My M6 Repair Dilemma

[plummerl]

Ok, so I finally succumbed to near fatal GAS, and scooped up a M6 (classic) from KEH (via EPREY) (it’s not quite fatal, I have a 50mm f2 Summicron arriving tomorrow). This M6 turns out to be one of the last 100 built (by S. Gandy’s serial number list), built in late June of ’98 and I cannot find a mark on the body. I had the speeds checked out and they appear to be within tolerance. The only issue is with the framelines.

I have CV 15mm, 25mm and 35mm with a 35/135 M adapter. With the 35 mounted, everything looks great. Using the preview lever, the 50/75 frames look great. When I preview the 28/90 framelines (see attached digitals (sorry!)) there are remnants of the 50/75 framelines showing.

As it turns out, I was the only bidder on the camera and it appears that I picked it up for roughly $200 less than what it goes for on the KEH website. I emailed DAG (including the aforementioned photos) for his opinion, and he replied that it would be a fairly simple repair for $85. I figure that I could have him assess the camera at the same time.

My dilemma is that after talking to KEH about what I found, they said no problem. Return the camera immediately, they would pull another one out of the warehouse, check it out and send it to me on receipt of the one I had. This would potentially yield a camera that could be much older (M6 was from 86 to 98) but not have the issue. After holding this pristine M6 in my hands, I think I am going to send it off to DAG for a quick assessment and hopefully repair. If it is found to be a true LEMON (what’s the chance of that???) I can still deal with KEH on a return.

Opinions?????

larry

 

[saxshooter]

move the frame preview lever back and forth to activate the various sets of frames. it may be some internal lubricant gunked up and making it not switch the entire way to the next set of framelines.

 

[visiondr]

The problem is that the camera probably hasn't been used for a while. The mechanics of the frame line selector are getting stuck. It is a simple and permanent repair (provided you actually use the camera). Don't worry about it being a "dog" or a bad Friday afternoon camera day at Solms. Once fixed, it'll be as good as new.

 

[enochRoot]

i had an issue like this, but i think it was because i was turning the m-mount adaptor too far or something like that. see if you can turn it just until it clicks. or conversely...turn it a bit harder after it clicks and see if they go away. it's just a little arm inside the lens mount that gets pushed to different levels to actuate the various framelines. might save you $85.

 

[enochRoot]

sorry if i was repetitve...the 2 other response came through before i replied (or noticed them). in general...try and save the money and just monkey with it 😀

 

[jaapv]

My new-but-long-on-the-shelf M6TTL did this for about a week after I bought it., it simply disappeared. It was just a matter of reactivating the lubricant. If you are happy with the camera and it still does this after the first couple of rolls I would ask KEH if they would refund you the 85$. After all, their shipping must cost them somthing as well and they would have to have it done anyway if they want to sell the camera to somebody else.

 

[Ken Ford]

I'm surprised they aren't offering to repair the one you have! That said, I would much rather have Don/DAG muck around inside my M than KEH's techs - KEH is pretty good, but they're not of the same caliber as DAG.

Mark me in the "send it to DAG" column.

 

[plummerl]

Ok, I sent my M6 to DAG and after holding it for a week, I am going through some serious withdrawal (I managed to shoot two rolls before shipping). It took a week and a half to get a response from Sherry Krauter. I had to stand back and just stare at it. It was pretty strange (and very expensive). Sad that I don't have a camera that will accept the 50mm Summicron in front of me.

larry

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I went like this for about a month. Don't worry, you'll survive.

BTW, while waiting for my M6TTL, I bought another. That's how I wound up with two.

Don't do this, though. Just don't do it. Keep staring at that 'cron.

 

[Ronald M]

Let Don fix it. You have a known good one then and the repair is a simple lube job more than likely.

 

[Ken Ford]

Just concentrate on how nice and silky it'll be after the trip to Don's Leica Spa!