Crack on new Leica M2, something to worry about?

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gerbilthemistake

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I recently bought a new to me Leica M2 online. I was told that it has been cla'ed recently by Sherry K and they are going to be sending me the invoice shortly. The Leica M2 seems to function great and for the most part looks like it is in good condition. I did notice however when loading the film there is a small crack on the body.

I am wondering if anybody has had similar issues before and if it is something I should worry about getting worse. The crack, in my opinion should not affect the function of the camera, but I dont know if this crack will get worse with time. Just looking for some insight from people with similar experiences.


Thanks,
Tim
 
Yeah, if the crack is in the aluminum body, that will develop into a light leak.

If the crack is in the vulcanite only, then it is only cosmetic and of no functional concern.

Vick
 
Jeez that's bad news. I'd take it back.

I wonder would Sherry give this body a CLA and send it back without addressing this crack?
Would she even bother working on this body?
 
t.s.k. said:
Jeez that's bad news. I'd take it back.

I wonder would Sherry give this body a CLA and send it back without addressing this crack?
Would she even bother working on this body?
Click to expand...


The camera works really well and is smoother than any M2 I've had in the past, it's a shame it has a crack there. I will have to contact the seller tomorrow for a return. I was wondering also why Sherry would work on something if it the crack could become something really bad.
 
Is it right through the metal? Is it a machining error in manufacture and not extending to the outside? Is it completely covered by the baseplate? Golden Touch might have considered the camera still functional. However, since you don't have the receipt for that work with the camera it does raise concerns about whether that work was in fact done. I have received a camera from another reputable repairer source that was claimed to be mint minus and recently serviced but the preview lever was flailing in the wind and the 90 frame line on the left is not always absent when a 50 is mounted. I didn't want to send it back but it was a surprise. A good user. So might this M2 be.
 
Richard G said:
Is it right through the metal? Is it a machining error in manufacture and not extending to the outside? Is it completely covered by the baseplate? Golden Touch might have considered the camera still functional. However, since you don't have the receipt for that work with the camera it does raise concerns about whether that work was in fact done. I have received a camera from another reputable repairer source that was claimed to be mint minus and recently serviced but the preview lever was flailing in the wind and the 90 frame line on the left is not always absent when a 50 is mounted. I didn't want to send it back but it was a surprise. A good user. So might this M2 be.
Click to expand...

It indeed is right through the metal, the crack is not very long so the baseplate does cover it up. I am just worried that the crack will extend to the point where the camera will have light leaks. Other than this crack the camera is in very good condition and the smoothest M2 I've operated, so maybe they did consider it still functional. I am going to speak with the seller and see what they say.
 
A crack of in the body suggests that the camera has taken a heavy blow at some time. This would be of more concern to me but if it HAS truly been properly serviced and is functioning well, it is of less concern. (It might even be that the camera has been rebuilt from cannibalised parts - not a big concern if done prefessionally. Certainly with a crack that bad - right thru the metal, the baseplate would have needed replacement and the camera servicing.)

I am pretty picky but I would not worry too much about a hidden body flaw like this - if it is only that. After all it is covered by the baseplate so unlikely to let light in unless it is already doing so (easily tested.)

It would also be possible to seal the crack by applying something like black sealant inside the body shell - there appears to be plenty of room based on your photo. I would doubt it would get worse in any event absent some major further trauma.

BTW in the unlikely event that the crack did show signs of getting longer there is a well recognised (if counter intuitive) way of stopping it. A hole is drilled thru the metal at the end of the crack. This stops it from lengthing as the round hole dissipates the forces and absorbs any strain that might lead to the crack growing further. Of course it's then necessary to fill that hole -usually either by tapping the metal and screwing in a metal thread screw (which is ground off flush) or by using epoxy. But I seriously could not imagine it coming to that - the crack can only have occurred from a heavy blow and absent a further heavy blow is unlikely to grow.
 
