Starting serial number for sealed Leica MP viewfinders

[Asim]

It is said that early MP rangefinders had a flaw in that the there wasn't proper sealing in the viewfinder. This caused dust to collect inside the viewfinder to the point it became very dirty.

But Leica corrected this by installing upgraded viewfinders at some point that were sealed better.

Does anyone know the starting serial number that Leica MP rangefinders would have the upgraded sealed viewfinders?

Thanks

 

[sc_rufctr]

Good question. I wouldn't mind knowing either.

 

[ryan26]

Thomasw seems along the right track, my is 292+ and FULL of dust.

Still a good spread to deal with..

 

[Nigel Meaby]

Did Leica offer a free upgrade for earlier cameras once they recognised the "defect" ? If so it would surely be possible to find an earlier serial with the upgrade?

 

[Rob-F]

Not to confuse things, but I have two,. They are: 29217xx and 29219xx. Neither has dust (yet). I might just be lucky, though.

 

[Rob-F]

Also: on the earlier of mine,29217xx, I can slip the edge of a piece of paper between the finder and the body. On the later number, I can't. It is apparently a better, tighter fit to the body. Could be a clue.

 

[Moriturii]

Does M2's and M3's have sealed viewfinders?

 

[Nigel Meaby]

Rob are you the original owner of both?

 

[Mackinaw]

My MP (bought new in 2004), serial number 289XXXXX, has no dust in the viewfinder.

Jim B.

 

[35mmdelux]

My M7, #285xxx, sealed & not a speck of dust.

 

[segedi]

Mine, 2880xxx has some dust. Is it best to send in or can this be repaired at home?

 

[Rob-F]

Mine, 2880xxx has some dust. Is it best to send in or can this be repaired at home?

Depends on your skill level. You would have to take the top plate off. I think it's one of those "if you have to ask . . ." situations.

 

[250swb]

Did Leica offer a free upgrade for earlier cameras once they recognised the "defect" ? If so it would surely be possible to find an earlier serial with the upgrade?

I've never known what the upgrade looks like Nigel, but sending it back to the factory just gets it cleaned (for £60) as far as I can see (it looks the same as before it went, but cleaner). Serial number very early at 2880643.

Steve

 

[Bill Blackwell]

... Does anyone know the starting serial number that Leica MP rangefinders would have the upgraded sealed viewfinders? ...

You are not going to get a straight answer to your question - because not even Leica knows ... Cameras serial numbered well after 3 million (~2004) were still not sealed at the factory.

The infamous dust issue was a direct result of Leica, beginning with the introduction of the MP, changing the tried and true eyepiece design with one that is far inferior.

The new eyepiece is held on with three small set screws and does not have a natural seal. The old design was molded and threaded right onto the topcover.

 

[LeicaFan]

This is concerning...

My MP has a 293XXXX serial number and has no dust, but it hasn't seen a lot of use.

 

[250swb]

This is concerning...

My MP has a 293XXXX serial number and has no dust, but it hasn't seen a lot of use.

Yes, there is always something to worry about..

Steve

 

[hlockwood]

Did Leica offer a free upgrade for earlier cameras once they recognised the "defect" ? If so it would surely be possible to find an earlier serial with the upgrade?

My M7, as new, was sent to Solms for the VF and DX reader upgrades. It now has dust in the VF. S/N 28847xx. Some upgrade! :bang:

Harry

 

[Rob-F]

You are not going to get a straight answer to your question - because not even Leica knows ... Cameras serial numbered well after 3 million (~2004) were still not sealed at the factory.

The infamous dust issue was a direct result of Leica, beginning with the introduction of the MP, changing the tried and true eyepiece design with one that is far inferior.

The new eyepiece is held on with three small set screws and does not have a natural seal. The old design was molded and threaded right onto the topcover.

And MP is supposed to stand for "Mechanics in Perfection!" In an article in The Viewfinder, Leica said that to design the MP, they analyzed every part to see what could be made stronger or better. Evidently they should have left well enough alone with the finder eyepiece.