Konica III vf & top plate removal

[bdeyes]

Just wanted to know if anyone has done viewfinder cleaning on the Konica III rangefinder. I have a fairly good sample, with only issue that the viewfinder is a bit dirty. In an APUG thread ("recalibrating rangefinder konica iii") the author found that just removing the obvious top 3 screws does not allow the top plate to be removed. Before I attempt the cleaning process, I was hoping someone could explain what else would be needed.

I have heard of various excellent Konica repairshops, but for this (hopefully) simple task I wanted to try this myself.

Thanks for any advice,
bdeyes

 

[btgc]

On III you have to remove rewind knob, screws under rewind knob, screws under metallic plate on accessory shoe and "screw" over frame counter (tiny shims under cover, watch 'em).

Pleasure to work on and use afterwards.

 

[bdeyes]

Tried those screws, but didn't work for him

Tried those screws, but didn't work for him

Thanks btgc for the reply.
But from the thread (http://www.apug.org/forums/forum147/55649-recalibrating-rangefinder-konica-iii.html), the OP describes removing those exact screws, and still he could not remove the top plate.

If you got it to open just by unscrewing those, perhaps it just requires a firmer force to remove?

 

[btgc]

Yes, that thing is built tough and firm. I needed to pop up one end of top cover with small screwdrived, resting it on end of hinge. Top cover doesn't fly off since one removes screws but also isn't unmovable.

Also, poster at APUG has Konica III with rangefinder off, my wild guess such a solidly built camera needs good bump to loose RF adjustment. If top cover were dented (say, side of it) it could be normal he can't easily remove top. We are just guessing here without seeing actual camera.

 

[bdeyes]

Thanks for the tip

Thanks for the tip

That is most encouraging to hear, and thanks for the tips. Now I can hardly wait for the spanner wrench to arrive.

I've successfully cleaned Konica Auto S2 rangefinder mirror/glass before, using very gentle pressure on the rangefinder mirror. I intend to do the same with the Konica III, and if all goes well the Auto S2 will have a nice little brother to play with.

 

[bdeyes]

Mission accomplished

Mission accomplished

I can report that everything went well. Here is a pic of the disassembled top plate, with the related components and screws directly above their place on the top plate.
Note that the rewind crank does not have to be unscrewed from the rewind knob, but I did it just the same. Also note the small soft release directly above the hole for the release button. Some Konica IIIs have the soft release, some do not (they are so small they probably get lost along the way).

Thanks btgc for the big help. The viewfinder is now crystal clear, and patch strong and distinct.

bdeyes

 

[btgc]

Great you did it. It's good camera.

 

[ftw1952]

[/IMG]

Yes, that thing is built tough and firm. I needed to pop up one end of top cover with small screwdriver, resting it on end of hinge. Top cover doesn't fly off since one removes screws but also isn't unmovable.

Also, poster at APUG has Konica III with rangefinder off, my wild guess such a solidly built camera needs good bump to loose RF adjustment. If top cover were dented (say, side of it) it could be normal he can't easily remove top. We are just guessing here without seeing actual camera.

Here are photos of the top plate removed along with white paint showing the rangefinder adjustment screws. The rear screw is for horizontal settings and the angled one for vertical adjustments. When removing the two screws under the flash show the white painted holes are the screws that retain the top on. When removing the rewind lever just remove it alike most other camera with a screwdriver holding the inner fork while turning the lever counter clockwise.Then use a spanner wrench to remove the tiny screw below the area were the rewind lever lays when down. Then the spanner is needed to remove the screw at the film counter. I had to wiggle the top plate to raise it up to remove. Prying it off is not recommended. Use your thumb nail on the back side to raise it up before wiggling it up.

https://www.use.com/OhwUt

 

[ftw1952]

Konica III M

Konica III M

<center><img src="https://www.use.com/images/s_2/d7e09f672e018a71dad6_1.jpg"><br>
<br>
<img src="https://www.use.com/images/s_2/d7e09f672e018a71dad6_2.jpg"></center>

 

[ftw1952]

A link with photos is provided above showing the rangefinder adjustment screws