clat Posted March 28, 2011 Share #1 Posted March 28, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) This is a follow-on to a post I made last week. This is my first adventure into non-M Leicas so I apologize for my lack of knowledge. My earlier question was about the clarity of IIIc and IIIf rangefinders but I did not specifically ask about the rangefinder spot or patch that contains the double image. My IIIc spot is yellow in tone. When the images are not aligned it has a definite yellow tint and it makes it very easy to see and focus. Good visibility and good contrast. The yellow spot goes away when perfectly focused. The IIIf rangefinder, while relatively bright, has no visible spot or patch and the double image is barely visible. This lack of visibilty, color, and contrast makes focusing difficult. I want, however, to use this camera. Can someone help me understand this please? Should the IIIf have the same yellowish spot as the IIIc? Or, is my IIIc special because of some special modification? Should all screw-mount Leicas have the yellowish spot? Your assistance is greatly appreciated. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 28, 2011 Posted March 28, 2011 Hi clat, Take a look here Question about IIIc and IIIf rangefinder spot/patch. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
jc_braconi Posted March 28, 2011 Share #2 Posted March 28, 2011 Just checking on some of my cameras : about the rangefinder the II and III are yellow the III a b c and II c have a yellow spot you will need an OKARO for the II & III f Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted March 28, 2011 Share #3 Posted March 28, 2011 I confirm : haven't the breadth of models of JC... but a IIIc and a IIIf : IIIc tends to yellow, IIIf no... but the 2 images to align are anyway well clear... can be that your IIIf needs simply a good C(LA) of the RF... if the RF-projected image is "dirty/foggy" an OKARO can result of little improvement... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubice Posted March 29, 2011 Share #4 Posted March 29, 2011 Another possibility is that a handy mechanic installed a thin yellow gelatin filter into the optical path inside the rangefinder housing. I have seen this done many years ago..... As I say though, just a possibilty..... Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubice Posted March 29, 2011 Share #5 Posted March 29, 2011 Curiosity forced me to check my thread mount bodies.... I checked models II, III, IIIa, IIIb, IIIc (wartime and post-war) and IIIf - none have yellow rangefinder spots. So - if there are bodies with that 'feature', I would attribute it to an aftermarket built-in filter in the RF internal optical path or, some of the optical components yellowing with age. Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
iphoenix Posted March 30, 2011 Share #6 Posted March 30, 2011 I think you've started something here. I've checked my II (conversion from IA in 1932) which has a yellow surround but clear spot; my sharkskin IIIc which is clear; and my IIIf black dial, also clear. This may add to Jan's thought that some components yellow with age. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.