Half frame conversion of an M4-P or M7

[SDK]

Hi,

Does anyone know if there are any US Leica technicians who can do a high quality conversion of a standard Leica M4-P or M7 to 18x24mm half-frame format, including changing frame spacing for 72 frames per roll, counter and framelines for the standard six lens focal lengths? I would probably prefer the M7 to be converted unless there are technical reasons that would make it harder to do. What’s a ballpark estimate of the cost?

 

[Tom A]

I am sure it could be done - but at what cost? You would need a completely new chassi and mill out the 18x24 frame, new drive train, new film counter system as well as new masks made for the finder (and if you were really obsessive - a new top-plate with correctly oriented viewfinder opening (vertical rather than horizontal).
There were Md 22's made up as half-frame in the 80's (5 of them) and there are plenty of fakes from HK/UK/Japan. Unfortunately, they are hugely over priced ($ 10K and up).
Any particular reason for going half-frame?. Couldn't be cost saving as you would have to shoot several 1000 rolls to even get close.

 

[DNG]

He has money to burn.....It can't be to save on film. and how accurate will the RF be with fast lenses, since a 50 is now a 100 EFL, and a 90 is now a 180 EFL.. It is a 2x factor like the 4/3rds mount, which has a sensor the size of a 1/2 frame negative.
talk about a GAS attack !
Interesting Modification idea though.

 

[twopointeight]

I shoot some half-frame in a Pen W. Its a matter of format not economics. The vertical orientation and the "4X5" format just works for some things. Ever think that 35mm was just a tad too long? And there are a few other minor reasons that half frame shooters are into. Hey Tom!

 

[Roger Hicks]

I shoot some half-frame in a Pen W. Its a matter of format not economics. The vertical orientation and the "4X5" format just works for some things. Ever think that 35mm was just a tad too long? And there are a few other minor reasons that half frame shooters are into. Hey Tom!

So mask 24x36 (2:3) to 24x32 (3:4, like 18x24).

Probably cheaper to have new v/f masks made than to modify the camera any other way. Or to modify a TEWE finder with a couple of strips of Letraline or something similar, which I did for 6x7cm (Linhof 56x72mm).

Personally, although I own a Pen W, I prefer 56x72.

Cheers,

R.

 

[SDK]

It is not for economics. I have been doing diptychs using 645 cameras which have vertical frames. I print two frames optically onto a sheet of paper. I really do like the vertical frame a lot. But I miss shooting with Leicas and was wanting to also try printing four frames in a row all at once. So just masking the frame would not work because I would wind up with huge black spaces between pictures. I would probably primarily be shooting with 21mm, 25mm and 28 mm and was thinking of masking the Leica 21/24/28 zoom finder for the ultra-wide use. I suppose it would be cheaper to start acquiring a Pen F system, but I hate the idea of getting more gear and justifying that to my partner. I would prefer to use one of the cameras I already own, rather than buying more stuff.

 

[Roger Hicks]

It is not for economics. I have been doing diptychs using 645 cameras which have vertical frames. I print two frames optically onto a sheet of paper. I really do like the vertical frame a lot. But I miss shooting with Leicas and was wanting to also try printing four frames in a row all at once. So just masking the frame would not work because I would wind up with huge black spaces between pictures. I would probably primarily be shooting with 21mm, 25mm and 28 mm and was thinking of masking the Leica 21/24/28 zoom finder for the ultra-wide use. I suppose it would be cheaper to start acquiring a Pen F system, but I hate the idea of getting more gear and justifying that to my partner. I would prefer to use one of the cameras I already own, rather than buying more stuff.

OK. Unusual requirement! But I'm sure that 'more gear' will be cheaper than modifying Leicas. Probably a LOT cheaper.

Cheers,
R.

 

[Ronald M]

You can`t get there from here is all I can say.

 

[shiro_kuro]

http://www.matsumoto-camera.com/

Here is a 1/2 frame M4 ready to go ...click on the red Leica box at the top of the page ,go to page 2, 4th row down 3rd to the right ... maybe your partner will think its the same camera as the M7... that is if your M7 is black ... ; )

 

[Rob-F]

You could always shoot with a digital 4/3 camera--their sensors are 1/2 size! 😀

 

[SDK]

Going Olympus

Going Olympus

Hi, thanks for all the advice. I decided to sell a Leica lens (28mm/2) to defray the cost of an Olympus Pen FT and a couple lenses. A black FT and 25mm/2.8 Zuiko are on their way to me, and I think I may get a 70mm/2 soon and a 20mm/3.5 sometime later.

It is odd no-one ever made a nice RF interchangeable lens system half frame. Perhaps Cosina will some day make an M mount one.

 

[Phil_F_NM]

Canon Demi are good half frame cameras. I've been lusting after an excellent condition one with a working meter for years.

And as for that half-frame M4... my goodness.

 

[Cale Arthur]

It is odd no-one ever made a nice RF interchangeable lens system half frame.

Actually, someone did - the Robot Royal 18!

 

[Tim Gray]

There were a couple Konica Hexar RF half frames. I'd love one of those.

 

[flip]

And as for that half-frame M4... my goodness.

Really - what's that - - $17,000. egads.

 

[Mark W]

The Canon Demi C has 2-3 different lenses available for it. The Demi S and the Demi EE-17 Have really good std focal lenght lenses.

I have both the S and the EE-17

 

[lubitel]

interesting. I would love a canon demi. those cameras look great.

here is a link for some halfframe inspiration. Great work
http://www.american-pictures.com/gallery/index.html

 

[Roger Hicks]

interesting. I would love a canon demi. those cameras look great.

When they were current they had something of a reputation for unreliability -- at least, that's what two or three UK dealers told me at the time -- but perhaps the ones that have survived were the tough ones. Or perhaps the dealers I met were unlucky or had ham-fisted customers.

Cheers,

R.