M3 RF PATCH A LITTLE HIGH, or LOW...

LeicaVirgin1 · 03-12-2009

Dear Sir-

Thank you for reading another thread of mine.

I have a 1961 Leica M3 SS. I had it serviced about a year and half ago by a very reputable Leica repair tech. It was my first Leica "M". Since then I have aquired a M2, M4 & 2 M6's. I never noticed it before, but I noticed the centre RF patch for focus is either a little high, or a little low; meaning... That if I focus on letters they seem to be a bit high, or low depending on how you look at it.

I checked the RF patches on my other M's & they all look fine. I even used different lenses from different eras, (all Leitz, or Leica), & they all look the same on the M3, high, or low in the RF patch. Is this common? It was serviced a year and a half ago & I rotate all my cameras per your advise & treat all of them with kit gloves including the M3. I have never dropped any of them or banged them. Why is this? It isn't even the M I use most! However, still one of my favs.

I appreciate your time & expertise in this matter.

Cheers,

LV1

Tom A · 03-12-2009

It sounds like your rangefinder has come off a bit. It is not critical, but it is an easy fix by a technician. It would not require a full CLA and depending on were you are - there might be a tech in you neighborhood who can do it.