Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/09/23

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Help! Leica IIIf Black Dial Problem
From: Nathan Wajsman <nathan.wajsman@euronet.be>
Date: Thu, 23 Sep 1999 23:08:03 +0200

Paul,

Unless the price is ridiculously low, I would return it. There are plenty of IIIf
or IIIc cameras out there in good condition at reasonable prices, so you should
not have to bother with one that needs to go into a repair facility for who knows
how long.

Nathan

P2CON@aol.com wrote:

> Hi all,
> Here is a problem for you screw-mount people out there. I picked up a IIIf BD
> from eBay (I know -- that's my problem!!!).  I have 7 days to evaluate it so
> immediately put a roll through it in my back yard. First problem, the
> rangefinder is essentially unusable due to internal crud, or mirror
> de-silvering. I can make it almost usable by placing an orange filter in
> front of the rangefinder viewing lens, but it is still pretty dim.
> Second problem is a light leak into the take-up film chamber through two
> holes in the top deck under the film counter. The light spills onto the film
> as it is being wound on after a shot. It looks like the two holes are screw
> holes with no screws in them. I am suspecting there is a missing mechanism
> there having to do with the film counter, as the counter can only be reset to
> the start position by rotating the wind knob through a complete set of
> numbers to align the arrow with a proper starting position.
> Any input from a knowledgeable screw mount user will be much appreciated. I
> know I can fix the light leaks just by plugging the holes, and I can live
> with the tedious resetting of the film counter. Is it a major problem to get
> the rangefinder cleaned up or otherwise made usable?
>
> TIA, and regards, Paul Connet

- --
Nathan Wajsman
Overijse, Belgium

General photo site: http://members.tripod.com/belgiangator/
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