M4-P finder upgrade to x0.85 possible?

[jamais]

Is it possible to upgrade the original M4-P finder to 0.85 magnification?

Thanks in advance!

 

[sepiareverb]

Should not be a problem. I've had VF mag. changed in MPs, and had a modern VF put in an M5. I've been told by two techs only the M3 has a different VF structure and is not interchangeable.

 

[thomasw_]

Should not be a problem. I've had VF mag. changed in MPs, and had a modern VF put in an M5. I've been told by two techs only the M3 has a different VF structure and is not interchangeable.

Bob knows. BTW, the m3 VF is replaceable, usually with a M6J's VF, but I was told that the M3 VF can't be made to fit in other Ms. I assume that is what Bob was told, too.

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

I have an M3 with an M4-2 viewfinder. Bought it on RFF but the seller did not know the details of how it got the .72x VF.

 

[chris00nj]

Should not be a problem. I've had VF mag. changed in MPs, and had a modern VF put in an M5. I've been told by two techs only the M3 has a different VF structure and is not interchangeable.

Agreed that it shouldn't be a problem.

Regarding the M3, some it may depend on the vintage of the M3. After I broke the VF on my later model M3, Sherry Krauter told me I could put a 0.85 VF in a M3 or I could replace it with another M3 VF, but it had to be from a camera over a certain serial.

 

[ampguy]

how about just putting a Megaperls 1.15 magnifier on it, and getting a bonus diopter function?

 

[sepiareverb]

I was told that the M3 VF can't be made to fit in other Ms.

Yes- it won't fit in is what I was told. Didn't know about the M6J tho.

Agreed that it shouldn't be a problem.

Regarding the M3, some it may depend on the vintage of the M3. After I broke the VF on my later model M3, Sherry Krauter told me I could put a 0.85 VF in a M3 or I could replace it with another M3 VF, but it had to be from a camera over a certain serial.

The M3 I was dealing with was SS, but not late- I guess there were many things changed in the M3 over the run that could make a difference.

It is my understanding that M2 and later are interchangeable. Wondering now if the M7 & M6 TTL are different- tho my M5 has the front window with a two mirror stripes, like an M7 & M6TTL.

 

[ferider]

As Thomas said, Bob knows.

However, it's probably cheaper to buy a user M3.

 

[johannielscom]

CCR Luton shows a shot of three different M3 RF assemblies that are not interchangeable.

When asking about an RF upgrade at Will van Manen, I was told that an 0.85 MP finder would fit, but was estimated > EUR 700.

 

[sepiareverb]

However, it's probably cheaper to buy a user M3.

Not necessarily, but it would certainly be easier. Luton redid an M3 VF for me that had blacked out, even that was cheaper than an M3 in equal condition with a working VF.

With my M5 I was wanting to have the 75mm framelines added, ended up with a new VF instead after a long talk with Sherry once she had the camera opened up. It was mutually beneficial to replace the entire thing as my camera had some VF parts in unusually excellent shape that she could use- and I wasn't concerned about keeping the camera in 'collector condition'.

Leica NJ swapped the VF on an MP for me- not cheap at all, but quite a bit cheaper than a la carte, and even after buying the used .72 body and the swap it still cost me less than 2nd hand .58 MPs were going for at the time. Plus it is black, harder to find in .58...