Leica M4 with M3 levers?

[Donald Mann]

I have a Leica M4. The serial number is M4-1210223. I think it was manufactured in early 1968. The curious thing is that it has a self-timer lever and a film advance lever that look like they belong on an M3 (there is no plastic end on the film advance lever, and the self-timing lever is rounded and all silver.) Is this a transitional model. Has anyone seen a similar one, or is it a modification? Any advice appreciated.

 

[kbg32]

Previous owner might have had them switched. It was not unusual to have cameras customized. Some people liked the "older" film advance lever.

 

[Nikon Bob]

Just checked a reference book I have and it seems that all M4s had plastic tipped film advance cranks, frame selector levers and self timer levers had plastic inserts. Maybe yours was modified by a previous owner.

Bob

 

[Donald Mann]

Maybe. I sent an email to Leica too.

 

[Flow]

I have a M6 TTL with M3 type of levers. It was done by Don at DAG.


Flowen

 

[JNewell]

A lever cross-grade is very straightforward. I believe that when I read an ollllllllllld article in LFI or Leica Photography on the introduction of the M4 that it had the "new" square levers with black inserts from the start.