awilder
Alan Wilder
You'd think on the MP Leica would have reworked the winding head/frame counter by going back to the flawless M3/M4 design. Apparently, this isn't so. While Leica did make a minor change many years ago to a simplified version during the production run of it's predecessor, the M6, they never went back to the ealrier M4 design that reportedly was perfect. Like other simplifications post M5 to cut production costs, this one has remained. My MP was recently serviced to correct an intermittent frame counter reset problem. Because Leica had removed parts in the simplification process, it was easier to simply exchange the entire winding head with an earlier M4 type in order to incorporate the earlier frame counter. Prior to the repair, film advance was very smooth and felt even better than a serviced M5 that I briefly owned. The replaced winding head now imparts a slightly smoother more solid feel to the advance. I wouldn't necessarily advise MP owners to go to this expense if there are no frame counter issues but at least it's good to know the camera has potential room for improvement if needed. Sadly, owners of the M6 TTL and M7 don't have this option open to them due to the minor differences in camera dimensions compared to the M4.
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pfoto
Well-known
Interesting. I didn't know about the issue. Did Leica do this or did you send it to an independent technician?
awilder
Alan Wilder
Independent technician. I'd mention the name but he's so backed up with work, it took 3 months to get the camera back.
pfoto
Well-known
Well I know who you mean but I'm not going to send mine as it seems fine & I need it!
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
The MP has hardened steel gears to withstand the force of the motor drive. The M4 has softer brass gears, which feel smoother but are not compatible with a motor drive. Did replacing the MP assembly with the M4 one take away the motor drive capability?
awilder
Alan Wilder
I don't believe so. I think the winding head involves the assembly of gears clustered around the advance lever. The hardened steel gears are closer to the bottom of the camera.