Who can recement a Leica M2 prism in Australia?

[eckhardf]

I have a Leica M2 with significant bubbling in the Canada balsam around the edges of the main viewfinder prism (appears as 45 degree angled rectangle outlined with bubbles when looking into the viewfinder prism from the front of the camera). I understand that this occurs when the Canada balsam that glues the viewfinder elements together starts to degrade. The view when looking through the viewfinder from the rear is perfectly clear and there is no blurring or image degradation even at the periphery of the finder.

Can anybody recommend a store or technician based in Australia that recements M2 prisms - preferably with modern optical glue? (I'm based in Melbourne).

I understand that places like Cameraworks in the UK would do a very professional job however I'd rather avoid the long postal journey there and back if I can - I'm more concerned about potential loss or damage rather than cost or time.

Other than the viewfinder, everything operates very smoothly and quietly, it was serviced by DAG probably a decade or two ago but is unlikely to have more than 5-10 rolls put through it each year going forward. My thinking is that, although the viewfinder is perfectly functional now, repairs are likely to become more expensive in the future and there will probably be fewer technicians available. I'm keeping this camera for life, so figure the repair now would be worthwhile.

Many thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have.

 

[Richard G]

Imaging by Design in Collingwood, formerly the Camera Clinic, will work on most Leicas. Wayne who is in charge is a very impressive character. They do official Leica repairs too. They have agreed to service my IIIf.

 

[splitimageview]

Very few techs can do this, I doubt there is anyone Down Under although it's possible. But it's premature.

Other than Alan Starkie, Youxin Ye in the US can do it.

 

[Beemermark]

The view when looking through the viewfinder from the rear is perfectly clear and there is no blurring or image degradation even at the periphery of the finder.

Why bother with an expensive and possibly repair failure?

 

[DownUnder]

Because Leica M film cameras are for life. Like those legendary PP watches, they become cherished family heirlooms. Some even put them on small altars and light candles and burn incense in front of them. They are "that sort" of camera.

 

[eckhardf]

Imaging by Design in Collingwood, formerly the Camera Clinic, will work on most Leicas. Wayne who is in charge is a very impressive character. They do official Leica repairs too. They have agreed to service my IIIf.

Thanks Richard, I will contact them soon and find out what's possible.

 

[eckhardf]

Why bother with an expensive and possibly repair failure?

I do agree with you ... and the camera won't even be used that much in the future as film photography becomes more and more expensive.

Fundamentally I am unsure how stable the viewfinder is in it's current state - the bubbling does not appear to be spreading in the 5 or 6 years I've owned the camera but I have no knowledge how close to failure it might be - if at all. If I could safely assume that the viewfinder is likely to last in it's current condition for another 20 odd years of light use and with the occasional trip in a back-pack (urban travel) then I will happily save on the expense and other possible complications.

I suppose it's a situation of preventative maintenance; I want to avoid being 10 years down the track and the viewfinder fails and the repair then is much higher than it is today, compounded by a lack of parts and experienced technicians etc. I don't really want to repair it now but feel it might be the wisest approach given that it's a vital part of the camera that is already difficult and expensive to repair today. I wouldn't be so concerned if there were minor mechanical issues for example.

I will attach a photo of the finder to this thread when possible.

 

[eckhardf]

Because Leica M film cameras are for life. Like those legendary PP watches, they become family heirlooms. Some even put them on small altars and light candles and burn incense in front of them. They are "that sort" of camera.

Hahaha!!... I do like the smell of incense!

I have owned many film cameras over the years... but I suppose this particular M really is my "dream" camera. It's a close-to-original black repaint M2, button rewind and without a self-timer which are exactly the features I want in an M2. It's also got some endearing dents and patina so I enjoy using it to take photos rather than rest it on an alter.

I have never been one for watches - to me it's more like owning and driving a classic car. Perhaps I should place it on a small hoist ! 😁

Broom brooom

 

[Mute-on]

Bubbling around the edges is very common and harmless. It is not the prism separating. This is much ado about nothing. Leave it alone and just enjoy the camera.

My M2 came onto my possession 20 years ago with slight bubbling. I never gave it another thought and nothing has happened since.

 

[eckhardf]

Bubbling around the edges is very common and harmless. It is not the prism separating. This is much ado about nothing. Leave it alone and just enjoy the camera.

My M2 came onto my possession 20 years ago with slight bubbling. I never gave it another thought and nothing has happened since.

That's very reassuring.

Here is a very poor mobile phone shot of said bubbling. Only bubbling along the front and lower edge are visible in this photo, however this level of bubbling is also present along the top and rear edge to the same degree.

When I have more time this weekend I will try to take a clearer photo if it would be of any use to determining a potential life-span of the prisim.

 

[eckhardf]

Bubbling around the edges is very common and harmless. It is not the prism separating. This is much ado about nothing. Leave it alone and just enjoy the camera.

My M2 came onto my possession 20 years ago with slight bubbling. I never gave it another thought and nothing has happened since.

Very sorry, I just re-read your post and understand that bubbling does not equal prism separation! I will work on forgetting about it and taking photos 👍

Many thanks.

 

[nickthetasmaniac]

Can anybody recommend a store or technician based in Australia that recements M2 prisms - preferably with modern optical glue? (I'm based in Melbourne).

Short answer is no one…

I had an M2 prism recemented by Ernest Cesar at Camera Electronic (Perth) a few years ago, but he retired shortly after. As far as I’m aware he was the last who would do it in Aus.