M11 small window haze a defect?

[MindsEye]

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Hi All,

I have what appears to be some kind of haze on the inside of the small rangefinder window on my M11. Photos attached. Anyone familiar with this? This is a new camera (store display so open box)

I really hate to have to send it in and go weeks or months without my new camera but if it’s truly a defect then I will.

I can only see it at certain angles. The photos show a best to worst case scenario viewing from different angles. You an really only see it with direct light on the glass.

If you know about this, I would appreciate your input.

Thanks, Joel

 

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Edited March 29 by MindsEye
delete duplicitous photo

[Maarten]

Have you tried cleaning with a drop of alcohol or -better- isopropanol?
When you start using your camera you will notice that the windows of the rangefinder will get fatty stains really quick. In that light the small haze patch will be a detail. Enjoy your new camera and start making great pictures!

[MindsEye]

On 4/1/2025 at 2:37 AM, Maarten said:

Have you tried cleaning with a drop of alcohol or -better- isopropanol?
When you start using your camera you will notice that the windows of the rangefinder will get fatty stains really quick. In that light the small haze patch will be a detail. Enjoy your new camera and start making great pictures!

@Maarten Thanks for replying. The haze is underneath/inside so can’t be cleaned from the surface. Due to the lack of responses here I’m assuming this isn’t common. I’ve spoken to the dealer and they have gotten the Leica rep involved to help resolve this. Photography is my occupation so don’t like being without gear for 6-8 weeks (Leica turnaround). Very frustrating. Of course I have lots of backup gear, just not any spare M cameras.

[Tseg]

6 minutes ago, MindsEye said:

 Very frustrating. Of course I have lots of backup gear, just not any spare M cameras.

Hopefully you get things resolved quickly.  Sounds like it is time for another M.

[pedaes]

On 4/2/2025 at 3:03 PM, MindsEye said:

being without gear for 6-8 weeks

If the rangefinder is working it is not an urgent fix. Also as you are in US I would think this is something New Jersey could fix as probably only needs top plate lifting to wipe inside of window.

[MindsEye]

On 4/3/2025 at 2:16 PM, pedaes said:

If the rangefinder is working it is not an urgent fix. Also as you are in US I would think this is something New Jersey could fix as probably only needs top plate lifting to wipe inside of window.

You're right, no urgency. The focusing is working and quite accurate. I'm not going to bother sending it in right now. I've asked a couple other M11 owners to compare and some others have this too though perhaps not quite as noticeable. I figure I have the full warranty period to send it in if it becomes an issue or I get too tempted by the next incarnation/M12 and want to sell this one. :-)
Regardless of the ease of cleaning it, Leica NJ is still a 6-8 week wait.