I found a shop here in Thailand that will repair the viewfinder for my Leica M2. They sell used Leicas and is quite well-known by Leica collectors in this region. They're asking for $250 to replace a part from my M2, which I believe is the part that makes the framelines appear in the viewfinder when I turn the VF lever. At the moment, my M2 can only show the 35mm frameline, and the 50 and 90 are almost invisible even when respective lens is attached. They said that they'll get the part from another M2 that they have in stock since parts for the M2 are rare here. The price includes CLA of the viewfinder. Is this a fair price in your opinion?

-- Ron Gregorio (gregorio@gtzth.org), December 18, 2000

Answers

Dim framelines might be corrected with a cleaning of the rangefinder assembly or it might be necessary to replace the entire unit for re- mirroring and re-coating. If the replacement part is in good condition with crisp bright lines and focus patch and no fungus the price is good. Leica as I recall replaces the rangefinder for roughly twice that amount but it is a totally refurbished unit. Generally since pulling off the top is the most expensive aspect of any repair, a complete CLA not just the viewfinder makes good economic sense. Replacement of very worn strap lug eyelets and any upgrades like new PC plugs etc should be considered while you are in as well. New shutter curtains greatly improved my M shutter's consistency.

-- Michael Johnson (mdjohnsonphoto@hotmail.com), December 18, 2000.

First, not only are parts rare for M2's in Thailand I believe that the supply of new parts for M2 (and M3) rangefinders no longer exist. As to the fairness of the $250 price? About 3 years ago the rangefinder on my M2 was shot and needed to be replaced. With new parts no longer available, a Leica dealer installed the M4P rangefinder cost was $1000. I soon found that the work was not quite right so then spent another $200 to have the work the Leica dealer did straightened out by an independent Leica repair person. So I would say you have a very good price. One thing everybody must remember is that there are not very many people on a world wide basis who are qualified to repair these cameras.

-- Steve LeHuray (icommag@toad.net), December 18, 2000.

Thanks. I'll tell them to go ahead with the repair. I asked them about the PC sync plug at the back of the camera, as the one on mine is larger than the normal ones. They said it would be better to just use an external adaptor rather than change the circuitry inside.

-- Ron Gregorio (gregorio@ksc.th.com), December 19, 2000.

If you are having it fixed to keep rather than sell, do as much as your budget allows: you can even have the M4-M6 QL takeup spool installed. Assuming this is the black one you posted about earlier I'd sure keep it. M2s share many more parts with subsequent cameras than do M3s, and are arguably the best Leicas ever made [see Roy Moss on this in the "Viewfinder" archive at http://www.lhsa.org/] Besides, nothing is cooler than a brassy bla

-- david m. kelly (kellyco@teleport.com), December 20, 2000.