How contrasty should the focussing patch on CL be?

[zeitoun]

I have a Leica CL whose form factor (especially when coupled to a Luigi half-case) I love dearly. However, I find myself using it sparingly especially when it competes with my (lwell-loved) M2. The major shortcoming of the CL for me is the focusing patch which is getting dimmer with time. As many of you may know, repairs on a CL is quite a bit less readily available than on a regular M.
I have never gotten hold of a CL with a perfect rangefinder prism/mirror and I have no idea what to expect if I send my CL for repairs to a reputable repair store (e.g., CRR Luton, Sherry Krauter...). In the same line of thought, I hesitate in getting another CL body as I do not know what to expect in that respect.
Can anybody comment on what I can expect should I decide to have my CL rangefinder mechanism brought back to "new" condition?
Thanks in advance, and good shooting :angel:
Paul

 

[Godfrey]

I have CL, M4-2, and M9 at present. The M4-2 had a viewfinder/rangefinder cleaning, collimation, calibration done shortly after I bought it, the CL was overhauled shortly before I bought it, and the M9 was new-demo.

With respect to rangefinder patch brightness, the CL and M4-2 are about on par. The M9 is slightly brighter, but its lower magnification finder makes it a bit more difficult to see image alignment clearly.

Have one of the greats do a CLA on your CL to bring it up to snuff. Of course, I can't promise you'll love it as I don't know what your expectations are, but I find the CL one of my all time favorite cameras.

G

 

[zeitoun]

Thanks, Godfrey. An additional incentive to "bring back my CL to life". As I said in my orignal message, I really appreciate the CL and in many ways, if I could focus close to as easily as my M2, I would predominantly use it instead.

 

[thejameskendall]

i tried one that was feint, and did some research that suggested they can need re-silvering.