Crack in my distance meter viewing window

[Neil_SI]

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I got quite a surprise when I looked at my camera earlier and noticed a crack on the screen of my distance viewing meter on my M8 (the small screen just in front of the shutter dial).

 

I am so careful with my camera that I really have no idea how this has happened seeing as everything else looks fine!

 

Has anybody had any experience of damage to this area of the camera and is this easily repaired, and at what kind of cost? Any help or advice is greatly appreciated.

[Neil_SI]

It probably helps if I attach an image of the damage:

 

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[Neil_SI]

I've learned that I need to send this to Solms if I want to get this fixed, but that it may not impede the M8s performance in any way if I left it as it is.

 

I know that it's 40€ to send it for an inspection – but was considering that if I do that – perhaps I should have it fully serviced at the same time and send in my lens with it as well for calibration?

 

I gather this may be expensive to do – but I suppose the real question is would this be worth my while?

 

It would be the first time I've sent my camera to Leica, so I think I should make the most of the opportunity – albeit I suppose it does come down to price in the end and I'm not entirely sure what the price of that service may be, so if anybody knows that'd be great!?

[FlorianM]

Is it presently affecting the ability to focus in any way?

[ho_co]

Neil--

If you're happy with the way the camera and lens are working, the lens doesn't need calibrating.

 

If you send the body with the broken rangefinder glass to Leica, they'll go over it top to toe and tell you what they recommend. When they send the estimate, you can decide whether to have the work done. If you have them do the work, the camera will come back to you with a full year's guarantee.

 

If you're not having problems focusing and the camera seems to be working well, there's no need to send it off.

[Neil_SI]

Really appreciate the response chaps.

 

FlorianM –

I haven't actually had a chance to go out and shoot with it yet, and in fact, I hadn't use my M8 for a couple of months or so and it's just been sitting on my shelf at home – when I suddenly noticed the crack.

 

So I must have done it some time ago and just never realised. From my limited tests in the house – it still appears to be working fine – but I do remember the last time I was using it that the focus rectangle in the viewfinder was disappearing more than was normal the last times I used it. That of course could just be a coincidence and sloppy fingers getting in the way – but I remember thinking about it at the time (stupidly didn't check mind, as I just assumed it was me and it still could have been me of course).

 

ho_co –

Thanks very much – that's great to know as I was unsure whether I needed to specify what I'd like them to look at first, but if they will check the whole camera anyway and then come back to me with a list of things that may need solving with the option to proceed or not, that's perfect.

 

I don't really have enough technical expertise to know if anything is out of whack, so was just curious and wanted to ensure it got a good once over while there, seeing as it's a rare opportunity in some ways.

 

I bought a Summarit 35m, which I've not used a great deal, but I've certainly found it harder to focus than the two Voigtlander lenses I had before, but that could also be my eyes!