Leica M2 Cracks in Rangefinder Patch and Phantom Framelines

[punkzter]

Hi,

I just purchased an M2 that was CLA'd back in 2016. I've noticed a few things, and wanted to pose the question here in the forums before I write back to the seller. The rangefinder patch has a multitude of cracks in it, as do the framelines. I can't seem to see these externally, but they are visible when looking through the viewfinder.

Also, when I have my 50mm lens in, I see the left 90mm frameline, or about half of it.

Does anyone have thoughts on these issues and what can be done about them?

Thanks,
Brad

 

[ACullen]

Parts of the wrong frame lines do appear on my M2 especially if I’m using an LTM adapter. The cracks you refer to are probably ageing of the silvering. I’ve no idea if this can be fixed but unless it is as severe I’d leave well alone .

 

[Huss]

The cracks in the rf patch are signs that you are going to suffer from rf separation/delamination. It's happened to me with my M5 and is an expensive fix.
It is still useable until it suddenly gives way completely, then you will just see a black patch. I would send it back unless you are happy to pay for the fix when it eventually is needed.

You can give Youxin Yee or DAG a call to see how much they charge to fix this.

 

[Beemermark]

Partial frame lines even occur in my relatively new M7. More likely with a LTM to M adapter but also can occur with some lenses. If I twist the lens back and forth (while mounted and locked) the full, correct frame lines pop up.

 

[Ko.Fe.]

My M4-2 has exactly same issue. With 50 on, left side of 90 visible. M Leics lens, adapter - same.

Each mask has separate visiblity adjustment point on RF block. 50 seems to be most easy to access...
I'm going to try it, sooner or later.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

The framelines aren't terribly important. As long as you get the ones for the lens you're using, a ghost appearance of others isn't a federal issue (to me, at least). I should add that from all my M bodies, the only one that has this problem is my M2.

As for the patch, well... that may be another story. It can be repaired. I don't know the cost, but it's not impossible to do. Both, Don Goldberg and Youxin Ye can work it out, but given that this repair requires skill and knowledge, I'd trust it to Don. Not that Youxin wouldn't be able to do it... It's just that Don has more experience.

Take care and best of luck! 🙂

 

[Mute-on]

The cracks you see in the rangefinder patch looking through the viewfinder are not prism desilvering, but delamination of the frameline mask. This is a sandwich of glass screens that shows up as hairs or scratches in the rangefinder patch when delamination starts.

This happened to my M4, and was repaired by replacing the frameline mask.

Send the camera back and find a better one.

 

[Muju79]

Definitely sounds like framelines mask separation. My M2 was like that as well when I got it. Cameraworks-uk did a terrific OH job and installed their FTA mask.
https://www.cameraworks-uk.com/sing...efinder-or-Why-You-Need-a-FTA-Brightline-Mask

 

[splitimageview]

Do the framelines look complete if you move the frameline lever?

 

[Mute-on]

Definitely sounds like framelines mask separation. My M2 was like that as well when I got it. Cameraworks-uk did a terrific OH job and installed their FTA mask.
https://www.cameraworks-uk.com/sing...efinder-or-Why-You-Need-a-FTA-Brightline-Mask

Could you please provide some feedback on the FTA mask. Have you been able to compare it with an original M2 mask for frameline pattern and size?

Many thanks in advance.

Cheers

J 🙂

 

[Muju79]

Sorry, I don't have a second M2 for comparisons!
The patch and masks are anyway now brighter and more contrasty than the other M bodies I have. Cheers.

Could you please provide some feedback on the FTA mask. Have you been able to compare it with an original M2 mask for frameline pattern and size?

Many thanks in advance.

Cheers

J 🙂