M4-P modifications and cross-dressing questions

[gandalfk7]

hi!

I'm about to pick up an M, I choose the M4-P.

I was curios to know what type of modifications i can do,
particullary talking of cross-dressing like the M3 (or another M) top plate on the M4-P.

Which top plates can I put on her?
and which advance lever?
I like very much the MP type advance lever and rewind crank.
Actually I like the MP top plate.

an M2 top plate could fit the M4-P top?

thank you very much


Matteo

 

[johannielscom]

Hi Matteo,

you cannot make the M4-P look like an MP, since the rewind crank is angled, the whole design is different. Camera's to make look like an MP are the M3 and M2, I'm afraid.

The M4, M4-2, M4-P and M6 all have the angled rewind crank so you might be able to change parts out there, not sure on that. Others may be able to tell more about that.

An M3 style transport lever will fit the M4-P, I have seen that before. I like the M3 style lever most and would seriously consider putting one on any M camera, even the M5.

 

[Maxapple88]

Why would you want to do that in the first place? Go out and use the M4-P as it is, its an excellent camera and has always served me well.

 

[gandalfk7]

Why would you want to do that in the first place? Go out and use the M4-P as it is, its an excellent camera and has always served me well.

that's right, it was only a curiosity, it's sure I'll keep her like she is
without any modification (when I'll buy it, obviously 😀 )

the question was because sometimes I see modified Ms and wanted
to know what's the mechanic of these mods.

thank you!

another question, I saw two ways for covering logos,
duct tape and adesive sandpapaer, which one is the best
and most non-destructive for logos and the big-red-dot?


Matteo

 

[Chris101]

That's what I'm wondering! I have an M4-P, and it works fine, and looks more than cool.

Here's an idea. Put some black tape over the words printed on it, and tell people it's an ala carte MP, but you just don't want to show off.

ETA: Whoops! You posted as I was posting too. I use black, acid free, "photographers" tape (like adhesive tape, but black.) Here:

 

[maddoc]

^^ I second this. I am on my second M4-P (sold the first foolishly ...) and had for a short time a black M3 style lever on my first M4-P. Except for a lot of marks in the shutter dial (caused by the flipping back advance lever) there was no advantage at all. 😉

I have heard that with the M4-P, Leica used some synthetic elastomer to glue parts in the RF together (or for some other purpose, I forgot), which outgases and haze the optical surfaces of the VF / RF. So I would spent the money on a really good CLA ... 🙂

Otherwise a very fine camera !

Cheers,

Gabor

 

[Chris101]

... I have heard that with the M4-P, Leica used some synthetic elastomer to glue parts in the RF together (or for some other purpose, I forgot), which outgases and haze the optical surfaces of the VF / RF. ...

I don't know nothing about "synthetic elastomers" but look closely at the RF window on my picture above. There is some 'issue' around the edges. But I don't see it when looking though it.

 

[gandalfk7]

Here's an idea. Put some black tape over the words printed on it, and tell people it's an ala carte MP, but you just don't want to show off.

😀 that's a good idea indeed!

 

[maddoc]

Chris, difficult to see from you photo. In my case, I couldn't detect anything but the difference in contrast and brightness of the VF/RF after a service-trip to Leica (Japan) was like night an day. 🙂

 

[sleepyhead]

Chris, difficult to see from you photo. In my case, I couldn't detect anything but the difference in contrast and brightness of the VF/RF after a service-trip to Leica (Japan) was like night an day. 🙂

I had my M4-P CLA'd by Sherry Krauter at some point - it had a foggy viewfinder - it really did make a big difference in clarity - it's been about 3 years since that CLA - no signs (yet) of any return of fogginess...

I love my M4-P - it's my old faithful camera - quite beat up but works like a charm!

 

[rxmd]

That's what I'm wondering! I have an M4-P, and it works fine, and looks more than cool.

Here's an idea. Put some black tape over the words printed on it, and tell people it's an ala carte MP, but you just don't want to show off.

Do the same with an M6 instead and you will practically have an MP for all that it's worth. 😉

 

[newspaperguy]

FWIW - For years I put black tape over the nameplates on all my gear to avoid long conversations with bystanders whose "uncle joe has one just like that..."
or "do you really like your XXX better than my XXX?"
Hard to chat when you're working on deadline.