Leica LTM Easy Fix for Cracked WINTU Finder Window? (Probably Not...)

[leighmarrin]

I recently picked up a Leitz right-angle WINTU viewfinder for $10. It is in "user" condition EXCEPT for one major problem: the 7x10mm viewing window has crack running through it. In dim light the crack is not noticeable, but in bright light it flares badly to the point of being unusable. The small round secondary finder works fine.

As the cracked viewfinder window is about the same size as many small inexpenisve RF camera viewfinders, wonder if a repair tech could hack off one from a "donor" thrift store Argus-type camera and transplant to my WINTU? If so, any suggestions on who might do the work? (Hopefully for less than the typical $125 selling price of intact WINTU finders. 🙂

But if not, it's still a nice "display case" item, and the little secondary round magnified finder works fine on my Leica IIIf.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Some old-fashioned opticians may be able to help, at a lower price than you might expect.

Cheers,

R.

 

[John Shriver]

Try superglue.

Is it the same size as the front window on a screwmount Leica? In that case it's a pretty common part, and DAG would probably have one.

 

[leighmarrin]

Thanks for all the replies! Looking at the viewfinder window, I thought the cracked external part was not flat, as it appears to have a slight radius on the inside, but perhaps evidently that's a reflection? So this is just plain thin glass, right?

Comparing it to the viewfinder window of my IIIf, the WINTU's is slightly smaller.

I've made a 5x7 ground glass from plain glass, and have used a stone-wheel-grinder to touch up the edges of it. So perhaps I could cut a small piece of microscope slide glass and grind it to the exact dimensions.

The WINTU has a small metal frame that holds the glass in place. How is this little frame held to the larger body? A friction fit, glue, or?

Thanks for all the suggestions. --Leigh.

 

[John Shriver]

It may be the same glass as the front window of a Leica Standard or A. Hard to find. I expect that it is concave on the inside.