Snowdog
Newbie
Long ago in the early 70s, I sent an M2 body to have the loading spool replaced with the M4 style takeup. Does the factory or other tech still perform this conversion? Price, turnaround time......
Thanks......
Thanks......
M2 to M2R/M4 loading conversion
- Thread starter Snowdog
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kipkeston
Well-known
Interesting question as I'm finding my M2 to be an upgrade to my M6 except for the spool/loading.
JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
I know DAG can do it. Sherry K probably can, too. I priced it a year or two ago - it was actually very expensive, several hundred $, I think, but I might be mis-remembering. Call and ask.
craygc
Well-known
Ive had my M2 converted to the M4 style take up spool. I forget the exact price but it was 2004 with DAG, about US$550 for a CLA plus the modification. I have an M6 TTL as well but now my M2 is the best "M" mount camera ever
spyder2000
Dim Bulb
If you don't actually want the "rose petal" spool like the later cameras, you can buy a rapid load kit for the M2. If you've never seen it, that spool has a single entry slot, is a little more fiddly (though not bad) and is user installable.
BigSteveG
Well-known
I've seen the kit going for as much as $100 for NOS.
BigSteveG
Well-known
I beleive Camera West has some for sale. If you buy one, let me know how it works out for you.
JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
Did that include the M4/+later type baseplate?
craygc
Well-known
No it didnt. but I assume you are alluding to the little wheel on the base plate in later models that, supposedly is there to ensure the film doesnt drop down. You dont need it!
To further this example, I have http://www.photoequip.net/ grips on both my M2 and M6 TTL. On the M6, I actually took the wheel off because it just got in the way of changing the base plate easily. Ive NEVER had an issue with not having it - if the film is on the sprockets, it aint coming off 😀
Tom A
RFF Sponsor
I have had a couple of M2's converted to the M4 loading and after a while I got rid of them! The M2 loading (as well as the M3) is quick and secure and the "tulip" loading gives me more problems. The M2 is simple to do as there is no film-counter connection to contend with. The M3 is more complex as you need to install a complete M4/M6 connection.
The Quick load sytem works, but I find it fiddly to deal with. Could have something to do with the fact that I have probably loaded some 20 000+ rolls in M2's over the decades. Rarely have had a problem.
The Quick load sytem works, but I find it fiddly to deal with. Could have something to do with the fact that I have probably loaded some 20 000+ rolls in M2's over the decades. Rarely have had a problem.
JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
The "tulip" takeup used to work better than it does. It may be that I'm getting older...or maybe the shorter leaders...whatever, it used to work better.
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