Rangefinder problem on M5

Hi all,

 

 

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

 

 

 

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.

Perhaps balsam separation?

Perhaps balsam separation?

After speaking to some other people that seems to be the case unfortunately. Either that or as someone else suggested the rangefinder prism is in the process of de-cementing/deteriorating.

Fixing it isn't cheap. Personally I'd return it.

Fixing it isn't cheap. Personally I'd return it.

Yeah. Luckily the seller has agreed to a full refund. It's a shame because everything else in the camera was in great condition including the light meter.

Nothing with Leicas is cheap. I would investigate the cost of repairing it, so you know for next time. With Ms of that age you need to be prepared to pay out to get everything working fully up to spec. It is ambitious, and probably unreasonable, to expect everything to be perfect with a 45 year old camera. You could have used it quite happily too, even if the rangefinder patch was a little messy, and waited until you were in funds to repair it.

You might check with Sherry K. at Golden Touch Camera. M5's are her specialty. I'd call her if you want to get some advice and then you can send her the pics. She'll know what's going on.

I had excellent results when Sherry Krauter straightened out my Leica CL. My best contact with her was after 7PM EDT, she works at night.