Few questions about M's

[giellaleafapmu]

Dear All,

I am the happy owner of a M4 and a CL and recently I have been looking for a M3 but all the times I had a look to possible cameras to buy I was always disappointed by the very dim second image in the rangefinder. Is this normal with the M3 or I was just unlucky and all the cameras I saw had rangefinder mirrors which was ruined and without silver? If this is the case does anyone know how difficult and expensive is to change the mirror and how much should I expect the owner to lower the price? Also, in my R4 the ring which is below the shutter button is completely ruined (clearly at some point someone tried to repair something without the proper tools) so I would like to substitute it and since the part will go I am thinking also to change the advance lever to a M3 style. However, before ordering the part I would like to ear from people who already did this. Is it comfortable? Is the modification reversible? How much value does the camera loose for not being original anymore? Finally, do you have any good source for these spare you can recommend (I am in South America so I will have to order parts form either the US or Europe).

Thanks in advance!

GLF

 

[drewbarb]

I think you've just been unlucky looking through M3's with finders that time hasn't been kind to. I have two M3's, both of whom have very bright, clear finders with crisp, contrasty RF patches. They both show slight crazing when you look through the front of the cameras, but neither has changed in the years I've owned them, and I'm not too worried about them de-silvering or the prisms coming un-glued.

Unfortunately, it is very complicated and expensive to repair or rebuild M3 finders, there are folks who can do it, but I'd recommend you hold off, and keep looking for an M3 with a good finder. They are out there.

As for changing the lever on your M4, it's easily changed- and if you want to sell it later to someone who wants the camera as it came originally, it's very easy to change back to the original lever. Check with DAG for an M3 style lever. (http://www.dagcamera.com/)

 

[giellaleafapmu]

By the way, I forgot to ask: what is the name in English of the ring which is around/below the shutter button?

GLF

 

[wontonny]

By the way, I forgot to ask: what is the name in English of the ring which is around/below the shutter button?

GLF

I believe it's called the retaining ring