Questions about using Leica M3, and M2

[MikeMyers]

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First question - I'm worried that the viewfinder on these cameras is going to eventually scratch my glasses.  If so, is there a way to prevent that?

Second question - regarding the two flash output connectors on the back of the camera, does anyone provide "plugs" for these, to cover them?

[Mute-on]

Yes.  DAG, here … https://www.dagcamera.com/store/c6/Leica_M.html

 

Edited August 27, 2021 by Mute-on

[madNbad]

I have one from DAG but this one is better: https://www.ebay.com/itm/383250914683

It's just about impossible to find the rubber coated M6 style eyepiece anymore, I've had one of Jack the Hat covers on the eyepiece of my M4 for a couple of years. Good coverage, protects my glasses, can see the entire viewfinder. Plugs are easy to find, just search M3 fash sync plug and you'll find a selection.

Edited August 27, 2021 by madNbad

[M9reno]

I ordered new spectacles this week and was told that I am the last of their clients to stick to glass lenses - everyone is doing plastic lenses now (and plastic coatings are much better than before). My response to their attempt to sell me plastic is that I put too many metal eyepieces to my eye all the time, not just M2 and M3, but Barnacks etc, and so far, my Zeiss-glass spectacles have never scratched. 

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-x-Flash-Socket-Caps-for-Leica-M1-M2-M3-Flash-Socket-Cover-/363480169885?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

Here are some plugs on eBay. I have bought from this seller before and he is alright.

[250swb]

I've never had the metal eyepiece scratch the glass, but I think they can scratch even the toughest coatings. A long time ago I started putting my own protector onto metal eyepieces by stamping out a ring of thin leather using punches and gluing it on with contact glue. I recently got one of the same hard rubber eyepieces mentioned by @madNbad and although I haven't fitted it yet it saves on home crafting something. 

[andybarton]

I made a protector for my M2 from a couple of leather washers and some Bostick. The ensemble slips over the viewfinder nicley.

Works perfectly.

[MikeMyers]

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Thank you all.  Lots of choices.  I didn't know about DAG's store - there are several things I can use.

Here's what I ordered very late last night:  https://www.etsy.com/listing/914190409/leica-m-rubber-eyepiece-cover-for-m234?ref=shop_home_active_5&crt=1

Also:  https://erickoke.wordpress.com/2020/11/25/plasticeyepiece/

My glasses aren't scratched yet, as far as I can tell.  I ought to just put my glasses in my pocket, and use the camera without glasses, but any of these protectors will help avoid problems in the future.   I found DAG's replacement patch for the most likely spot on an M2 where the vulcanite comes off.  I have that problem too, but I plan to send the camera to him for service in the near future.

Edited August 27, 2021 by MikeMyers

[andrew01]

Here’s what I use on my M3:

http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/patch/M2M3/eyepiece/index.php

[kivis]

On 8/27/2021 at 5:41 PM, andrew01 said:

Here’s what I use on my M3:

http://aki-asahi.com/store/html/patch/M2M3/eyepiece/index.php

I use these on other Leica M cameras, too.

[Ko.Fe.]

On 8/26/2021 at 10:25 PM, MikeMyers said:

First question - I'm worried that the viewfinder on these cameras is going to eventually scratch my glasses.  If so, is there a way to prevent that?

Second question - regarding the two flash output connectors on the back of the camera, does anyone provide "plugs" for these, to cover them?

Matching plugs sold on eBay.

Viewfinder ring of any M is made from metal. 

[MikeMyers]

Thanks - I have two viewfinder "rings" on order.   I noticed my M10 has what feels like a rubber ring around the viewfinder - is that a part that I can buy and put on my old M cameras?

[Helge]

I doubt that since the eyepieces have different dimensions (M10 vs M film).

Have you ever tried correction lenses?

On a photo trip I attach a string to my glasses that goes around my neck (like an ancient teacher) and I use fitting correction lenses on all my Ms. For a photo shoot I take off my lenses. I know that there is always the argument of astigmatism, however depending on how large this is, looking „naked eye“ through the viewfinder has more advantages than a complete correction of the astigmatism.

Edited August 30, 2021 by Helge

[MikeMyers]

Ha!  I'll be 78 in 4 months, so I guess there's no problem in looking even more like an ancient teacher.

(I had cataracts replaced in both eyes, so I can see the viewfinder equally sharply with or without my glasses, but without them my eye is closer, so I see more of the field of view.  Maybe I'll need to follow your string idea, problem solved.)

[Helge]

I‘m using this type:

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I have one in each of my camera bags. There is also a tube-type you just push over the ends of the temples (I don‘t like that type, too much work and needs more room).

Edited August 30, 2021 by Helge

[MikeMyers]

41 minutes ago, Helge said:

I have one in each of my camera bags.

Looks very reasonable.  Not sure where to start - I ordered this: eyeglass strap, 3-pack, from Amazon

If I don't feel comfortable with them, I can exchange for a different strap.

[Helge]

Those are the ones I would call „tube type“ straps, a bit more work attaching it.