Black specks in rangefinder???

[AnthonyM]

I wanted to purcahse an M Leica on Ebay as a backup to my IIIF. However, the seller indicated it has "black specks in the center square of the rangefinder". I contacted him. He did not know what these specks were or what caused them. He said this happens from time to time and is not serious.

Does anyone have any idea what these black specks are all about and what caused them? Will it get worse or cause future problem buying a camera with this condition ?

 

[furcafe]

It depends. If he is actually talking about the RF (not the VF, which is separate on the TM Leicas), the black specks could be just dust in the optical path or could be signs of some deterioration in the beam-splitter. Either way, not a huge deal (depending on the price of the camera, though) as cleaning is cheap & the beam-splitter can be entirely replaced @ modest cost.

I wanted to purcahse an RF Leica on Ebay. However, the seller indicated it has "black specks in the center square of the rangefinder". I contacted him. He did not know what these specks were or what caused them. He said this happens from time to time and is not serious.

Does anyone have any idea what these black specks are all about and what caused them? Will it get worse or cause future problem buying a camera with this condition ?