Leica M2 viewfinder issue

[flvU3Dp]

Mods please move this to a more appropriate sub-forum if needed.

I recently noticed a couple of spots inside the viewfinder of my M2. The spots look like condensation/moisture or cracked glass although I don't think they're either. The camera operates smoothly and it doesn't have any problems otherwise. I've had the camera for a year and can't figure out if these were there when I purchased it.

Does anybody know what I'm dealing with here? Pics from a couple of different angles attached.

Thanks

 

[Bill Blackwell]

Looks like some balsam separation starting in the finder. It may get worse, or it may not. It can be repaired, but I'd keep an eye on it and send it in for repair if it gets worse. I'd wait until you can start seeing it through the RF. But, again, it may never get any worse.

 

[flvU3Dp]

Looks like some balsam separation starting in the finder. It may get worse, or it may not. It can be repaired, but I'd keep an eye on it and send it in for repair if it gets worse. I'd wait until you can start seeing it through the RF. But, again, it may never get any worse.

Thanks. That makes sense because I see a thin line of the infamous golden bubbles along the bottom edge of the prism as well (I think that's also related to separation). Do you know if the M2 can take an upgraded viewfinder, and if so, if that would be worth it as opposed to fixing this when it gets bad?

 

[Bill Blackwell]

Thanks. That makes sense because I see a thin line of the infamous golden bubbles along the bottom edge of the prism as well (I think that's also related to separation). Do you know if the M2 can take an upgraded viewfinder, and if so, if that would be worth it as opposed to fixing this when it gets bad?

Upgraded to what? All finders from the M2 onwards are pretty much the same (M4-P and M6 finders don't have the RF condenser) unless you're counting framelines. The current finder can be repaired, which would be considerably more cost effective.

 

[keytarjunkie]

As Bill said, it looks like separation. If you’re unlucky like me, it will split and black out the viewfinder. This can happen because of a sudden impact, or it can happen at any time for no reason at all, it’s just the age of the camera. I sent my M2 to Youxin Ye to be recemented, it wasn’t the end of the world!

 

[flvU3Dp]

Upgraded to what? All finders from the M2 onwards are pretty much the same (M4-P and M6 finders don't have the RF condenser) unless you're counting framelines. The current finder can be repaired, which would be considerably more cost effective.

OK, this is helpful. Thanks.

As Bill said, it looks like separation. If you’re unlucky like me, it will split and black out the viewfinder. This can happen because of a sudden impact, or it can happen at any time for no reason at all, it’s just the age of the camera. I sent my M2 to Youxin Ye to be recemented, it wasn’t the end of the world!

Good to know Youxin Ye can fix these. Will reach out to him if/when it gets bad.

 

[oldwino]

Good to know Youxin Ye can fix these. Will reach out to him if/when it gets bad.

When you do, have Youxin put in the multicoated viewfinder glass, too. Makes a nice difference. And, you can also change out the ocular frame to the M4 version, which is slightly bigger and offers better eye relief. You can order the part from DAG, and have Youxin install it when you send the camera in.
I had both of these done, and my M2 viewfinder is like brand new, as good as any modern M. Was worth the money.

 

[flvU3Dp]

When you do, have Youxin put in the multicoated viewfinder glass, too. Makes a nice difference. And, you can also change out the ocular frame to the M4 version, which is slightly bigger and offers better eye relief. You can order the part from DAG, and have Youxin install it when you send the camera in.
I had both of these done, and my M2 viewfinder is like brand new, as good as any modern M. Was worth the money.

This is interesting because my viewfinder has a strong blue tint and is very contrasty, a little dark but contrasty. It's like seeing through polarized sunglasses in the sun--I love it. I wonder if the multicoated glass will make much of a difference because I don't get any flares or reflections at all. I've also heard that there is considerable variation in M2 viewfinders in the wild (different tints and and hues). I wonder how true that is.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

This is interesting because my viewfinder has a strong blue tint and is very contrasty, a little dark but contrasty. It's like seeing through polarized sunglasses in the sun--I love it. I wonder if the multicoated glass will make much of a difference because I don't get any flares or reflections at all. I've also heard that there is considerable variation in M2 viewfinders in the wild (different tints and and hues). I wonder how true that is.

As far as I know all M2’s have a blue tint, which is supposed to increase contrast for the RF patch. Mine certainly does.

 

[flvU3Dp]

Upgraded to what? All finders from the M2 onwards are pretty much the same (M4-P and M6 finders don't have the RF condenser) unless you're counting framelines. The current finder can be repaired, which would be considerably more cost effective.

A quick update for anyone who may end up with a similar issue in the future, I contacted Youxin Ye and Leica Wetzlar and both were very quick to respond. Basically, the problem was diagnosed as "putty crack" (old glue on the cover glass with no damage to the glass itself). Leica rep said they could replace the whole viewfinder for about 400-500 euro if I wanted to go that route.

I'm going to continue to use my beloved M2 with its awesome viewfinder but it's good to know that (1) this isn't a major deal, and (2) the viewfinder can be changed if need be for essentially less than the cost of a replacement M2, which is totally worth it in my opinion.

Thank you all for your help and assistance. I know it's hard to diagnose problems online, especially with poorly taken photos. But the whole exercise taught me a lot I didn't know about vintage Leica viewfinders.