M6 film advanced lever partly broken :-(

[Timmy P]

The second plastic arm on the film advance lever on my M6 fell off, leaving a rarther unattractive and much smaller advance in it's wake. Anyone know how much it is to replace the second plastic arm?

I'm also thinking of just replacing the entire film advance lever with a MP style classic film advance lever, to save this happening again. Would this cost too much though? I'm trying to keep the repair under $100 AU

I live in Australia too, so if anyone has local repair advice it'd be most appreciated!

Cheers,

-Tim

 

[drewbarb]

Sorry to hear it, Tim. But then again, the lever on the M6 was built partly broken, IMO. That stupid plastic swinging bit is a real "What the &*%$!?" design idea. Anyway, I'd contact your favorite Leica repair person to get a replacement lever of your favorite type- shouldn't be too dear. They are typically $50-$70 USD. It's an easy DIY job, with the right simple tools. Good luck!

 

[gavinlg]

I agree about the whole swinging plastic arm on the m6 - I really dislike it.
As far as repair people, there is a mob in melbourne called melbourne classic camera repair or something like that but they're meant to be quite good.

 

[alan davus]

Tim get a copy of the Photographic Trader. There's several adverts in there for Leica repairs. Adeal in Victoria is one, the Camera Exchange in Melbourne another. Scott at Mainline Photographics might be able to recommend someone a little closer to home.

 

[Krosya]

DAG used to sell (and may still be selling) black M3/MP type for $50 USD. I had one put on my M6 during CLA and it's a much better to use for me, well worth it.

 

[Never Satisfied]

Hi Tim, try this chick on eBay 'tonaya' she has heaps on NOS Leica parts otherwise Adeal in Melbourne is the Australian Importer for leica and will have the largest on hand parts inventory. DAG does have a black advance lever but tonaya has the largest amount of bits I've seen. Cheers Andrew.

 

[mad_boy]

You can buy them directly from Leica and mount it yourself.
(I have done so, because mine had a light scratch).
Costs were reasonable, just send them an e-mail.

Alternatively, if you do not mind a scratch on it you could get my old one....

mad_boy

 

[tmfabian]

Since i'm currently in the market for an MP film advance on my M7 I recently contacted Sherry Krauter...her estimate is $65 for the lever $20 for the install if you want her to do it for you plus s&h.

 

[Xmas]

HCB would have borrowed some gaffer tape...

Noel

 

[Timmy P]

HCB would have borrowed some gaffer tape...

Noel

Maybe, but the plastic arm is totally gone, as in I do need a new one. Althought it might make the edge less harsh, and help my extremely poor student image ;-)

-Tim

 

[Tim]

DAG still sells the M3 rewind arms. They get to Aus in under a week. And they fit beautifully and feel great on a M6TTL.
🙂

 

[Xmas]

Iff you get a new m3 winder lever also get the release surround you are going to mar unthreading it as they are tight.

Noel

 

[Ken Ford]

I switched over to a solid lever when I bought my M6 - I got it from Don at DAG. I much prefer the feel of the solid lever.

 

[pmu]

If you still have that plastic tip just glue it to the metal lever with epoxy. I hated that pivoting system and glued mine even if it was working OK. Saved $$$ and the lever is now perfect, solid as a rock.

EDIT:

Since i'm currently in the market for an MP film advance on my M7 I recently contacted Sherry Krauter...her estimate is $65 for the lever $20 for the install if you want her to do it for you plus s&h.

LOL, save your money and glue the tip! And buy film with that +70$!

 

[notraces]

How hard is it to put a M3 film advance lever on a M6? I have one on my M4 and really like it - so much better than the M6 lever.

 

[Landshark]

Mighty tough😉
It's held in place with one nut. The one surrounding the release button.
I used to use a rubber jar opener & fought with it, then I popped for the flexiclamp to fit. It's a two finger job with the flexiclamp.
You can get a full set for about $70 from Ebuy or individuals from Microtools.

 

[notraces]

thanks for the info -- that's what i thought...

as it turns out, i'm picking up a few lenses from my repair guy tomorrow - he has a black paint lever in stock and will install it for me while i wait!