Close focusing (0.7m) on the M3

msbarnes

Member

Joined

Jul 23, 2011

Messages

384

Format

Multi Format

• Dec 30, 2013

• #1

I believe that the M3 doesn't focus closer than 1m.

I'm thinking of getting a lens (like the Zeiss 50/2 Planar or a later 50/2 Summicron) so that I can focus down to 0.7m (or anything closer than 1m without goggles).

-It is true that the M3 (unmodified) doesn't focus closer than 1m, right?
-If this is true, then how much does it cost to modify the body so that it focuses closer than 1m? I think I read that it is an easy mod, a while ago.

Thanks

 

darkosaric

Member

Joined

Apr 15, 2008

Messages

4,568

Location

Hamburg, DE

Format

Multi Format

• Dec 30, 2013

• #2

msbarnes said:

-It is true that the M3 (unmodified) doesn't focus closer than 1m, right?

Thanks

Click to expand...

Yes. I have M3.

 

Xmas

Member

Joined

Sep 4, 2006

Messages

6,398

Location

UK

Format

35mm RF

• Dec 31, 2013

• #3

There were production variations with M3 rangefinders some are easy to modify for 0.7m some less so.

If it is in good original condition may be cheaper to buy and sell. Otherwise get a quote first.

Just cause you have a modern lens is not a reason to modify unless you need 0.7 if you need 0.7 you should not be using a rfdr?

Some of the early lenses went below 0.7...

 

jochen

Member

Joined

May 13, 2008

Messages

350

Location

Germany

Format

35mm

• Jan 7, 2014

• #4

Hello,
the first lenses that were supplied when the M 3 was on the market, could only be focussed down to 1 m. When the M 2 came, the focussing range went down to 0.7 m. A lens with 0.7 m range can be focussed down to 0.7 m on the M 3 but the rangefinder stops a 1 m.

 

Patrick Robert James

Member

Joined

Jul 31, 2012

Messages

3,380

Format

35mm RF

• Jan 7, 2014

• #5

I have a M3 that is over 1mil and I bent the stop arm to get it to focus close. I think it may even get closer than .7m. There is probably a tutorial somewhere on the net, or take it to anyone who is capable. It should only take them a couple of minutes.

 

250swb

Member

Joined

Apr 22, 2012

Messages

1,555

Location

Peak District

Format

Multi Format

• Jan 7, 2014

• #6

msbarnes said:

I think I read that it is an easy mod, a while ago.

Click to expand...

Focusing can be modified, but the frame lines will still be stuck at 1m and as parallax is even more important close up I can't see any sort of advantage. Use a finer grain film and crop the image for the 0.7m (or closer) view.

Steve

 

Hatchetman

Member

Joined

May 27, 2011

Messages

1,553

Location

Chicago, IL

Format

Multi Format

• Jan 7, 2014

• #7

What is the story with the Summicron Dual Range 50mm? Does that solve the issue?

 

mnemosyne

Member

Joined

Jan 19, 2011

Messages

759

Location

Europe

Format

Multi Format

• Jan 8, 2014

• #8

Hatchetman said:

What is the story with the Summicron Dual Range 50mm? Does that solve the issue?

Click to expand...

Yes, with the viewfinder attachment mounted it will allow you to focus down to around 0.5 m on the M3. The viewfinder attachment will also correct for parallax.