Big Jim Posted January 30, 2024 Share #1  Posted January 30, 2024 (edited) Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi Been on the lookout for an M3 for years. Local seller has one on offer. The fast and normal shutter speeds up to 1/15 run cleanly. From 1/8 sec. and slower, a delay at completion is audible. Rangefinder patch has marks (see attached). Anyone know if this is just dust and dirt or some kind of separation ? I notice a mark on the frame line lower left too. Nothing to worry about or walk away ? !! My M2 has some patch spots too which have never got worse but these look different.  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! Edited January 30, 2024 by Big Jim Add 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/388033-leica-m3-rangefinder-patch-spots/?do=findComment&comment=5014454'>More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted January 30, 2024 Posted January 30, 2024 Hi Big Jim, Take a look here Leica M3 Rangefinder Patch Spots. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
spydrxx Posted January 30, 2024 Share #2 Â Posted January 30, 2024 It sounds like that camera could use a good CLA. If you're willing to take a chance on the camera, you might ask the seller to lower the price equivalent to the cost of a CLA. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mute-on Posted January 30, 2024 Share #3  Posted January 30, 2024 Best case, it’s dirty and will clean off. Worst case, the rangefinder frameline mask (it’s a glass sandwich in M2, M3, M4) is delaminating and will get worse.  Having experienced the latter, it looks more like it’s dirty since the pattern of marks is not as extensive or the same type. However I would be very wary. ‘Maybe move on …. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted January 31, 2024 Share #4  Posted January 31, 2024 (edited) 12 hours ago, Big Jim said: Hi Been on the lookout for an M3 for years. Local seller has one on offer. The fast and normal shutter speeds up to 1/15 run cleanly. From 1/8 sec. and slower, a delay at completion is audible. Rangefinder patch has marks (see attached). Anyone know if this is just dust and dirt or some kind of separation ? I notice a mark on the frame line lower left too. Nothing to worry about or walk away ? !! My M2 has some patch spots too which have never got worse but these look different.  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! Shame you didn't photograph it against a neutral background because I can almost see specs of dust across the whole image but there's so much texture it's hard to be sure. If it is dust it's not a problem that's worth having a CLA done until it gets too annoying. As for a 'delay at completion' be sure this isn't just the slow escapement winding down, it's a normal noise for the slow speeds. Edited January 31, 2024 by 250swb 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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