Advise pls! M6 Viewfinder prism patches?

[jayboy76]

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First time owner a Wetzlar M6 here folks. Very excited. Checked everything at the dealer and seems all great. 
 

out shooting today, I noticed a slight yellowish tint on the left side when looking through the viewer. 

i shone a light through the front of the viewfinder and was surprised to see a couple of brownish patches.

does anyone know what is this? Should I be worried? Can it be cleaned? It’s a very minor thing and I actually didn’t notice it when shooting , range finder patches are clear and bright so I’m not sure if I’m over worried? 
 

Any advise is appreciated! 

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[a.noctilux]

If in use, nothing is wrong, just let it as it is.

Maybe some kind of part replacing in the past ?

 

Strange thing but if it works, don't worry.

Normally, at bottom of front VF of M6, we have reflective band (to raise contrast of LED display, in the M6's VF.

Here I don't see this band ...

 

as mine M6HM with VF x0.85 ( I have also 0.72 M6 with this reflective band )

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[plaidshirts]

I'm not sure what it is and I don't see it in any of my cameras but as long as it's clear when you are looking through the VF it should be fine. It doesn't look like fungus, which would be my biggest worry.

If it were me however, since you said you got it from a dealer, I'd raise the question to get at least a partial refund or a free cleaning as it definitely is NOT normal.

[jayboy76]

2 hours ago, a.noctilux said:

If in use, nothing is wrong, just let it as it is.

Maybe some kind of part replacing in the past ?

 

Strange thing but if it works, don't worry.

Normally, at bottom of front VF of M6, we have reflective band (to raise contrast of LED display, in the M6's VF.

Here I don't see this band ...

 

as mine M6HM with VF x0.85 ( I have also 0.72 M6 with this reflective band )

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Thanks, yes …so far everything works beautifully, tack sharp range finder patch, seemingly good shutter curtain release across all speeds and body is pretty well kept. 
 

I originally thought it could be Canadian balsam separation on the prism but read it only affects M2, M3 and M4s. Apparently the M6s no longer use Canadian balsam for the prism so it can’t be that. 
 

so yes, I’m tempted to ignore it as I don’t even notice it in day to day shooting unless I’m staring at the viewfinder from the front. Also, if the rest of the M6 is working well, I really don’t want to risk trading it in to the dealer for another M6 and risk other worse issues. Waiting on my first 2 test rolls to make sure no light leaks before I decide. 
 

yes my M6 does have that reflective strip I checked. Thanks for asking! 

[jayboy76]

12 minutes ago, plaidshirts said:

I'm not sure what it is and I don't see it in any of my cameras but as long as it's clear when you are looking through the VF it should be fine. It doesn't look like fungus, which would be my biggest worry.

If it were me however, since you said you got it from a dealer, I'd raise the question to get at least a partial refund or a free cleaning as it definitely is NOT normal.

Yes I’m quite sure it’s not fungus so I’m not worried on that. I do have half a mind to just keep shooting it until something worse happens (hopefully never!) if ever and maybe I will send it to YYE for a CLA and viewfinder MP upgrade which hopefully will rid that strange brown patches on the prism! 
 

I do intend to talk to the dealer next week but thought to see if any M6 users here had similar issues that could give me some idea. 😅 

[Danner]

At some point, when you do send it in for a CLA, mention the viewfinder issue, it can certainly be resolved.  The hard part is waiting weeks, make that 'months', to get your camera back.

[Mute-on]

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Does look odd. Not fungus, and also probably not separation. Looks like condensation that dried leaving marks on the prism. May well clean off, but would require some disassembly. Mention it to seller to get a partial refund if you are inclined. 

Edited November 14, 2021 by Mute-on

[andrew01]

I wouldn’t be happy with that unless the issue was disclosed and the camera was priced below market average price to compensate.

To me it looks like some problem with the coatings on the internal glass surfaces in the finder.  I would raise the issue with the dealer to negotiate repair or partial refund.

[madNbad]

That's an early production M6, sill marked E. Lietz. It would be worth holding on to and getting it cleaned up.