My "new" M4. A problem? Help!

[SteveYork]

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On an impulse, I purchased an M4 off that auction site. I wanted to experience the enlarged 50mm framelines (they are bigger!). I probably shouldn't have done that, because my exerience with older cameras and lenses has not been good (they take lots of $$ to bring up to speed and keep running).

 

I have three issues with this M4, and I don't know if that is just part of the camera, or whether something needs adjustment or repair.

 

1. The viewfinder is a little dimmer then current models. OK, I know that's part of being older, but will a CLA brighten it up any?

 

2. Under certain lighting conditions, there is a ghost image to the side. It's usually when the camera is pointed to the light source. The ghost image doesn't go away with focusing.

 

3. The image doesn't snap together when focused with the same degree of authority as a current model M. That's probably related to #1 above, but there seems to be a small element of uncertainty as to whether something is in focus or not. It's not quick and fast like a current model M.

 

Thanking you-all in advance. I must decide whether to pass this camera on to another or have it fixed.

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[harryzet]

have the finder cleaned and you will not use anything else again

[wizard]

Well, let's face it, the current finders of the M7 and MP are THE best finders ever made by Leica. They have, inter alia, coated windows and are perfected internally to give that contrasty, flare free viewing experience you were refering to.

 

That said, earlier M finders can be very nice if in top condition. They will, however, never be quite as contrasty and flare free as those of the current models. Chances are that a CLA will considerably improve any old finder, as dust and layers of whatever will be removed from various optical surfaces within the finder, but a difference will remain. Still, I enjoy using my old M3 and its finder alongside its M7 brother.

 

Andy

[Guest maddoc2003jp]

I have the same issues, #1 and #3, with my current Leica M2 (and the Leica M2 and two M4 that I had before). Issue #2 I have also observed with both of my M4 Leica cameras. It was worst at night with a bright light source in the frame, e.g. full moon. My camera repairman told me that it is due to the VF coatings, which weren't as good as with modern Leicas.

[earleygallery]

A standard CLA is probably a wise investment for a 'new' secondhand camera anyway. Got to a local dealer/repairman rather than Leica.

[dicko101]

To my mind, the M4 is far nicer to use than the M6 or 7. It must be the pure mechanics. No, the viewfinder isn't going to be as glorious but that's 40 years of technological evolution for you.

[normclarke]

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Hi,

The early M4 finders had the main prism balsam instead of the later synthetic adhesives and so are more prone to the ageing of this adhesive and the subsequent failure. This could be a factor and as stated a skilled repair person would be able to diagnose the cause. I have recently repaired my early M4 finder that showed these symtoms but it requires some expertise to judge the coating needed to effect the cure. I was helped by a small firm that is skilled in the area of deposition of the coating. Not for the faint hearted!

 

Best,

 

normclarke.