Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2002/03/09
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]All I can say is that I have had a late M4-2 camera with no rangefinder flare problems. It was exactly like my M2. I also have an early M4-2 that flares exactly like my M6TTL. Others have reported M4-P cameras that did not flare like their M6 cameras. If it was a different mirror shape then it would be consistent from a certain point in production. John Collier > From: Dr.Alexander.Kraus@gmx.de > > Hi Lugers, > much has been speculated about the rangefinder flare problem in late M4-P > and M6 (TTL) > cameras. Recently, I found an interesting posting in the Leica customer > forum, where someone stated that the reason for the whiteout of the > rangefinder > patch would be the switch from a flat mirror (for brightline illumination) to > a parabolic one. The latter one would give siginifcantly brighter frames, > however under certain light conditions, the light would be focussed directly > on > the rangefinder hole of the frame mask mechanism. > This sounded very reasonable to me and so I decided ton ask Leica directly > whether above explanation is correct. Yesterday, I received an email from Mr. > von Gyimes from Leica. He wrote: (Translation behind the citation) > > SNIP > > It is correct that the rangefinder (patch) flare problem is caused by the > parabolic mirror. > Under certain light conditions (110° to the light source) the rangefinder > patch can become bright white and unusable. > This problem was significantly reduced by introducing a second reflective > surface in the M7 and M6 TTL, but it was not yet possible to eliminate it > completely. > However, we are working on a solution and we are confident that it will be > introduced at the Photokina 2002. > The coated viewfinder windows of the M7 enhance the contrast of the > viewfinder image visibly. In fall 2002 it will be possible to upgrade Leica > M6/M6TTL > cameras with these windows. > > - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html