M3 film advance lever on M4?

To remove the old advance lever and to install the new one, you need a 5/8 flexiclamp from somewhere like micro-tools. The job takes all of 30 seconds.
 
But you really ought to try the M4 advance lever first. I really prefer the articulated design, but YMMV. Try before you buy/don't fix what might not be broken.
 
Ken Ford, from this forum, has an M3 advance lever, rewind lever and frame selector from an M3 on a black M6. I think the pieces are painted. He also has a rewind crank from a Leica R model on that M6.

His is the only black Leica with a black dot and taped name that I have seen and consider intensely cool.
 
SolaresLarrave said:
Ken Ford, from this forum, has an M3 advance lever, rewind lever and frame selector from an M3 on a black M6. I think the pieces are painted. He also has a rewind crank from a Leica R model on that M6.

His is the only black Leica with a black dot and taped name that I have seen and consider intensely cool.

Why, thank you!

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Somewhat on topic, but are there metal shutter speed dials I can replace for the M6? I'd change the advance lever, but I don't think it would make sense unless I changed the shutter dial as well.
 
The M2/M3 all metal parts look great, but for me the M4 style plastic parts in use are the best, 'softer' and 'fits' on the thumb while advancing nicely , bigger frame selector is easier to use too.
 
hmmm now i've been thinking.......could you take a beater M6, switch out the top and bottom plates for and M4 and change to m3 style levers? Have we got ourselves a poor man's MP? or would that be way to expensive to even think of doing in which case just buy a new or used MP?
 
thomasw_ said:
Ok, so the 5/8 flexiclamp for the advance lever, but what tool is required for changing the preview and selftimer levers?
Leitz listed special tools in their repair manual, but small spanner wrench or sharpened calipers should work. Remember that one of the levers (self-timer I think) has left-handed thread.
 
kipkeston said:
Somewhat on topic, but are there metal shutter speed dials I can replace for the M6? I'd change the advance lever, but I don't think it would make sense unless I changed the shutter dial as well.

I have two M6es, one early and one late, and both have metal shutter speed dials.
 
thomasw_ said:
Ok, so the 5/8 flexiclamp for the advance lever, but what tool is required for changing the preview and selftimer levers?
Also a flexiclamp, but appropriate size. (on M4-2/P, M6...) 😉

On M3, M4, a Spanner Wrench.
 
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Speaking of shutter speed dials, does anyone happen to know the correct spanner wrench (or other tool, not sure of the tool terminology) that's used to tighten the internal shutter speed dial (not the knurled outer dial w/the markings, etc., but the actual bit underneath that connects w/the shutter mechanism) on an M2/M3?

JNewell said:
I have two M6es, one early and one late, and both have metal shutter speed dials.
 
Thanks, it's very informative, though the thread doesn't deal directly w/the shutter speed dial. I'm guessing the correct tool is probably the thing on the left of the 1st photo that looks like a compass, the spanner wrench on the right, or perhaps the reverse (pointy) end(s) of 1 of the clamps.

Philippe D. said:
Have a look at LUF, if you are registered (if not, do it).
http://www.l-camera-forum.com/
 
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DAG has/had all the parts needed to do this. It is the selftimer lever that is left hand thread for the retaining screw.

Bob
 
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