Rangefinder patch problem on my M5

[bud.petal]

Hi all,


I just bought an M5 and the rangefinder patch looks like this:


https://flic.kr/p/2gcipAK
https://flic.kr/p/2gcipzx
https://flic.kr/p/2gcizBi

There are black dots all over and a black semi-circle on the left and right side. And the outer edges of the patch (around two thirds of the patch in total) have a faint orange or brown haze.


Does anyone know what this is? It doesn't look like fungus to me.


Can this be fixed with a CLA or would I have to get the entire rangefinder replaced?


The focussing action seems fine to me (if a little bit faint), but I'm worried that this is a bad sign and that the rangefinder might become inoperable soon.



All the other rangefinder patches I've seen on other M bodies have been completely white. But this is my first M5 so I'd like to see what other people think before I contact the seller to ask for a refund.



Thank you in advance,


Eran.

 

[TenEleven]

This sadly looks like the rangefinder prism is in the process of decementing/deteriorating.

A CLA could probably improve the contrast/visibility a bit, but would not do much to stop the deterioration process without a full replacement of the part. The partial separation may also render the RF/patch more vulnerable to shocks and bumps.

The thing is that from my experience it's neigh impossible to tell whether the problem is going to get worse or not. I've used cameras like that and they were fine and didn't worsen whereas others suddenly worsened or broke entirely.

If I were in your position I'd try to either get my money back, or a refund sufficient enough that when the patch eventually "dies" you can shrug and move on.

 

[Mute-on]

Very likely the frameline mask delaminating. Send it back if possible as it’s a fairly expensive repair. See this thread ...

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=167148

 

[bud.petal]

This sadly looks like the rangefinder prism is in the process of decementing/deteriorating.

A CLA could probably improve the contrast/visibility a bit, but would not do much to stop the deterioration process without a full replacement of the part. The partial separation may also render the RF/patch more vulnerable to shocks and bumps.

The thing is that from my experience it's neigh impossible to tell whether the problem is going to get worse or not. I've used cameras like that and they were fine and didn't worsen whereas others suddenly worsened or broke entirely.

If I were in your position I'd try to either get my money back, or a refund sufficient enough that when the patch eventually "dies" you can shrug and move on.

Thanks for the quick reply. That's what I suspected. The seller has thankfully agreed to a full refund.

 

[bud.petal]

Very likely the frameline mask delaminating. Send it back if possible as it’s a fairly expensive repair. See this thread ...

https://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=167148

Thanks for that. I looked at the other thread too. The seller has thankfully agreed to a full refund.

 

[Mute-on]

Excellent. So you can try again, but forearmed with more knowledge about what to look for.

Good luck!