Viewfinder Brightness / Ready for a CLA?

[philhirn]

Hi, I´m mainly a stalker around here, but couldn´t find a proper discussion of the topic I have in mind.

For almost two years I´ve owned a M2 and love its mechanics and looks, but when buying it I also looked through a M6 and, whoa, the view was even brighter, really vivid so to say. The shop assistant noted that the MP/M7 viewfinder would be even better. I just accepted his statement, but now I wonder whether he was actually correct or whether the brightness is more an issue of age and condition?

As a matter of fact my M2 shows some strange golden lines when shining a light into the viewfinder (see photo), but as it never affected shooting I didn´t really care for a long time. Now I wonder whether a thorough CLA wouldn´t remedy those lines and improve VF brightness to M6 level?

I also feel the shutter is on the loud side for a leica, so maybe that would improve as well?

Thanks for any insights into these questions and have a nice weekend,

jan

 

[Stu W]

Hi Jan, my M3's benefited greatly from a cla-the differnce in the finders was dramatic. A cla will often quiet down a shutter as people sometimes overtighten shutter springs to correct sticky-slow shutters. Stu

 

[robin a]

Youxin Ye....................

 

[philhirn]

Thanks for the replies, I live in germany, so I´ll have to find a good german repair man.

Anyhow, there must be plenty people here who can compare the VF brightness of an M2 and an MP, no?

thanks, jan

 

[Graybeard]

The external surfaces of the glass elements in the RF/VF's on the M Leicas can accumulate a surprising amount of dirt over the years. Viewfinder brightness (and especially the RF patch) can often be restored by just a cleaning in the course of a CLA.

If you opt for a CLA, be sure that the service is more than a shutter cleaning and lubrication and includes cleaning of the RF/VF optics as well. Many of the cameras offered on eBay with a "recent CLA", for example, have actually only had a shutter adjustment.

 

[normclarke]

The golden marks at the edges of the prism are the symtoms of ageing of the balsam but are not always catastrophic. Both my M2and M4 show these signs but unless it goes far beyond the edge may last for some years. Don't drop it ! this is the usual faliure mode when the prism will split and the finder becomes opaque. A CLA will help by cleaning but repair of the prism can be carried out by CRR in Luton, U.K. Useing a newer synthetic adhesive. Check the site at Angelfire.

Cheers,

normclarke.

 

[ferider]

The golden lines are an indication that the finder has begun to separate. Don't worry though, most M2s are like this and it doesn't hinder their use in the least. Also, it likely won't degrade for a long time, unless you drop the camera.

The M2 finder is differently coated than M4P finder and up. So it looks a little different wrt color. But when it's clear, brightness should be no different. So a CLA can improve that in your case, most likely.

For me, what's more important than brightness is contrast of the patch in near dark situations. Here, a good M2 will beat an M6 any time.

Best,

Roland.

 

[philhirn]

thanks all, this thread actually tipped me over into buying a CLA´d M2 at a decent price and I´m looking forward comparing the two. IMO nothing beats the looks and feel of an M2 🙂. Just missing the chrome 50 preasph lux for my dream 1 camera 1 lens combo.