Converting M1 to M2

[Eric T]

Advice needed:
I am converting a Leica M1 to a pseudo M2 by adding a rangefinder. I want to use this Leica RF at all focal lengths, not just wide angle. How do you frame the shot using 90 and 135 mm lenses using an M2 viewfinder? Do you attach an accessory viewfinder to the flash shoe? if so, which one do you use?
Thanks for your help!

 

[ben lloyd]

On an M2 the approriate framelines come up automatically for these lenses (if they are screw mount they will need the correct adapter to do this).

Is this a DIY project, or is it going to a tech for the work? I would have thought that the cost of your M1 and an RF mechanism (and frameline keying parts) would excede that of an M2.

Best of luck with it, and let us know how you get on...

 

[BillBingham2]

Take a look at www.cameraquest.com, CV makes (or made) a seriese of double shoe attachments (single to double) that will hold your RF and a viewfinder. You can find a Nikon, Tewe or other Zoom finder for around for about about $100 or so. I thought the M1 was viewfinderless, either way, you will need to use an aux viewfinder for long lenses. If you are close you will need to remember to adjust the viewfinder for parallax before you shoot to make sure you get what you expect.

RFs I have never looked for, I think Leice made one, but I am not sure. Your headache will be making sure the Effective Base Length is long enough to focus longer/fast lenses close up.

If you are into longer lenses, look around for a good user M3, it will work much better and handle much faster.

B2 (;->

 

[colyn]

Advice needed:
I am converting a Leica M1 to a pseudo M2 by adding a rangefinder. I want to use this Leica RF at all focal lengths, not just wide angle. How do you frame the shot using 90 and 135 mm lenses using an M2 viewfinder? Do you attach an accessory viewfinder to the flash shoe? if so, which one do you use?
Thanks for your help!

Converting a M1 to M2 is not as simple as replacing the viewfinder with a rangefinder. You will also have to add the parts that when keyed by a particular lens will bring up the right framelines and you will have to cut out the rf window that is missing from the M1. If it is not done right then you will have rangefinder misalignment which in all probability will not be fixable.

Since all of these components have to be properly adjusted this conversion is best left to a repairman who is properly qualified.

 

[rolleistef]

otherwise keep you M1 as a M1 and buy an M2, it will be cheaper anyway...

 

[Eric T]

A very reputiable repair shop has offered to install a rangefinder into my M1 for $200. The M1 does have a viewfinder - it is exactly the same as that found in the M2.
So the conversion is much cheaper than buying an M2. I would never try to do this myself.

 

[ferider]

Eric,

the M2 has no 135mm framelines. Ask the people if they can add a frameline for you
(90) to make it identical to the M2, if you want that. They might even be able to
add a 135mm line.

Otherwise, there are good 1:1 90mm external finders from Leitz
or CV. I've never used an external 135mm finder. Generally
I don't like external finders for teles, makes them very difficult to
focus close up.

Best,

Roland.

 

[pvdhaar]

A conversion from M1 to M2 is plain silly..

An M1 in original state will fetch more than an M2. Sell the M1, buy an M2, and you'll have money left for lenses..

To me, that's a better proposition than sinking $200 into devaluating a camera..

 

[normclarke]

Hi Guy's,
I can never understand the value that the M1 commands. Its simply an M2 with a simplyfied r/f. I aquired a very battered copy a few months ago and have been attempting to breathe life into it again. Taken that they can claim the same price as the M2, in an open market who would buy it? I suspect it has a certain appeal to a collector. It is almost impossible to fit the frame changing mech., if modifying it and the extra parts needed to upspec the finder to M2 std. would almost fund a battered M2 in the first place.

Cheers

normclarke.

 

[Ronald M]

Its appeal was it replaced or superceded the viewfinderless Mda models which were made for scientific work, copy stands, etc.

Rather than making a sealed solid brass top, they simply used the same shell and glass and left out the insides

 

[erikhaugsby]

The M1 is a collector's camera, much like the ig and the MD models. Nothing inflates value like a collector's wallet. :bang: