Leica M2 - Balsam cementing repairs an issue in the future?

Twotone · Nov 28, 2023

Hi folks,

I bought an 1960 M2 a few months back, and spent a good amount of money getting it completely overhauled and upgraded by Cameraworks-UK. I did this to future proof this camera as much as possible as I absolutely love it and fits my '100% mechanical' criteria with cameras due to aging electronics etc. I have every intention of keeping hold of this camera forever and plan on passing it down to my children one day (hopefully a long way down the line!)

I want this thing to outlast me, and the main issue I can see that could cause an issue is the balsam cementing on the M2 prisms deteriorating/giving up resulting in the rangefinder aspect being unusable. No issues were reported regarding the cementing and from what I can tell there don't seem to be any signs of anything wrong, but it's more of a case of if, not when.
I have a 'SBLOO' 35mm viewfinder to use with the camera so I know worst case it's still usable with zone focusing (probably 40% of how I shoot currently), however I'm keen to hear people's thoughts on how possible/viable they think this type of repair will be in the future?

Obviously re-cementing is undertaken by Cameraworks-UK currently, but beyond them I'm unsure what the other options are for the future, especially as there is no guarantee any of these companies will be around 20-30-40-50 years.

If I'm worrying over nothing, please do tell me as I almost certainly need some perspective right now!

Words of encouragement certainly appreciated.

Thanks,
TT

mshchem · Nov 28, 2023

I have no idea. My thoughts are that these are such beautiful cameras that there's going to be service as long as there's film.

Overrank · Nov 28, 2023

if I *knew* the answer to this I’d pick the winning lottery numbers and buy 1,000 M2s But, I imagine that repairers for Leica‘s will be the last to hang up their screwdrivers, if only because they tend to charge a lot more than repairers for “lesser” cameras.

(having said that, I don’t think there’s anyone in the UK who will work on M5s or CLs anymore)

GregY · Nov 28, 2023

I'll weigh in .... you are worrying over nothing. You couldn't pick a more elegant and reliable camera. I bought my first Leica M2 in 1968 (used). If you're really worried, buy another M2 to keep locked away for spare parts. BTW Congratulation and use it in good health! The M2 is a brilliant camera.

Twotone · Nov 28, 2023

mshchem said:
I have no idea. My thoughts are that these are such beautiful cameras that there's going to be service as long as there's film.

Here's hoping! The complicated aspect of the prisms is what concerns me but I guess there will always be a service out there, it just might not be affordable!

Overrank said:
if I *knew* the answer to this I’d pick the winning lottery numbers and buy 1,000 M2s But, I imagine that repairers for Leica‘s will be the last to hang up their screwdrivers, if only because they tend to charge a lot more than repairers for “lesser” cameras.

(having said that, I don’t think there’s anyone in the UK who will work on M5s or CLs anymore)

Fingers crossed! As the M2 is broadly repairable, even by non-Leica repairers for the routine stuff e.g. CLA/curtains etc I'd hope that more serious stuff will still be available.

GregY said:
I'll weigh in .... you are worrying over nothing. You couldn't pick a more elegant and reliable camera. I bought my first Leica M2 in 1968 (used). If you're really worried, buy another M2 to keep locked away for spare parts. BTW Congratulation and use it in good health! The M2 is a brilliant camera.

Thanks Greg, appreciate the reassurance! I hope to buy another for spares as you suggest, I'm not sure that will stop the cement in the spare degrading but you can only do what is possible after all.
I absolutely love the camera and couldn't be happier about my experience with it so far.

4season · Nov 28, 2023

If need be, I think you can replace an M2 VR/RF with one from a current-production camera, though this would be a costly option.

But my own "forever" purchases have tended to last only as long as my attention span. As for whether your children will actually want to inherit a Leica M2 as opposed to money ..? Trends come and go, and some are enduring until they're not.

Overrank · Nov 28, 2023

Twotone said:
I hope to buy another for spares as you suggest,

There are other M cameras which don’t use balsam in the viewfinder which might be a good choice for a second camera (e.g. M4)

RezaLoghme · Apr 15, 2024

Maybe a case of huge overthinking?

The camera is already 60 years old and has done well so far. And most of us are not going to be around in 40-50 years from now.

When you are gone, your children will decide what to do with your camera, in case they want to keep them. Until then, just enjoy your great camera and use it as much as possible.

Twotone · Apr 17, 2024

RezaLoghme said:
Maybe a case of huge overthinking?

The camera is already 60 years old and has done well so far. And most of us are not going to be around in 40-50 years from now.

When you are gone, your children will decide what to do with your camera, in case they want to keep them. Until then, just enjoy your great camera and use it as much as possible.

Thanks - since posting this thread last year I've accepted things a bit more and adopted a 'cross that bridge' view with this camera, and other things too.

chuckroast · Apr 17, 2024

Twotone said:
Thanks - since posting this thread last year I've accepted things a bit more and adopted a 'cross that bridge' view with this camera, and other things too.

I have a 70 year old IIIf, a 60 year old M2, and a 50 year old M5. All have been recently overhauled.

My theory is that they will all last another 50-70 years, give or take, which is well beyond my likely expiry date

Dali · Apr 17, 2024

"Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future."

Niels Bohr

GregY · Apr 17, 2024

Dali said:
"Prediction is very difficult, especially if it's about the future."

Niels Bohr

RezaLoghme · Apr 17, 2024

Besides furniture and art, who is using a device, machine etc. in one's daily life that is 100+ years old?

But I fully get the idea of wanting to leave something behind. In my case, it will not be my camera collection, but a self-portrait with all my cameras. Less of a burden for the heirs...

cliveh · Apr 17, 2024

You are worrying over nothing. Relax and enjoy the camera.

RezaLoghme · Apr 17, 2024

And just imagine you would inherit a model train collection, a handful of vintage tubas or your late relative´s cherished razor sharpener belt museum.

Leica M2 - Balsam cementing repairs an issue in the future?

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