M3 advance lever on an M6

[Rafael]

For months now, I have been wanting to switch the advance lever on my M6 for an M3 style lever. I prefer the M3 style lever for both ergonomic and aesthetic reasons. So, last week I finally got my act together and ordered my 5/8'' flexiclamp from Micro-Tools and the M3 advance lever from DAG. The flexiclamp arrived yesterday. The lever arrived today. And now, I have a newly modified M6!

For any of you thinking of making this switch, I have to say that it is so easy to do yourself that it hardly deserves the name "modification." Honestly, getting the strap ring onto the strap lug can pose a greater challenge!

 

[alexz]

Marc, I'd be interested to hear your experiences with M3 lever on M6 comparative to M6's original one. I've also considered going that route after begun shooting my M3 alongside M6, but then, picking my M6 I yet can't get my mind set whether M3 lever is indeed so much mocre convenient then that of M3....

 

[ocean7]

That looks nice. I believe the lever that DAG sell is black paint isn't it? Doesn't it look weird on the M6 black chrome?

 

[Rafael]

Marc, I'd be interested to hear your experiences with M3 lever on M6 comparative to M6's original one. I've also considered going that route after begun shooting my M3 alongside M6, but then, picking my M6 I yet can't get my mind set whether M3 lever is indeed so much mocre convenient then that of M3....

Personally, I find that the M3 style lever has a more precise feel to it. I have thought so ever since I tried an M3 for the first time in a camera shop. I also prefer it aesthetically. So, for me, it was worth it to make the switch.

 

[Rafael]

That looks nice. I believe the lever that DAG sell is black paint isn't it? Doesn't it look weird on the M6 black chrome?

Thanks. The lever is actually black chrome. So it matches perfectly.

 

[ocean7]

Thanks. The lever is actually black chrome. So it matches perfectly.

Really? Sorry for asking it was not easy to see what kind of finish it was on your picture. The one on DAG's website looks like black paint http://www.dagcamera.com/Mlever.JPG.htm

I want one now! 🙂

 

[JNewell]

Funny, I keep thinking about putting an M4 lever on my M3! Different strokes... (sorry for the pun).

 

[LeicaTom]

Yep!

This is a GREAT move......I have to modify mine as well as add a SLR2 Brass rewind knob
(the M6`s weakest link)
to my camera as well

Anyone who uses a M6 seriously should consider these two improvements, I can`t wait till mine`s done, I`m sure it makes for a smoother and more robust working camera "the perfect M"

Tom

 

[Ken Ford]

My M6:

* Solid wind lever
* Old style preview
* SL2 rewind
* Black dot

 

[ywenz]

The M6 I just sold to a fellow RFFer had the SL-2 brass rewind crank.. Yes, the M6 stock one was a feather weight compared to the SL-2 version.

 

[ampguy]

I had Don at DAG put a black M3 advance lever along with CLA and bulletproof SL2 rewind crank. Takes much better photos, without the plastic slop, you can hold the camera steadier, and with a robust rewind, you can change film faster.

 

[kipkeston]

Is there anyone out there who prefers the M6 lever to the M3 lever? What are the cons of the M3 advance lever?

 

[maddoc]

I don't know about cons of the M3 lever but don't like the plastic tipped advance lever. My M4-P has the M3 style lever (changed myself) and my M4 will be changed to the M3 style lever by Youxin Ye, when it gets CLA'ed.

 

[aizan]

there are two minor improvements. first, the hinge makes it easier to pull out. second, it also helps stop your thumb from accidentally slipping off at the end of the stroke. the downside is that it might break and puts you a step away from the gears in the winding mechanism.

 

[wontonny]

And what does the M3 lever look like when it's folded against the body

 

[Ororaro]

After some deep thinking and analyzing, I came to the conclusion I love the original M6 lever. At first I hated it but I realized it's quite good.

The one thing I love about my M4-P (M6-like) is winding the film between frames. When analyzing deeper, I noticed my winding movement is violent and satisfactory where I'm actually pushing the lever with my thumb as opposed to my M3 where I pull the lever with the side of my thumb.
The difference is enormous.

I also find I play a lot with the M4-P's lever (dragging it back and forth nervously) while the M3's lever is simply not made for that kind of thing.

All in all, I think the M4-P or M6 lever is better but it takes time getting used to.

 

[peterm1]

For months now, I have been wanting to switch the advance lever on my M6 for an M3 style lever. I prefer the M3 style lever for both ergonomic and aesthetic reasons. So, last week I finally got my act together and ordered my 5/8'' flexiclamp from Micro-Tools and the M3 advance lever from DAG. The flexiclamp arrived yesterday. The lever arrived today. And now, I have a newly modified M6!

For any of you thinking of making this switch, I have to say that it is so easy to do yourself that it hardly deserves the name "modification." Honestly, getting the strap ring onto the strap lug can pose a greater challenge!

Where do you buy the lever?

 

[Philippe D.]

Where do you buy the lever?

If you are in North America, DAG have some for $50.
If you are in Europe, ask Leica Camera in Solms directly ( Leica Customer Service - Ersatzteile / Spare parts service). Cost ~ 46€

I have put this lever on M6 and M4-P since long time ago.

 

[Rafael]

And what does the M3 lever look like when it's folded against the body

Like this:

 

[kipkeston]

The M3 style looks better for hooking your thumb between shots. I wish I could try one sometime. Is that a 35 or a 50 Rafael?