M3 Framelines

[Frank Velez]

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I just purchased a late serial M3 (circa 1963).

 

I notice that when I put my 50mm Summicron (latest version) on the body, the 90mm framelines appear.

 

I couldn't find any information on this on the internet.

 

Is this normal?

 

Thanks.

 

Frank

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[hoppyman]

Frank when a 50mm is fitted to your M3 you should only have the 50 frame lines displayed. Those are always displayed. The 90 or 135 is added when you have those fitted. It is possible that your frame selector mechanism is a little sticky perhaps.

I would try seating and removing your new lens a number of times and pay attention that the lens is locked into position.

Do some testing with no lens fitted. Look through and move the lever to the different positions and see if everything works smoothly and without hesitation.

 

Otherwise you may need to talk to a good repair person. Your M3 has, in my opinion the clearest, brightest Leica M finder ever produced. It would in any event be worthwhile having your camera serviced to keep it at its best in general of course.

[Xmas]

Move the selector over against the spring and release to allow to snap back. Do 100 times.

 

Note some of the modern Leica lenses are tight on old M cameras, if you don't hear the latch click, every time, your new cron may be pavement fodder.

 

Noel

[Frank Velez]

if you don't hear the latch click, every time, your new cron may be pavement fodder.

 

Noel

 

I do hear the latch click every time so the lens is secure.

 

I was mistaken in my earlier post. It's the 135mm framelines that appear when the 50mm cron is attached.

 

Frank

[Xmas]

Hi

 

That implies the lens is not pushing the follower far enough ( or the follower is delinquent) what happens when you mount the lens and push the selector to the 9cm position and release?

 

Do the 135mm frames dissappear?

 

Noel

[tobey bilek]

All true except if the mount was modified or exchanged with a 35 mm mount which activated the 135 lines.

 

If the selector moves the line freely, it is a lens problem more than likely. So you need another 50 or a repair person for a diagnosis.

[Frank Velez]

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Hi

 

That implies the lens is not pushing the follower far enough ( or the follower is delinquent) what happens when you mount the lens and push the selector to the 9cm position and release?

 

Do the 135mm frames dissappear?

 

Noel

 

Hey Noel,

 

Sorry for the confusion.

 

Here's the deal.

 

When the M3 has no lens attached the 135mm frames are visible.

 

When I attach the 50mm Cron the 135mm frames disappear and the 90mm frames appear.

 

When I push the selector to the center, only the 50mm frames are visible. But when I let go the 90mm frames appear (with lens attached) or the 135mm frames appear (with no lens attached).

 

Frank

[Xmas]

Hey Noel,

 

Sorry for the confusion.

 

Here's the deal.

 

When the M3 has no lens attached the 135mm frames are visible.

 

When I attach the 50mm Cron the 135mm frames disappear and the 90mm frames appear.

 

When I push the selector to the center, only the 50mm frames are visible. But when I let go the 90mm frames appear (with lens attached) or the 135mm frames appear (with no lens attached).

 

Frank

Hi Frank

 

No problems, sounds like the follower (of the lens focal length claw) needs adjusting. With the 5cm lens mounted the selector should be vertical...

 

In the mean time I'd use it until it snaps a shutter ribbon or similar and needs the top off. If you get a 135 it might annoy but most people never use 135s.

 

Noel