where the light is dim and I would love to DIY it.
Thanks
aperture64
07-16-2009, 11:49
Could one of you direct me on the ebay line where I could get the mirror. I have an amazingly nice III C but the RF contrast is week in interiors where the light is dim and I would love to DIY it.
Thanks
I could use the resource as well.
xayraa33
07-16-2009, 13:15
Could one of you direct me on the ebay line where I could get the mirror. I have an amazingly nice III C but the RF contrast is week in interiors where the light is dim and I would love to DIY it.
Thanks
buy it from Edmund Scientific and have it cut to size of your old one by any glass cutting firm.
http://scientificsonline.com/product.asp?pn=3043359&cmss=beam+splitter
goodtimes
07-17-2009, 01:36
Thanks so much for the info.
BTW I have just tried the red and orange filter on both windows to test. They work great on the rangefinder windows and not the viewfinder windows.
Even on my II F which rangefinder contrast is great, the filter adds a lot of contrast.
Luddite Frank
07-17-2009, 07:42
Thanks so much for the info.
BTW I have just tried the red and orange filter on both windows to test. They work great on the viewfinder windows not the rangefinder windows.
Even on my II F which rangefinder contrast is great, the filter adds a lot of contrast.
What's the issue with putting filter on the right-hand RF window (RF "Patch") - not enough benefit, or phsyical no-fit ?
( Haven't tried putting filter on the left-hand window (RF "field") myself...)
LF
I use to place a clear circular piece of developed colour film negative behind the RF trim ring on my IIIc to get the enhanced RF contrast.
Wonderful, you have just saved me about 70$ at ebay prices for OKARO, Thank You.
xayraa33
12-17-2009, 13:22
Wonderful, you have just saved me about 70$ at ebay prices for OKARO, Thank You.
Glad to be of help.
I never did understand why the OKARO was always expensive.
That money saved can now go to buy more film :)
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