M2 finder is black?!

[splitimageview]

Good news!

 

[michaelwj]

Another update for posterity - this was after a light drop caused the viewfinder prism to seperate in my M2, causing a complete blackout.

I ended up having my M2 viewfinder repaired by Ernest Cesar at Camera Electronic in Perth, WA. The M2 came back looking fantastic - there is no visible sign of separation either when looking at the M2 generally or looking through the VF.

The repair wasn't cheap (what is in Leica land?) but given that it came in at about 1/4 the replacement price of a good M2, it seemed like a good option for a body that I know is otherwise in great working condition. It only took a couple of hours labour too, so a pretty quick turnaround.

A important thing to keep in mind - Ernest reiterated that these repairs are time critical, as the separated prism will begin to oxidise if left for too long.

Good to know for us Australian's that there's a solid local option without having to send our gear to the States!

Good news for all Australians!

 

[coogee]

Likewise, thanks for sharing it nick. I had no idea they were in the game, their website gives no hint.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Likewise, thanks for sharing it nick. I had no idea they were in the game, their website gives no hint.

Yep I only found out by speaking directly with Ernest - I can't imagine it's a high volume repair for them!

 

[sreed2006]

I put my M2 on a tripod today, let go of the camera, and it dropped about 2 1/2 feet (about 75 centimeters) onto a hard floor. (I didn't have the 3/8" to 1/4" tripod screw adapter in the bottom plate, I found out much too late.) The camera body didn't show any damage, and I thought I had escaped disaster, but I took a look through the viewfinder and it was black except for the frame lines and RF patch. From the front, it is all black.

It's nice to have some assurance that it can be fixed. The camera will soon be off to Youxin Ye in hopes he can repair it.