Rangefinder frame decementing? Help.

[Gman]

I just got back an M4 from Sherry Krauter that was CLA'd. Shutter speeds now work great, etc., but she wrote that the rangefinder frame is decementing. What exactly does this mean? Is this fatal? What can be done about it- does it cost big bucks to correct?

So many questions- any information is appreciated. Thanks.

Jeff

 

[erikhaugsby]

Oohhh that's not good.
If its what I understand, one or more of the mirrors/surfaces that compose the RF part of the Viewfinder window are splitting and/or falling apart.

Very costly repair if the mirror is affected...



thenagain, I'm not completely sure on any of this: its just what I understand from what I've heard from others

 

[Nikon Bob]

Gman

Just ask Sherry as she did the work on the CLA. I am guessing that if it was serious she would have contacted you before sending the camera back.

Nikon Bob

 

[John Shriver]

Be gentle with it, and the prisms will stay glued longer.

Camera Restoration and Repair, Luton, UK, is the "best deal" place for resilvering and recementing, and they do great work.

 

[srtiwari]

(sigh) Oh, dear ! Same disease as mine. here's what I have learnt.

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00FqI6

At the risk of disagreeing with an expert, Sherry K.'s prediction that it may cost upwards of $650 (cost of the M6J replacement part ), the Luton guys may save us some money. That's what I intend to do...

Subhash

 

[Nikon Bob]

Jeff

If I am not mistaken, some M3 rangefinder prisms decement because the Canada balsam used to make the optical glue deteriorates over time. There are lots of threads in various forums on this subject. From what I have read, the M4 rangefinder prisms were glued together with a newer type glue and are generally not subject to the prisms seperating. I guess that it can happen though. I am just wondering if the statement of the rangefinder frame is decementing refers to something different and is not the same as the rangefinder prisms seperating? That is why I suggested you contact Sherry Krauter for an explanation of the problem. If it is the rangefinder prisms decementing others have pointed you to some repair sources. Here is a link to FAQ Leica on the M3 http://www.nemeng.com/leica/002be.shtml and in it there is a discussion of the issue of seperation and the possibilities on repair.

Nikon Bob

 

[srtiwari]

Hopefully not adding to the confusion but-
1. The Luton people do describe the differences between the M2/M4 vs. the M3 type issues in construction and design.
2. DAG informed me that the Decementing can be fixed with new glue, but the DeSilvering will require a complete swap with an M6J part- and that they report is very expensive. The Luton people apparently do their own ReSilvering. Unfortunately, DAG also tell me that only after you open up and separate them can you know WHICH of the two problems is the culprit.

I plan to call Luton tomorrow, for my M3, and will also try to clarify this issue. I'll be happy to post their response here.
Subhash