Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/06/10
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Some month backs I asked this list about my M3's dim rangefinder image. Responses varied considerably and price estimates ranged from under $100 to over $400. Many folks mentioned that the mirror in the rangefinder might need to be resilvered. Some thought the whole rangefinder would need to be replaced. Many suggested that I should use Don Goldberg because he was quicker and cheaper than Leica, and as good or better in some areas. When I mentioned to Mr. Goldberg about the resilvering, he said that only needs to be done if a bad previous repair had damaged the mirror in some way. He said the rangefinder probably only needed a good cleaning and that was very common for Leicas of this age. He cleaned the rangefinder and it is now absolutely beautiful, very bright and clear. The viewfinder as a whole looks better now too. He also told me the shutter curtain could use some cleaning and lubrication. I told him to do whatever was necessary but not too expensive. The camera now works better than it ever has for me (although I've only had it for about 3 years of its 40+ year life). The shutter is smoother and more quite than it was before. The total cost was $180 something including shipping. I am quite happy now! A UPS note. I found the package containing my camera sitting on my front porch. This despite the fact that the package had a sticker on it saying "Adult signature required." I am not sure even how long it was sitting there since I usually go through the side door. My wife got it wet watering her plants, but no harm done to the camera. Michael Bell MBell@mail.utexas.edu