Dim rangefinder image on M4-P?

[summar]

I have an M4-P I inherited which works perfectly and is a pleasure to use except for one thing -- the rangefinder image is quite dim, making the camera difficult to use in low light levels. Oddly enough, the rangefinder image on my two FSU cameras and my IIIf is much brighter (the IIIf is easiest of all to use in low light). This doesn't seem right somehow.
I've noticed there's crud on the inside of the viewfinder, not apparent when looking through it but obvious when looked at from the outside. Could this be the problem or would it be a matter of having the rangefinder mirror re-silvered?
I'd appreciate any thoughts on the matter, also some rough idea of how expen$ive it might be to get the window cleaned and, if necessary, the mirror re-silvered. Thanks.

 

[LChanyungco]

window cleaning is cheap... viewfinder repair/replacement tend to be expensive. is the "crud" on the inside of the view finder window only ?

 

[FrankS]

If it's the rangefinder/beamsplitter issue, the repair is not inexpensive. If it's too much, you can use the camera as a platform for a wide angle lens that you can easily scale-focus.

 

[maddoc]

I heard (but didn't experienced my self) that some glue used in the M4-P (no idea what is glued together) outgases and slowly builds up a film on the glass surfaces. Cleaning (CLA) brings the VF back to like new condition. Another source for building up a film of dirt are the lubricants.

 

[rlouzan]

Yes, I´m the one that mentioned it. Time for a CLA about $200 - tell your tech. to check the plastic flash block too (another $50 if broken😡.)

I heard (but didn't experienced my self) that some glue used in the M4-P (no idea what is glued together) outgases and slowly builds up a film on the glass surfaces. Cleaning (CLA) brings the VF back to like new condition. Another source for building up a film of dirt are the lubricants.