MP users - Scratched outer viewfinder coating

[presspass]

I have a sizable scratch on the viewfinder window of a .58 M6 TTL, put there by the metal connector from a Domke strap. It's been there for four or five years and, other than the cosmetic annoyance, doesn't seem to affect the clarity or brightness of the finder.

 

[ZoomP]

I use my shirt tail all the time to clean the VFer windows. Just did it now.

Do you feel a groove in the glass? Hate to say this, but does it look like maybe a crack?

Haha pretty sure it's not a crack.

 

[trev2401]

As an ex-owner of an MP for 5 years, and a current owner of some m6s and an m3, all of which i use & abuse on a daily basis, I have never seen/had any scratches, faint or severe, on the view finders.

I would try using proper lens cleaning equipment when cleaning anything pertaining to camera/optics. (I wouldn't DARE use Singapore's New Water)

Other than that, the only thing this would probably affect would be the resale price. Perhaps you could try asking the previous seller about the scratches?

 

[benmacphoto]

I have noticed on my M8 that the front lens of the viewfinder has a tiny scratch, whereas my M6 and M3 do not. All of my cameras are abused the same way. So I'm thinking its just the coating on the M8 viewfinder and not the actual glass.

 

[ZoomP]

As an ex-owner of an MP for 5 years, and a current owner of some m6s and an m3, all of which i use & abuse on a daily basis, I have never seen/had any scratches, faint or severe, on the view finders.

I would try using proper lens cleaning equipment when cleaning anything pertaining to camera/optics. (I wouldn't DARE use Singapore's New Water)

Other than that, the only thing this would probably affect would be the resale price. Perhaps you could try asking the previous seller about the scratches?

No need to ask. Pretty sure it wasn't there when I got the camera. I bought it BNIB.

 

[ZoomP]

I have noticed on my M8 that the front lens of the viewfinder has a tiny scratch, whereas my M6 and M3 do not. All of my cameras are abused the same way. So I'm thinking its just the coating on the M8 viewfinder and not the actual glass.

Well, the consolation I gathered from these posts is most M users do not suffer from VF scratches. If you look it half-empty, I am unfortunately one of the few unlucky ones.

 

[dufffader]

No need to ask. Pretty sure it wasn't there when I got the camera. I bought it BNIB.

Read this thread, I don't even want to check my current M's for VF scratches. Wouldn't want to lose sleep over it. You know how it is when that little devil on your shoulder is just tugging at you constantly...

 

[benmacphoto]

Are the M8 and Mp finders technically the same just a different magnification and set of frame lines? What I mean in construction wise and materials? Because if so its probably just a new "anti scratch" coating which is protecting the glass that older viewfinders don't have.

The scratch on my viewfinder is nothing compared to the ones on the camera body though.

 

[35mmdelux]

ZoomP: Have you owned other Leicas?

 

[ZoomP]

ZoomP: Have you owned other Leicas?

Yes, a M2 brieftly and a R4s. Why?