tjv Posted June 12, 2009 Share #1 Posted June 12, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all. I recently bought a black metal SLOOZ 28mm viewfinder and need to ask a few questions to those in the know. Not that I would attempt this myself, but could a skilled repair person take it apart to clean the inside elements? Are they able to be serviced, or are they fixed tight forever? I ask because the one I have needs some work in that the back element rotates slightly. This in itself is perhaps an easy enough fix for a repair man with a steady hand, but I'm wondering if it's worth getting it looked at further as it could do with a clean internally. These things don't come cheap and while this one is definitely a user and I think I got it for a fair price, it would be a shame not to restore it to its former optical glory. Thanks in advance. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted June 12, 2009 Posted June 12, 2009 Hi tjv, Take a look here Slooz Finder Repair. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
doubice Posted June 12, 2009 Share #2 Posted June 12, 2009 Hello, I was in a similar predicament with a 21mm finder. I got it for a song, because it looked as if pulled out of a hungry dog's mouth. The interior was (is...) dusty and with some fog. I approached a couple well established technicians locally, as well as in Europe while visiting - all said that is it extremely difficult to get inside these finders, if it is possible at all. From a user's perspective, it would be cheaper to buy a new or used Voigtländer viewfinder.... So, I decided to live with it. Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjv Posted June 13, 2009 Author Share #3 Posted June 13, 2009 I would never attempt to fix it myself but it is a real shame that they are so difficult to fix, if they're fixable at all. I think the Zeiss finders might be the ticket if this one doesn't work out. As an aside, does anyone know if the back retaining ring is screwed on and fixed in place with glue, or is it crimped into place? The little hole in it suggests Leica / Leitz once had a special tool to fix it in place as there are no screws on the unit except to hold the foot onto the main metal body. Hello, I was in a similar predicament with a 21mm finder. I got it for a song, because it looked as if pulled out of a hungry dog's mouth. The interior was (is...) dusty and with some fog. I approached a couple well established technicians locally, as well as in Europe while visiting - all said that is it extremely difficult to get inside these finders, if it is possible at all. From a user's perspective, it would be cheaper to buy a new or used Voigtländer viewfinder.... So, I decided to live with it. Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
doubice Posted June 13, 2009 Share #4 Posted June 13, 2009 .....As an aside, does anyone know if the back retaining ring is screwed on and fixed in place with glue, or is it crimped into place? The little hole in it suggests Leica / Leitz once had a special tool to fix it in place as there are no screws on the unit except to hold the foot onto the main metal body. Crimped and glued..... Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjv Posted June 13, 2009 Author Share #5 Posted June 13, 2009 Man, that's a bummer! Throw it into the too hard basket! Crimped and glued..... Best, Jan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodaktrix Posted June 15, 2009 Share #6 Posted June 15, 2009 It is not that hard. I had a lens separation problem with a metal 21mm finder. The black ring on the back is glued. Most glues are sensitive to heat. I heated the black ring with a micro torch, careful, not too much, as You do not want the lens to be heated. You can then pull off the black ring and have direkt access to the rear lens combination. I took the whole finder apart then to fix the separation of the rear element and to clean it. I would not have done it, if it had not been a bargain as there was the separation of the rear element. But it proofed to be easy. Just a little heat on the spot and some turning and pushing, and a scetchbook to draw the whole stuff for reassembly. No guarantee! Regards Oliver Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tjv Posted June 15, 2009 Author Share #7 Posted June 15, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hey, thanks! That is great advise. I may pass this info on to my repair man. Thanks again. Tim Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
rleffingwell Posted June 15, 2009 Share #8 Posted June 15, 2009 Tim, I had the same problem with a black metal 28 finder. I think Oliver's advice sounds spot on but I am too cowardly. I don't know where you are located but near Los Angeles International Airport is a repair facility called Steve's Camera Service Center. Steve Choi fixed the rotating rear element quickly and inexpensively. randy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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