half black viewfinder

[lennert]

I picked up my FED 5B a few days ago, and I noticed the viewfinder got black

for 3/4 on the right side. The focusing dot is still visible (inside the black

part. I tought someone dropped it and some pease got in front of the viewfinder

so I opened the camera, but everything looks nice.

Anybody any idea what this could be and how to fix it?

I realy like this camera and want to use it soon again.

 

thank you

[shambrick007]

Prism may be partially separated.

[lennert]

wouldn't I see it if the prism was separated? It looked pretty ok.

thnx for the reply by the way

[aplumpton]

Agree with the earlier reply, in the sense that my old M3 had the same problem (prism), which was fairly costly to repair. Try to get an estimate before pursuing.

[laurentvuillard]

Had same problem on an M2, leica replaced the rangefinder and it costed a fortune. Prism separation is not easily seen as it's just glue giving away between bloks!

[lennert]

Thnx to everybody who replied. I think I will go and buy a new FED 5B and switch the viewfinders. This will be (a lot) cheaper than getting my prism fixed.