M6 Rangefinder patch flare

[Sputty]

I've just acquired an M6 classic (my first Leica!). Great camera, but I'm finding that the rangefinder patch flares frequently, to the point where it's affecting the usability of the camera. I've never had this problem with my Bessa R, nor my Mamiya 6. Seems odd that a camera as well-made as a Leica would be so prone to flare. Is this typical, or is there something wrong with mine. Is there a fix for this?

Thanks for help, advice.

Jonathon

 

[jim0266]

Some people have serious problems with flare on M6's and others report no problems. I would have pretty serious flare with my M6 in the right conditions. This was fixed in the MP and M7 when Leica added a condenser and a shield to the RF. You can have this added by Don Goldberg (DAG). The cost should be around $175. I had this done to my M6 and now it's flare-proof.

 

[vrgard]

I keep reading that this is common with the M6 due to a change in the rangefinder. And admittedly I have experienced it a few times with my M6. But for whatever it's worth, I have not found it to occur very often or be a big issue. Not to take anything away from the difficulties you're having, but that's my experience anyways.

 

[Paulbe]

If you move the M6 just slightly--up or down--the flare disappears. If you practice a little it gets quite easy. Also--don't hold you thumb over the rangefinder window---don't ask me how I know!! :=)
Paul

 

[jaapv]

Or just shade the camera by extending your right hand horizontally, like an Indian.

 

[jky]

I've found running a thin piece of electrical tape across the bright line finder (horizontally) improved the viewfinder flare. It does dim the lines in the finder however & it does still flare somewhat, but not as much as before.
Your mileage, of course, may vary...

Cheers, j

 

[jim0266]

Sputty, if this is really driving you crazy and you like the camera, contact DAG (if you are in the US) and see how much he charges and the turnaround time. You might also see if Gerry Smith at Kindermann in Canada does this. I actually perfer to use Gerry over DAG. I have an MP and after the M6 flare fix it's as good as the MP in that regard. Like you there were times I simply had a hard time seeing through the flare to focus. I know if sucks that an expensive camera flares but that's one of the joys of the cult of Leica. Without the pain would we really be having as much fun? 😉

 

[Mackinaw]

I seem to remember reading that the 0.85 viewfinder on the M6 flares the most.

I own an MP (0.72) and can tell you that it doesn't flare at all.

Jim Bielecki

 

[terrafirmanada]

I just had an M6 framemask installed in my M2 (old one had fungus), and at first the flare was really bugging me, but then I realized that if my eye was more centered the problem was less pronounced. I like having the 28 framelines now.

 

[Ronald M]

Must be lucky. I have had two since 1985 or 6 when they came out, and had white out only one time. There was a light source right over the subject.

 

[Andrew3511]

I've got an old and tatty M4-P (same rangefinder) that very occasionally flares in strong contre-jour lighting. If your M6 is doing it more often then there may well be a problem with the rangefinder - separation, dirt or something - as it shouldn't be such a problem. I think it needs checking and probably cleaning.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[Mazurka]

As usual, see the FAQ: http://www.nemeng.com/leica/020b.shtml

 

[Sputty]

Thanks for advice, everybody. Some good ideas here.