[Leica] Rubber finder ring smudges glasses...cure???

["Peter M. C. Choy" <pmcchoy@earthlink.net>]

I've have good success on my M3 with black neoprene O-rings, commonly
available in well-stocked hardware stores. They may work well with M6s as
well, although the size may not be the same. Take the camera with you to
size the ring properly -- you want one that fits around the eyepiece snugly
but without stretching, lest it pop off.  They cost about a quarter each.
Mine stays put on the M3 and keeps the eyepiece from touching (and thus
scratching) my eyeglasses.  If the ring wants to pop off, a dab of Super
Pliobond is the right adhesive to secure it.  Don't know if an add-on O-ring
on an M6 would solve the smudge problem, but given the 25 cent investment,
it may be worth a try.

Basking in California,
Peter C.

- ------Original Message------
From: Bmceowen@aol.com
To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
Sent: June 26, 2000 12:02:11 AM GMT
Subject: Re: [Leica] Rubber finder ring smudges glasses...cure???



In a message dated 6/25/00 6:34:55 AM, MichaelHintlian@compuserve.com
writes:

<< The pair of M6's I am using daily are both 10 years old.  The thin rubber

ring around the finder is breaking down from age and use (I guess) and the

byproduct of this breakdown is leaving a oily/waxy residue on my glasses.

Its driving me nuts...I am constantly cleaning off my right eyeglass.

Leica service says they can replace the rings for $70. in parts plus labor

which turns into $200+ plus time without the gear.


So the question...has anyone found a quick cure for this?  Are there

alternatives?   >>

Based on a recommendation I received in this group, I use rubber garden hose
washers around the eyepiece. I customize mine by beveling them with the
sanding drum on the Dremel tool and clipping one edge even with the top of
the camera. They stick out just enough beyond the eyepiece to avoid glasses
to eyepiece contact. They fit perfectly around the eyepiece but for extra
security I use a piece of double sided tape on the back of the ring. I think
I paid about 99 cents for a dozen of these rings (ssssh! Don't tell Leica).
The only problem is all the hose washers I could find are red which looks a
little weird on a black camera. Does anyone have any idea how to cover up a
distracting red detail on a Leica? . . . .

Bob (Ozark engineering meets Leitz precision) McEowen