Wayne Posted April 2, 2016 Share #1 Posted April 2, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) Did Leica ever offer rangefinder contrast enhancement as part of Barnack model production,i.e. install yellow or orange lenses in the camera rangefinder during production? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted April 2, 2016 Posted April 2, 2016 Hi Wayne, Take a look here contrast enhanced rangefinder window/lens. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
TomB_tx Posted April 3, 2016 Share #2 Posted April 3, 2016 There was an accessory clip on orange lens for the rangefinder window. You see them on eBay now and then. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Posted April 3, 2016 Author Share #3 Posted April 3, 2016 Thanks, I have seen, and own, one of those. I was just curious if that has always been the only option, or if Leica every actually experimented with enhancing the contrast in the camera rangefinder. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jerzy Posted April 3, 2016 Share #4 Posted April 3, 2016 Some of early II have green/yellow right, front window 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
willeica Posted April 3, 2016 Share #5 Posted April 3, 2016 My first Leica II from 1932 had a very definite yellow tint on the rangefinder window but that seems to be less obvious since I sent it in for a CLA. It is now, however, much easier to focus with. My other 2 early Model IIs from 1932 also have yellow rangefinder windows but less obvious than the first one which I bought ; one of them is easier to focus with than the other. I have a black orange ORAKO from about 1935 and a post war chrome orange OKARO; both slip on filters. They do improve contrast but also darken the image a lot. My own view is that a well maintained rangefinder window is all you need and it is not surprising that Leica dropped the in-built yellow filter. William Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted April 3, 2016 Share #6 Posted April 3, 2016 Youxin Ye replaced the beam splitter on one of my IIIf bodies with a multi coated unit. It is now the brightest and easiest to focus of my Barnacks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susie Posted April 3, 2016 Share #7 Posted April 3, 2016 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'd second Tom's comment. When I had my 111f serviced a couple of years ago, Peter replaced the beam splitter and the result was truly a transformation. Susie Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
willeica Posted April 3, 2016 Share #8 Posted April 3, 2016 Youxin Ye replaced the beam splitter on one of my IIIf bodies with a multi coated unit. It is now the brightest and easiest to focus of my Barnacks. I reckon that is what I got, as the difference was like night and day after the CLA. Yellowy mist was replaced with absolute clarity. William Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lleo Posted April 5, 2016 Share #9 Posted April 5, 2016 (edited) Good to know. My camera is very good but, wearing glasses, I'd have to try the multi coated beam splitter. Edited April 5, 2016 by lleo Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
David8 Posted May 4, 2021 Share #10 Posted May 4, 2021 The price of the Orako (if you can find it) is ridiculous! Perhaps the best interim solution is using developed film and cut a small circle and put it in the window nearest the rewind knob. For long term best change the beam splitter which will turn your rangefinder image from night to day, rivaling that of your M Leica. New beam splitters are available from nobby sparrow on eBay for $15.00 and provide great contrast. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
romualdo Posted May 5, 2021 Share #11 Posted May 5, 2021 Gus Lazzari (TLC Camera Repair) placed this contrast enhancing "ring" inside the rangefinder window (closest to rewind knob) - really does make a difference Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/258891-contrast-enhanced-rangefinder-windowlens/?do=findComment&comment=4194866'>More sharing options...
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