M4 advice

[tajart]

When I send in my chrome M4 for a cla, I'm debating whether to have the film advance changed to the all metal version ala M2&3 if it can be done.
I know it is a decision only I can make but I'd be curious about your thoughts on whether to change out the plastic tipped advance for all metal. A cla should put this camera in mint condition. Thanks for your thoughts.
TJ

 

[klas.buren]

I think that the re-sale value of of an altered camera would be lower and personally I actually find the original plastic-tipped lever more aesthetically pleasing.

If you don't plan to sell your cam (who would?), I would say its strictly a matter of taste.

 

[rover]

I agree, a matter of taste.

That said, I like the metal film advance, preview and self timer and would have them replaced.

 

[Ben Z]

Personally I'm just into the functionality of my cameras, so I wouldn't put money into changing the levers unless they were broken. I have an M3 with its solid lever (and had an MP), and M4 and M6 bodies with their pivoting levers and honestly they all advance the film about the same. The preview lever OTOH is larger on the M4/M6 than the M3/MP and I find it a little more user-friendly, but not significantly.

 

[waileong]

It can be done.

It's worth doing.

Resale value won't be hurt unless yours is a collector/mint M4 to start with.

 

[Avotius]

I think that all metal lever is quite smart looking compared to the plastic, I say if you can do it then go for it!

 

[Ken Ford]

I much prefer the M3 style lever DAG installed when I had my M6 overhauled. The pivoting arm just bothered me.

 

[Memnon]

I reckon an M4 is a classic which you would try to keep as original as possible, even if it is user ....
I spent 12 years of my life restoring an MGA from 1955. Not because the actual work lasted that long but finding all the original parts, leather, colour codes etc. But this is just my personal vision, it has nothing to do with keeping the value, just the mere idea ... but then everyones different in these matters

 

[existrandom]

i had the same thought about replacing those levers on M4, i didn't because the parts are quite expensive in the first place, i then come to see the levers as very much a part of the design, the M4 has its own look with its sloped rewind knob. and i think it do look better with those levers on with a more angular shape and blacks. in terms of functionality, the original lever works very well in my ways of use and handling, never cause me bother

these things are very personal as said, but i don't think the levers replacement would make much difference of its resale value; i have seen a cople of auctions of lever-replaced M4 users, they went just about the same price range... and besides, you can always have the original parts included when you decide to sell, the replacement of these levers, to my limited knowledge, is not something structual or needing internal change, am i wrong?

cheers

 

[a.black]

To swing on the "do it" sidde. I just ordered an M3 lever for my M4-2. The camera came with the plastic tip missing, which was sort of bothersome, I tried one with the plastic tip, but that felt even more uncomfortable.
Well I'll let you know how it looks, feels as soon as I get it.

 

[JNewell]

Do whichever pleases you. My first M was an M3. I've owned just about every model since then and still have an M5 and an M6. I really prefer the plastic hinged lever on the M4 and up, but it's a totally personal preference.

Unless the M4 is unused with box/papers/etc. you aren't going to affect its value. Save the original lever and it can easily be reinstalled by a competent person.

 

[HuubL]

Hi I've been a lurker here for some time. After reading this thread I registered ;-)

Side by side. Make your pick. The left one is an all metal levers M4, one of the last chrome ones to leave the Wetzlar plant (#1273809). I got it from a university photo department. I assume none of the staff would request a personalized M4 for office use and I'ld like to imagine that Leica scraped parts together to finish the last batch. The regular one at the right is older (#1183313).

Regards, Huub

 

[tajart]

responses

responses

thanks for all the responses, and welcome to the group.
very interesting to see the two m-fours side by side, very pretty indeed.
it'll be a while before i send my m4 in but if i decide to change out to the metal advance i'll let you know. tom

 

[35mmdelux]

My preference is leave as is, but I think the M3 wind knob is cool. Then I like lizard skin on my M4-P and removed the Leitz red dot.

 

[chendayuan]

Hi I've been a lurker here for some time. After reading this thread I registered ;-)

Side by side. Make your pick. The left one is an all metal levers M4, one of the last chrome ones to leave the Wetzlar plant (#1273809). I got it from a university photo department. I assume none of the staf would request a personalized M4 for office use and I'ld like to imagine that Leica scraped parts together to finish the last batch. The regular one at the right is older (#1183313).

Regards, Huub

Original M4 looks better, the converted one looks funny

 

[pbjbike]

If you change one lever, change 'em all. I've seen two M4's go on ebay for a premium because of the change to the M2/M3 style levers.

 

[matt fury]

If you change one lever, change 'em all. I've seen two M4's go on ebay for a premium because of the change to the M2/M3 style levers.

Did they end up going for more of a premium than the cost of changing the levers?

 

[brightsky]

I prefer the M4 style lever.

One idea to consider - if you decide to have it changed, KEEP your original lever so if you ever decide to change it back or sell the camera you'll have it.

 

[HuubL]

If you change one lever, change 'em all. I've seen two M4's go on ebay for a premium because of the change to the M2/M3 style levers.

Remember for how much more they went? Any idea what a replacement of the three levers costs?

 

[HuubL]

Original M4 looks better, the converted one looks funny

I think it looks like an M2. Does an M2 look funny?