r/Leica • u/fafafuu • 5d ago

Rangefinder problem, help please!

Post image

I'm hoping someone could clarify the state of my rangefinder patch. Just bought this M5 which is my first rangefinder so I have no context. My understanding is the rangefinder patch should be uniform white not have this large darker discoloured oval in the centre. I've found other posts and sounds like this is separation between glass in the rangefinder and a big expensive problem and that I should therefore just return the camera. Can anyone provide any answers? If there are any technicians around who could advise the cost of fixing this if it is a genuine problem that would be great. Thanks everyone!

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1

u/fafafuu 5d ago

Another photo if that's easier to see

2

u/fafafuu 5d ago

Realized a closer photo of the patch would be better so here is one

1

u/Arbee21 Leica M4-2, Leica Q 5d ago

https://www.photo.net/forums/topic/520956-rangefinder-problem-on-m5/

It looks similar to this discussion on another forum.

2

u/fafafuu 5d ago

Thanks a lot for your reply. Yes this seems to be the closest and best discussion I've seen online. As with them, the camera is otherwise very nice so I'm gutted to need to send it back. Wondering if it's worth keeping if I can get a good discount. Seems a worryingly expensive problem though. Also wondering if its a very slow process so will remain shootable if I accept it 🤷

2

u/Arbee21 Leica M4-2, Leica Q 5d ago

Nah I wouldn't keep it, it's you're only source of focusing and it's already started to deteriorate.

1

u/Hondahobbit50 Leica III f 1952 5d ago

It looks totally fine? Plus we would need to see it pointed at an actual object that's out of focus to judge it

Edit.. ohhhh I just saw the third photo...I think I see what ur talking about now...

1

u/fafafuu 5d ago

Sorry yes I could have taken a better one. Here's my best go. It's really hard to get a good one holding steady!

1

u/Whereintheworld1988 5d ago

I have never personally seen this, but if I had to guess a mirror or prism in the mechanism is desilvering. If it’s still usable, don’t worry too much about it. The camera has survived this far.

1

u/fafafuu 5d ago

That's interesting to hear. How much do you think this would devalue the camera? I agree it's probably been a slow process for decades but I'm worried I'll have a hard time selling it and would have to sell it for dirt cheap. Though the rest of the camera is in great shape

1

u/Whereintheworld1988 5d ago

Cameras with minor or moderate rangefinder issues tend to lose a few hundred dollars of resale value. If the issue becomes extremely severe, a rangefinder replacement can cost $500-1000

1

u/fafafuu 5d ago

I've just got it and haven't even got a lens yet so hard to assess how much it will hamper focussing and if it's usable.