Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/12/18
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Bob, - -----Original Message----- From: Ruralmopics@aol.com [SMTP:Ruralmopics@aol.com] Here's the deal: I ordered a used single stroke M3 from a dealer in Shutterbug (we don't have any dealers near me that carry this sort of thing). It seemed like a decent price: $795 for a camera described as Excellent. I received the camera yesterday and everything is fine EXCEPT: * It is very difficult to mount lenses. The spring inside the mount looks new and it takes an unusual amount of effort to turn a lens (I have four I tried them all) in place. Some cameras and lenses are like this but obviously they shouldn't be. If a smidge of 'nose grease' doesn't solve the problem then there's too much adrift in the tolerances. It needs adjusting. * The rangefinder images are not aligned vertical. A little off I can accept as I understand this will very some with focusing distance but this seems excessive. They don't even line up -- again vertically -- at infinity. You can sort this by removing the small screw on the front top plate and then inserting a small fine jewellers screwdriver into the hole and turning (gently) to see the effect. Try a small twist and then look to see the change. If that went in the wrong direction, correct it until it's right, but be gentle. Finally replace the cover screw you took off to start with. * The camera does not have a viewfinder preview. Its 872xxx serial number led me to assume it would. Maybe it's a super rare version worth millions of pounds! The camera comes with a 14-day return privledge and a 90 day warranty. As I see it, here are my options: 1.) Accept it the way is. (this does not seem like a reasonable option to me.) 2.) Return it for a refund and either a. buy another camera from the same dealer, or b. shop somewhere else 3.) Return it for repair under warranty -- the store (Le Camera) claims to have their own repair facility. I'm not too concerned about the viewfinder preview since the 50mm is always visable and the only telephoto I own is a 90 and I can pretty well judge when I'm going to need a 90. But the other issues (the mount and the viewfinder have me going a bit). So here's my questions for you: Will the mount loosen up on it's own? No, except over so many years it Is this something that can be adjusted easily so if I send back for repair I can expect it to be right? yes, see above. Can I assume that they will get the rangefinder adjustment corrected or is vertical misalignment some kind of fatal flaw in a M3? Yes, and no. Also, is the vertical alignment on an M3 something a person can do themselves without disassembling the camera.? Yes, see above What do y'all think? If you like the camera otherwise and think the dealer's OK get him to repair it. failing that get your money back and deal elsewhere. Bob Jem