Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/07/29
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]If the cloudiness is due to optical cement and/or beam splitters failing, this won't be a simple cleaning operation. In his book, Camera Maintenance & Repair: a comprehensive, fully illustrated guide, Thomas Tomosy writes: [quote] Leica M3 Rangefinder camera. Even though the Leica has a simple mechanism, it is not an easy camera to work on. Top Cover: Remove one setscrew from the slide of hte winding knob, then unscrew it clockwise; unscrew the collar around the release button and one screw from the top of the rewind lever. Next, unscrew two setscrews from under the side of the shutter-speed dial; then unscrew the rewind knob and the remaining nuts under that. The viewfinder optics are made of heavy compound prism. They may break off from impact or old age (dried out cement). If the viewfinder is cloudy or yellowed with age, forget it, do not try to clean it. If the viewfinder is still alright, handle it with care: It may break from moderate impact. [end quote] I believe that Steve K. Grimes passed away awhile back, but his business and website are still around. Here's some info on recementing optical elements: http://www.skgrimes.com/popsci/index.htm You'd still need to locate a source for beam-slitter material and optical cement. One source in the USA is Edmund Scientific. Good luck: If you become an expert in completely refurbishing M2 and M3 finders, you'll always have a source of income ;-) Jeff __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! SiteBuilder - Free, easy-to-use web site design software http://sitebuilder.yahoo.com - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html