Leica M4 finder window

[_goodtimez]

Hi folks,

I bought a dirt cheap M4 which was yes, dirty and cheap 🙂
The body looks like Winogrand's Leica plus it has a broken rangefinder window. The window is broke in 2 pieces still retained inside the top cover.
In fact when looking through the viewfinder, the vertical broken strip is barely visible, however I would like to replace it if I found one.
I'm sure I could have one made by a glass company but are there any replacement parts already available on the market ?

In addition the film advance lever is missing the plastic tip and screw. Are there sources for that ?

Apart from that the camera seems in real good condition, the rangefinder is perfectly alined and the shutter seems fully operational and smooth. The speed dial rotates with only minimum effort and the chrome body is "well" worn.


Dirt-cheap M4 by Wegothim, on Flickr


Dirt-cheap M4 by Wegothim, on Flickr


Dirt-cheap M4 by Wegothim, on Flickr


Dirt-cheap M4 by Wegothim, on Flickr

 

[Calzone]

GT,

I had Sherry replace my film advance with a M3 style advance on my M4 when I had it overhauled, and I the original complete film advance assembly. PM me for a price if interested.

I love my M4. Good luck with yours.

Cal

 

[_goodtimez]

M4 broken window

M4 broken window

Thanks Calzone. I cannot afford to ship it to the US from EU, I need some kind of DIY solution. I have all the tools required to top off the M4 and just need the glass.

 

[Calzone]

GT,

My offer is to for restoring the plastic tip and missing screw on your advance lever and not your RF window. BTW DAG currently offers complete levers for M4's for $40.00.

Dag is also a place that might have the replacement glass. If shipping from the U.S. is a problem best be from only one place.

Good luck.

Cal

 

[Vickko]

Don (DAG) will sell you the replacement parts. Email him (www.dagcamera.com).

Send him a photo of the parts you want to replace. Or describe them very well. He'll even tell you if you need extra parts to complete a repair.

You can do this yourself, but you do need to know how to take the top off. The glue that holds the glass is removed with soaking the top in boiling water, but then, you have to reglue all the windows.

Good luck.

 

[_goodtimez]

Thanks to all of you for the advice. I will proceed.

 

[Frontman]

You needn't boil the top cover in water, soaking the glue around the window with lacquer thinner will soften the glue enough to get the window out. Keep the glue wet with lacquer thinner, otherwise it will evaporate and the glue will not soften.

You can cut a new window with a dremel tool and a diamond disk, which you can find at a hardware or hobby store.

 

[Range-rover]

What kind of glass would you need to use for rangefinder window's

 

[Vickko]

If you are going to cut your own, I would start with microscope slide glass. I don't know if it would be too thick.

Cover slip glass is definitely too thin.

 

[_goodtimez]

Window Is Now Repaired !

Window Is Now Repaired !

I have removed and replaced the OEM window with a piece of microscope test glass, cut to fit (24mmx17mmx1.2mm).
To do this I have softened the window side of the Leica M4 cover by soaking it a couple of minutes in hot water.
Then I could peel the existing sealant very easily and remove the little metal tab holding both the RF window and the other frame ilumination window.
I replaced everything as original and sealed it again using wood glue. This glue can be removed again very easily in hot water later on if needed.
I will await for the glue to dry fully before cleaning the inside of the glass with microcloth.
It cost me $6.00 for the glass including shipping 😀

Many thanks to all of you for the advice.


Leica M4 Rangefinder window R&R by Wegothim, on Flickr


Leica M4 Rangefinder window R&R by Wegothim, on Flickr


Leica M4 Rangefinder window R&R by Wegothim, on Flickr


Leica M4 Rangefinder window R&R by Wegothim, on Flickr


Leica M4 Rangefinder window R&R by Wegothim, on Flickr

 

[rulnacco]

Cool! And nice work. Now, to get the new tip for your wind lever, you might try e-mailing Leica UK. My M6 had lost the little plastic tab inside the frame preview lever. I wrote them asking about purchasing a replacement, and they just asked me for my address and sent me the whole preview lever for free!

They might charge you a bit for the part you need, but then you might get lucky like I did. Good luck!

 

[Range-rover]

Thank you for this great info, and you did a great job as well.


Range

 

[Landshark]

Customize the tip, use an exotic wood.

 

[maddoc]

Looks like an excellent job you did. I always wondered how to remove and re-glue the windows, valuable information in this thread. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

 

[_goodtimez]

Custom wooden tip

Custom wooden tip

Customize the tip, use an exotic wood.

I already thought about using walnut wood. I could epoxy a blind nut in it to secure the screw. We'll see.