RE: [Leica] Improving IIIf r/f contrast -- cheapskate version?

["Lee, Jonathan" <Jonathan.Lee@hrcc.on.ca>]

Steve,

Here's a trick that I've used to great sucess with the Kalart rangefinder on
my Crown Graphic:

The secret to a visible rangefinder is a realtive difference in intensity
between the veiwing window and the rangefinder.  Therefore you can make the
rangefinder appear brighter by decreasing the intensity of the viewing port.
Try taping a neutral density-type filter over the viewer. I used some
grayish mylar that I found in an art store.  Maybe this can be combinded
with the coloured filter over the viewing glass.

Good luck.

JOnathan Lee

- -----Original Message-----
From: Stephen Alred [mailto:salred@toad.net]
Sent: Sunday, November 14, 1999 9:12 AM
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Subject: [Leica] Improving IIIf r/f contrast -- cheapskate version?


All,

My IIIf black dial is usable in sunlight, but inside the rangefinder just
about disappears. As I understand it, I have two options to help my
focussing:

1) Repair the beam splitter in the r/f mechanism -- for this I have a $195
quote from the folks at Photography on Bald Mountain (baldmtn@pacbell.net
for those who might be interested; and
2) An orange filter for the r/f window -- seems to be definitely a
collectible, since by bid for one on eBay was woefully inadequate!

So:
a) Can anyone vouch that the orange filter actually improves things, and
b) If so, can someone suggest a CC filter equivalent -- I'm not too proud
to fabricate something...

Thanks

Steve Alred