Leica IIIf viewfinder Metal v. Plastic

[smb]

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I purchased a IIIf rd st recently (see my last thread) and I am most unfamiliar with this camera. The camera had a double metal viewfinder instead of the ubiquitous double plastic viewfinder. Is this metal viewfinder consistent with the IIIf? Was it an upgrade? I have seen it with constant searching but not often. Thank you.

[earleygallery]

I have two lllf's and both have plastic viewfinder surrounds.

 

I am pretty certain the metal one was from the lllc and a later addition to your camera. The plastic one was probably damaged at some point I would guess.

[jerzy]

Metal viewfinder was used on IIIc, until SN 525xxx, later plastic one was used.I never encountered metal viewfinder on any IIIf above 525xxx.

If your camera has SN below 525xxx than it has been upgraded to IIIf rd st (and metal viefinder was retained), if SN is above than it is rather a repair shop who could have done it.

br jerzy

[smb]

Serial No. above 700000. Is it worth returning it to plastic? Where would I obtain one and also a black plastic insert for the flash socket?

[jerzy]

I would leave metal unless you wear glasses, to avoid possible scratching. Plastic one may be found on ebay, for ex item 290803901702. Occasionally you may find there as well plastic insert

br jerzy

[smb]

I wear glasses. I have already ordered the part. I will keep the metal one when a Leica IIIc drops in my lap. Thank you.

[TomB_tx]

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I agree. I've had 2 IIIf RD, ST with plastic, and 2 IIIc with metal.

[smb]

Thank you for your responses. I ordered a plastic viewfinder and replaced the metal one. The IIIf RD ST looks as if it just came out of the box. I even found a minty hood. I case you should want to to this here's is what I did. I used a well lit table. I placed the camera on a soft clean towel and supported each side of the camera with soft clean wash clothes. I had a separate white dish available to hold the screws as I removed them. As the screws are extremely small and I would have had difficulty holding them I used a long pair tweezers. After the metal viewfinder was removed I placed the plastic in place. I used the tweezers to place the first screw in place. I place it in the appropriate hole and only tightened it down as far as so it would catch. Had the screw been tightened down completely there is the strong possibility that the viewfinder's second hole would not line up with the one on the camera. I then placed the second screw in its appropriate hole. I tightened it loosely. I went back and forth slowly tightening each screw. Done. So use well lit area, tweezers, and back and forth with screw tightening. If this small paragraph helps one person I will be glad. I am also thankful for the quick replies that I received to assist me correcting the viewfinder on my Leica IIIf.

[jc_braconi]

Well done

[jerzy]

.... I used a long pair tweezers....

 

screwdriver 1.5mm, magnetized - than you do not need tweezers.

it is not advised to turn upside down the camera with removed viewfinder window - lenses may fall out. However, having some experience it is worth to take them out and clean on both sides

[doubice]

Yes, a great idea to clean the lenses - those often pick up a lot of grime on the outside and haze on the inside. You will need to pay attention to the lens' original orientation and you will definitely need tweezers to re-install them.

 

Cheers,

 

Jan