M5 - question re rangefinder issue

[cpborello]

I have an M5 and went to take a look at another yesterday. I took a lens along to test it. The rangefinder only responds from 10 feet to infinity with the lens (the lens works fine on my M5). Is this a difficult and/or expensive problem to remedy?

Thanks,
Chris

 

[Rob-F]

It sounds like the cam follower is being restricted, probably by old, gummed-up lubricants. I think a CLA will fix it, and that should be factored into the purchase price. Sherry Krauter at Golden Touch is my top recommendation for doing this work, on this particular camera. If there is nothing else wrong with the camera, except maybe for the shutter speeds being off , or the finder needing cleaning, I would not hesitate as long as the price is right. The cost of a CLA might be $250 to $300 or so.

 

[cpborello]

Thanks Rob, that sounds right. I took a look at it a bit more closely, and if I move the cam follower back and forth, it becomes unstuck and then stuck again after a couple of uses. I hope to get a backup as I just sent mine to Sherry to modify the meter for new batteries, etc.