Last edited:
peterm1 said:
A crack of in the body suggests that the camera has taken a heavy blow at some time. This would be of more concern to me but if it HAS truly been properly serviced and is functioning well, it is of less concern. (It might even be that the camera has been rebuilt from cannibalised parts - not a big concern if done prefessionally. Certainly with a crack that bad - right thru the metal, the baseplate would have needed replacement and the camera servicing.)

I am pretty picky but I would not worry too much about a hidden body flaw like this - if it is only that. After all it is covered by the baseplate so unlikely to let light in unless it is already doing so (easily tested.)

It would also be possible to seal the crack by applying something like black sealant inside the body shell - there appears to be plenty of room based on your photo. I would doubt it would get worse in any event absent some major further trauma.

BTW in the unlikely event that the crack did show signs of getting longer there is a well recognised (if counter intuitive) way of stopping it. A hole is drilled thru the metal at the end of the crack. This stops it from lengthing as the round hole dissipates the forces and absorbs any strain that might lead to the crack growing further. Of course it's then necessary to fill that hole -usually either by tapping the metal and screwing in a metal thread screw (which is ground off flush) or by using epoxy. But I seriously could not imagine it coming to that - the crack can only have occurred from a heavy blow and absent a further heavy blow is unlikely to grow.
Click to expand...


I've shot a test roll, that I plan on developing tomorrow so that should tell me if there is any light leak issues from the crack (I'm assuming). I am also going to call the seller and see what they have to say about it. Thanks for the information, what kind of black sealant would you recommend if I ended up keeping the body and wanted to apply it myself?

Thanks
 
I apply these rules when buying used.
a) Defects must be reflected in the price.
b) A cla has only happend if it is documented.
c) A cla is only an advantage if it is done by a known professional
d) If things gets complicated, forget about it.

In your case, I don't know about A. C is covered if B is provided, but D is all over the place. You really need a lot of A to compensate for all the D.

I would pass.
 
Put a bit of JB weld on the inside with a tooth pick, no joke. It will fill the crack. Auto parts stores sell it. Liquid steel, keep the camera.
 
I don't like the idea of attempting to fix something that otherwise should have been disclosed, especially a major defect as this, without a large discount in price. Yes, the crack can be dealt with but it still doesn't diminish the fact that you now own the repair too.

Then ask yourself, if you knew there was a crack before purchase, would you still have bought it?
There are still plenty of nice M2s out there.
 
This is my third Leica M2 that I've received in the past month. The first two were from KEH and were Bargain condition. The first one had frameline issues, the second one the rf patch did not focus any closer than 1.2 meters or so. This last one with the crack was purchased off ebay from Jack's Camera in Muncie, IN. They seem to have a very friendly and helpful staff, I am going to try calling them tomorrow and letting them know what I discovered. Other than the crack I see no reason why I wouldn't believe this camera has had a recent CLA (it operates better than other M's I've had in the past). I'll let you guys know what I end up doing with it and appreciate all the help and suggestions. The JB weld fix is a very interesting one and I may do it if I do indeed keep the camera.

Thanks,
Tim
 
Ask for a price reduction is it was undeclared and then fill it with epoxy; that's what I'd do. You never see it when the baseplate is fitted.
 
kknox said:
Put a bit of JB weld on the inside with a tooth pick, no joke. It will fill the crack. Auto parts stores sell it. Liquid steel, keep the camera.
Click to expand...

+1 for that. I have a body shell with a huge part missing, some JB weld is plastered into that and it sticks real good.

Just make sure it does not fall again on that same corner.
 
I'd drill the crack to stop it as Peter suggests and then use JB weld and then after hardening, Dremmel to finish.
Get a discount from the seller. It depends on the price you paid. I always buy stuff as if I'm trying to sell it and ask myself the same questions a buyer would ask me. Unless it was cheap or you intend to keep it forever! I'd return it and get another. The fact that it is there would always p@@@ me off.
 
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