Leica IIF RD - Looking for a focus tiny lens (w/pictures)

[Xai]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi there!

I've been looking for some time for this little "focus" lens near the viewfinder for my Leica IIF RD (it used to be in the hole on the left. See picture). I can't find it anywhere, I even contact Leica but with no result.
Anyone have it or know where to find this little lens to purchase?
It's very annoying because I can compose the photo but I can not see if is in focus.

I hope somebody can help me.

Thanks

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!

[jaapv]

Have you asked https://www.dagcamera.com/store/c8/Leica_Screwmount.html

[Xai]

No, I haven't, I didn't know that page. 
I will ask them
Thanks a lot jaapv! 👍

[jc_braconi]

To focus an object  you need to coincide two pictures of this object in this viewer by moving the focusing ring on the lens, this is called a telemeter and is  the base of many Leica camera.
Next around the reloading tool you have a lever to accommodate the view in the range viewer.

Hope to had been enough clear.
 

[250swb]

21 hours ago, Xai said:

No, I haven't, I didn't know that page. 
I will ask them
Thanks a lot jaapv! 👍

I am also wondering if the OP knows how to focus the camera.

But for the benefit of the doubt the part 'missing' is 42 216-477 and called 'viewfinder eye lens (negative)' in the service manual. How it could go missing is baffling, the black eyepiece cover would hold it in even if it could come loose, and from the photo it doesn't look like it is missing.

To focus your IIIf you first look through the left window, the part that is 'missing', and as you turn the focus lever on the taking lens you will see two patches in the centre that come together and coincide when the lens is focused, to help see this sharply the lever around the rewind knob adjusts a dioptre lens which you adjust according to distance and eyesight. To compose the picture you then look through the right window in the viewfinder, but you do not see any focus information through the right window.

There are numerous places to get a user manual for the camera online and also sites where you can download a .pdf of the service book.

Edited July 21, 2022 by 250swb

[Xai]

Thanks so much, @jc_braconi & @250swb, for all the useful information!
I already knew how to focus with my Leica, that was never the problem, the problem is that I can not see if it is in focus because of the missing eyepiece.

Here's the whole story, I should write it down in the first place to avoid misunderstandings, sorry about that 🤦‍♂️
When I purchased the camera, the black eyepiece cover was already a bit broken but it look not so bad, but then, with use, it broke a bit more and then one day as I went home after shooting, I realize I've lost the viewfinder eye lens. I then contacted Leica to see if they had this eyepiece lens and also the black plastic piece. They said they did not have the lens but, to my surprise, they sent me the black plastic eyepiece free of charge! which was so great of them. That's why the black piece looks brand new, because it is  
Still I had the problem of finding the eyepiece lens, I asked in photography shops and search online with no result, then a few years later I found this subReddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/Leica/) which led me this forum and here I am.

Finally thanks to @jaapv I visit DAG camera (https://www.dagcamera.com/store/c8/Leica_Screwmount.html) to see if they had the piece but it seems they didn't, so I contacted them via email, and they do have the eyepiece! and I'm about to purchase it from them! 

So I'm very happy to finally be able to get my Leica out in the world again! Thanks so much Leica Forum!!