Viewfinder fault on new camera (separation?)

[RichardPhoto]

Hi,

I was hoping to get some advice about a problem with a new camera I purchased today...

It's a mint condition M4-P. Doesn't look like it's ever been used. All looked good in the store, but when I got home I noticed and issue with the viewfinder.

There is a coffee coloured stain to half the viewfinder. This is transparent and not hugely noticeable (hence why I didn't notice in the dim store). It appears that it some sort of separation of the optics closest to the eye, i.e. immediately in front of the round window (I believe it called the beam-splitter).

I have taken a couple of pictures which illustrates the issue.

Have I diagnosed the problem correctly? If so, is this a major issue?

I purchased from a well respected store, so I can return it. However, if it's unlikely to get worse, or will more than likely affect any replacement M4-P at some point, would it be better to ask for a correct in price (i.e. partial refund)? Or should I return it and swap it?

Thanks for any advice.


m4pviewfinder-2 by R M, on Flickr



m4pviewfinder-1 by R M, on Flickr

 

[BLKRCAT]

For future, this is the format you should be posting from flickr. There's lots of info out there on how to do this. You can quote my post to see the formatting.

 

[RichardPhoto]

That is what I was trying to achieve, but despite numerous attempts I haven't got it right. I usually not so bad with computers!

I have found any hints by quoting your reply. I'll look for some info on it and correct the post.

 

[Huss]

That looks terrible. I'd return it even if functionally it was ok. Personally that would bug me to no end. Weird that the shop would sell it like this w/o pointing it out.

There's a really nice one for sale here:

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/1439967/0?keyword=m4-p#13637269

I am not related to the seller in any way. I think you can get him to go lower on the price, as it has been up for a while now.

 

[RichardPhoto]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I'm based in the UK.

 

[rhl-oregon]

Return/swap if there's a better (functional, not cosmetic) alternative in M4 models, though if you are open to other models, great. As some respondents may attest from experience, the minty Ms may hide problems from years or decades of disuse.

If they did not point out such a flaw before selling the camera, it's hard to imagine they'd offer a "partial refund" sufficient to pay for independent diagnosis & repair of the VF, whether or not separation turns out to be the problem. Were it my camera, I'd experience a sinking feeling each time I raised it to my eye.

I've been in a similar situation with an M5. In my case, the best decision would have been not to buy, but I didn't make that best decision and so learned a valuable i.e. costly lesson. Don't settle for a dodgy vf/rf in a pretty body. Good luck.

 

[Fraser]

Take it back unless it was very cheap it will drive you mad in the long run and could be a problem if you ever try to sell it.

 

[michaelwj]

There are too many of these cameras around in fine condition to bother using that one. I'd return and either replace or refund and shop elsewhere. If the seller didn't mention the issue then the latter.

 

[Highway 61]

This is an immediate-return-to-seller-for-full-refund case !

 

[mpaniagua]

If the price was cheap (500-600$) then keep it otherwise return

 

[RichardPhoto]

Thanks for the advice.

I returned it to the store today. They were very helpful - it seemed to be a genuine mix up and the guy selling it didn't know about the fault. Swapped it for another M4-P in excellent condition.

I can now look forward to the next chapter of 'how far can Leica cameras test my patience and wallet before I crack and never touch one again?'!

 

[RichardPhoto]

I also checked the serial number and it appears this new one was being put together around the same time I was born. Both in Ontario, about 200 miles apart. A birthday Leica. I hope this is a good omen.

 

[michaelwj]

Good to hear.

 

[rhl-oregon]

Happy ending. If only of a chapter.