Re: [Leica] M3 sorrow

["Rei Shinozuka" <shino@panix.com>]

sounds like they didn't understand what you needed done?
why did they mention flare??

when i send in my m6es to leica usa, they get the focusing
to within a half-inch at 6 feet.  

- -rei

> From: "Daniel Ridings" <dlridings@hotmail.com>
> 
> About a year ago I dropped my M3. (I had already clobbered my M4). The M3 
> was hurt very bad, but it had been 30 years since I had it looked over so I 
> packed both of the cameras up and send them to Solms.
> 
> The M4 had a cracked body. Solms fixed it up like new. Wonderful work.
> 
> The M3 ... now that's a sad story. I got the estimate back (twice as much as 
> the M4, but hey, we're talking about a cost that only recurs every 30 years 
> ... so no big deal).
> 
> Among other things, Solms thought I need a new rangefinder. I kind of 
> shrugged my shoulders and thought ... they know what they're talking about.
> 
> They put one in and the poor camera has been useless since then. I can't get 
> it to focus and don't dare use an aperature less than f8.0.
> 
> So, before the repair warranty went out, I sent it back.
> 
> Today I got a friendly letter from Solms:
> 
> "Function in Tolerances
> 
> Dear Daniel,
> 
> We checked the camera completely and can not find a problem with the 
> rangefinder. Due to its technical design we can not improve the performance 
> of the finder regarding the flare.
> 
> Best regards,
> 
> XX (=a nice guy, so I'm not providing his name)"
> 
> So, in print they admit: it works within their tolerance, but their 
> tolerances are not what they used to be.
> 
> M3 owners. Do not, I repeat, do not let Solms or any authorized Leica 
> repairman convince you to replace the rangefinder.
> 
> My poor M3 is more or less junk now. I don't dare use it because the only 
> thing I can rely on is it not getting the focus right or it not being able 
> to focus at all because of the flare. This flare business is not a rare 
> thing ... I run into it all the time. It was my first Leica, now it's doomed 
> to the shelf. If the modern Leicas have this new rangefinder in them ... 
> then quality is not a word I would apply to Leica.
> 
> Leicas are good and the best thing about them are that they are quiet. But 
> as far as reliability ... that rangefinder in them is about as sensitive as 
> it can be. Bounce it and it breaks. An F3 will run circles around an 
> M-camera when it comes to durability.
> 
> I guess I'll just have to learn to like my M4 as much as I did my M3.
> 
> Daniel Ridings

- -- 
Rei Shinozuka shino@panix.com
Ridgewood, New Jersey

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