Modify M4 0.72x to MP/M7 0,85x?

[tomasis]

I got the M3 thanks to Rd1 VF which I like a lot. I used M4 earlier as first RF camera and found that I don't need 35mm framelines and 0,72x.

I love M3 style levers when I got chance to try them recently. It feels great using them thanks to ergonomical design IMHO. M4 levers look and feel like as cheap, plastic japanese cars from 1985 😀 .. I know that that is only small triffles..I got affected by funny Leica virus, you know 🙂

I have thought why not sell M4 at least and buy a new MP. The problem is that I don't have that much money for that deal and it is not easy find used MP 0,85x at good price as 0,72x.

So my question reads: which is cheaper to change to M3 VF or M7/MP 0,85x. Who does that kind of modifications? Sherry, DAG? Do they have plenty of reserve parts as VF? Is it possible to trade M4 VF for another if a repairman would like? I know that some M6 users would love to have the upgrade of M4 vf

Did anybody similiar things earlier?

I don't find it as economic as to send M4 to Luton to be painted black and make modifications when you can get a used MP at similiar price but with meter.

But it would be cool have a chrome MP4 Classic 😀 I have thought of the removal of self-timer but I'm not sure yet.

 

[Rob-F]

Well, here's the deal: DAG or Sherry may have an M3 finder for your M4. But the M3 is an old camera, and the finders tend to decement and have other problems. It's the most perishable part of an M3. Make that the only perishable part. So it may not be easy to come up with the parts.

Now, as to getting an MP or M7 finder. Again, here's the deal: Leica will not ship a finder unless someone ships them a finder of the same magnification. That doesn't mean that DAG couldn't happen to have what you need; but the chances are slim. Also, please be aware that all Leica finders are not necessarily interchangeable. For instance, DAG told me he couldn't change my M to a .58 finder unless the serial number was higher than mine.

Bottom line: email DAG (dagcam@chorus.net) and Sherry. I think her email is krauter@warwick.net I'm trusting to memory on that one. See what they can do for you. Maybe you can wait in line for someone who wants the opposite transplant.

Economically you are probably better off to bite the bullet, sell the M4, and get what you really want.

 

[peter_n]

It is much less expensive to sell the 0.72 cam and buy the 0.85 cam. Prices for 0.85x & 0.58x cams started to trend up a bit as soon as Leica announced they were stopping production and only making them to order (a la carte program). I think that was around 2 years ago.

 

[maddoc]

If one of the above mentioned repair services have an appropiate finder and the finder upgrade is possible (mechanically) it would still be around 500$ or so... Why not selling the M4 and M3 and then buy a MP ? I have seen a couple of MPs recently at Ebay with the 0.85x VF when I was checking prices. All were in the 2300$ - 2500$ range...

 

[aizan]

if he has one, dag can swap in an m6 .85 viewfinder. rob's already explained why he can't get an mp viewfinder.

 

[tomasis]

You all are so right! That makes this forum wonderful 🙂 When I calmed me, I realized soon that was a bit extravagant to do this such thing when my lens setup is not even finished yet. So it'd better sell M4 to fund a lens or standard body buy as you suggest. My first input doesnt make any sense when I look at my sig that I have two high mag. rf bodies m3 and rd1 😀 Blame on my short memory.

I changed the title so you can post some stories or pictures of heavily modified M bodies just for fun!