I want to change mine over. Does it still work okay and a seamless fit. Is it too long, too short, just right?

I also want to change the plastic tip levers on the viewfinder selector and self timer for the M2.M3 type. Is it a simple procedure? TIA,

-- sparkie (sparkie@mailcity.com), February 19, 2002

Answers

Why would you do that Sparkie? I think the M4 is the ultimate Leica just the way it is. I have never used one - used M2/3 for 30 years and now use M6 as well but I have always liked my brother's M4. Good luck.

-- Don (wgpinc@yahoo.com), February 19, 2002.

I changed my solid serrated M3 lever, guaranteed to shread ones thumb, for a nice, smooth plastic M4 lever with no problems.

-- Bill Mitchell (bmitch@home.com), February 19, 2002.

All my cameras have M3/2 style advance levers. That way you can still easily flick out the advance lever even with a viewfinder or flash mounted. As to the other levers, I guess you can if you want to. Leica should have the parts but make sure you use the right tools.

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), February 19, 2002.

Don, I just plain like the classic look and feel of the all metal advance levers they had on the M2 and M3's. Why did they switch them, was it a cost factor? I just think the plastic tabs on the ST and VF levers look cheap also. Thats just MHO. And apart from the 135 frameline cluttering the 35, I love the M4 build quality and solidness. Its the best and last of the quality M's made and the most 'useable' sans-battery metered M made by Leica.

Bill, Is the serated lever that bad? you mut be churning through film profusely to mince your thumb like that. I just think the plastic bits look out of place and wear poorly.

John, Yes, the trouble is trying to source the tools here in the UK. I might just get a technician to do it when I send my M4 for a CLA. Hopefully he/she has spare bits of an M2/M3 to switchout my ST & VF levers also.

Cheers all,

-- sparkie (sparkie@mailcity.com), February 20, 2002.

Sparkie - I have had the collar off an M2 and I presume it is the same on the M4/-2/P. The tool is very easy to make yourself - I made one from a small piece of aluminium but it might be better in rigid plastic!

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), February 20, 2002.

Sparkie, here is what you need, I'm not sure of the exact size - hopefully JC will tell us!

Flexiclamp

Or as I say above - make your own!

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), February 20, 2002.

Thanks Giles, but I'd rather buy it. Problems is having to wait to get it from the States. Wonder if you can get it here in the UK. Cheers,

-- sparkie (sparkie@mailcity.com), February 20, 2002.

Giles, I did ask Milton Keynes Leica regarding the M3 style winder about a 2 months ago. They said they have a few left. Only cost like 10 or 20 pounds, and some charge for them to switch it. Give them a ring and they may still have some left!

-- sparkie (sparkie@mailcity.com), February 20, 2002.