Cause of dim finder in M2?

[everyXnewXday]

I've had an M2 for a year or so and I feel like the viewfinder must be dimmer than normal. I see a lot of people having issues with a dim rangefinder patch, but on my M2 it's so bright that in a lot of situations it drowns out the viewfinder image. I've actually had to tape a little piece of a green gelatin filter over the rangefinder winder to make focusing easier. The frame lines are bright and clear as well.

For reference, the finders in my Contax G2 and my OM1n (with 50mm f/1.8) are both brighter than my M2 finder and a Fuji X-Pro2 is LOADS brighter and clearer. Compared to both of these my M2 finder has a distinct bluish tint, with the rangefinder patch appearing slightly yellow.

The previous owner had the camera serviced by DAG right before selling it to me (a friend, so I know that he actually did) so maybe this is just how M2 viewfinders are?

From what I've read I don't think that the prism/mirror is documenting. Could it be a matter of the semi-silvered mirror somehow becoming more opaque (oxidized?) over time? Seems like that might make the rangefinder patch extra bright and the finder itself extra dim.

Do you think that replacing the viewfinder window with multi-coated glass would help much?

Thanks!

 

[mooge]

1. Interesting question. My M2 was the same (before I ruined the finder... but that's another story) and I never managed to get it any brighter by cleaning things. I wouldn't think it's deterioration of the silvering because it's sealed in by the optical cement that glues the prisms together.

2. The blue/gold tint of the M2 (and M3) finders is deliberate, to increase contrast (to help focusing). You'll find this in some other, cheaper RF cameras as well - canonets, etc.

3. I don't think replacing the VF window would do anything significant (but what do I know)