M3 Question for Tom...

LeicaVirgin1 · 10-26-2008

I have a question... On the M3 is it normal that when you hold your eye away from the rangefinder, (just before your going to look through it),... is it normal for their to be two diagonal lines??? I.e., one line looks to be going up on a "slant" & the other is going down on a "slant". It is kind of like a "peace sign" turned side-ways, or a "gang sign" if you prefer.

My M3 is serial #-1041326. It is very subtle. I really can't see it when my eye is close to the viewfinder, yet their are some "reflections" in the extreme left hand "outer corner of the VF; if other light sources are "IN FRONT" of me in a room, (in the shot), or a low sitting sun.

Is this normal for M3's? I have an M4 and an M6 (the M6 has an "updated" finder-MP), & I have never seen this with them in the past, or even now when I "super critical" compare. Sometimes I forget what the M3 V.F., looks like because I sometime use these other cameras, mentioned before, more then just the M3. I know the M3 has a different magnification, (.91x as opposed to .58x, .72x, & .85x), than the M4, (only .72x), or M6 depending on when the M6 was released, or if it has been "up-graded", or "modified". My M6-"Weztlar", if I recall, is at .72x.

I also know that the M3 has different mechanics and is MUCH more difficult to build and replace then the other type of V.F.'s. Is this normal? or, should I be worried?

Thank you for reading this post. I look forward to your response.

Best,

Don Michael Brown,
SoCal, USA

Al Kaplan · 10-26-2008

My M3 is older than yours, serial # under 1,000,000, and I don't see that in the finder. If everything else is OK then don't worry about it. "If it ain't broke don't fix it."

Tom A · 10-26-2008

Dan, the M3 has a prism inside the finder ( a substantial glass "block" which is laminated together. With age it can show these lines, it is simply a very nominal "de-cementing" and does not affect the focus or performance. I concur with AL, if it aint broke - dont fix it! I have had these M3 prism delaminate completely, but that is after hard impact (dropped down a stairwell!). In your case. if it doesn't affect your view - just keep shooting. The cost for reglueing ot replacing these prisms is getting substantial and can cost more than the camera is worth.

LeicaVirgin1 · 10-26-2008

Thank you BOTH!!! I love all my M's especially the M2 & M3 series.

One side note though; Tom, my name is Don, not Dan. Thanks again!

Best,

DMB

Stu W · 10-27-2008

Tom, I know you prefer the M2

but CRR Luton will completely restore-not repair an M3 rangefinder for L145. I believe that Don Goldberg provides the service for less, and he's right here in the states. I'm sure a good M3 is worth at least $300. Stu

sanmich · 10-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stu W

Tom, I know you prefer the M2

but CRR Luton will completely restore-not repair an M3 rangefinder for L145. I believe that Don Goldberg provides the service for less, and he's right here in the states. I'm sure a good M3 is worth at least $300. Stu

Hi Stu

I had my M3 sent to Luton for a prism replacement.
(Peter is a great guy BTW)
Sory to disapoint you but as far as I know, there is no such thing as "completely restore". For instance, while I had a prism replaced, I asked if it made sense to reglue everything to avoid future issues with decementing and I've been answered negatively.
If things seem OK and there are no significant signs of separation or desilvering, as far as I know, Peter will leave them as they are.
That being said, my RF/VF is now in exellent shape..

Stu W · 10-27-2008

Hi Michael, I got my info from Peter's web site. I guess his service description was giving a worst case scenario. Here's the link. He states he re-silvers. Stu

Okay, maybe the link is here. http://www.angelfire.com/biz/Leica/page10.html

Peter calls it a restoration. Stu

Tom A · 10-27-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeicaVirgin1

Thank you BOTH!!! I love all my M's especially the M2 & M3 series.

One side note though; Tom, my name is Don, not Dan. Thanks again!

Best,

DMB

Sorry Don, I was trying to type in insufficient light. Anyway, enjoy the M3 and it is good that the prisms are "repairable". My last "big" service of an M3 was some years ago (they are durable) and as Leica still had original prisms in stock, I got one of those and that + various other fixes cost almost $700 at the time. However, it was an original black M3 and I just added it to its already exorbitant price and sold it!