Replacing film advance lever

[suckerpunch]

I'm thinking of changing my m6 stock lever with an m3 style one..I don't really want to send my camera to DAG just to do this... Has anyone done this themselves, and is it difficult? I found some info at nemeng.com, but couldn't find the microtool required for this task. Anyone out there have this tool they want to rent me or sell or point me in the right direction? thanks.

 

[jlw]

If you don't want to buy the Leica M set of ring wrenches from Micro-Tools, you could try gripping the lever's retaining ring with a strip of rubber and unscrewing it by finger-power.

You can cut your strip out of a rubber sheet (available at plumbing stores; they're used for making toilet gaskets) but I've had especially good luck with rubber sealing tape made for insulating buried electrical connections. It's available at good hardware stores, comes in a roll, and has a removable red plastic liner on one side to shield its slightly tacky surface. Peel off the liner, wrap the tape around the ring, and unscrew it. The tape's cushioning and slight adhesive properties give you a tremendous grip! It's reusable, so after you've got the ring off, just stick it back on the roll.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[EmilGil]

I know DAG has a few old-style levers in his "webshop" at $45

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[terrafirmanada]

Some people have made their own wrenches. I think it would not be hard with the right size drill bit and a hack saw (of course sand paper as well). I bought the wrenches from micro tools, and they work well. Other methods might work depending on the tightness of your retaining ring.

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I know DAG has a few old-style levers in his "webshop" at $45

I've got one of Don's on my M6. Should have it back in the next few days with
MP flare free optics and reduced framelines.

 

[ray_g]

I did just this a few months ago on my black M6. I did not have the micro-tool and gently used a set of pliers wrapped many times over with duct tape. It is easy enough to do, but the edge of the retaining ring is VERY soft. I still managed to put some dings on it.

I ended up ordering a replacement black ring from Don for $22, including shipping.

 

[suckerpunch]

you've all given me much courage...thanks for the tips!

 

[Ken Ford]

If JLW's tip doesn't work (and it should), order a .625" Flexiclamp from Micro-Tools and be done with it.

I had DAG install a M3 style wind lever on my M6 while it was in for a CLA, and I love it. I also picked up a solid SL-2 rewind crank since mine was bent, and a black dot.

 

[ywenz]

Ken,

What is the SL-2 crank? Is that the angled film rewind crank? Mine is dinged up from a fall and I wouldn't mind replacing it if it's not too diffcult and cost prohibitive...

 

[Ken Ford]

Yep - mine had the same problem. Drop DAG a line - he's the one that suggested the switch and sold it to me. It's solid brass off a Leica SL-2 SLR.

 

[ywenz]

a good pic guide of taking apart an M3..

http://kochi-med.net/moto/camera/camera_repair/leica_m3/index.htm

 

[MikeL]

Thanks for the link ywenz. I babelfished it. Always entertaining what babelfish comes up with.

 

[colyn]

What is the advantage of the M3 style advance lever over the original M6 lever?

 

[ywenz]

colyn: style, more of a solid feel. I'm speculating though...

I see you have both. Are there any disadvantages of the M3 lever?

 

[colyn]

colyn: style, more of a solid feel. I'm speculating though...

I see you have both. Are there any disadvantages of the M3 lever?

I do prefer the feel of the M3 lever over the M6. It seems to have a more solid feel.
Maybe I should consider changing my M6 lever to the M3 style.

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

What is the advantage of the M3 style advance lever over the original M6 lever?

Having just got mine back from Don at DAG's - the film advance is very smooth and with the removed 75 and 135 framelines it makes the 50 and 35 FOV very simple.
MP flare free optics have also greatly improved the use of this camera - for me anyway 🙂

 

[colyn]

Is the M3 lever compatible with the M6 without having to modify the M6 in any way?
In other words is it a simple remove and replace with the M3 lever?

 

[ywenz]

Also where do I get a silver chrome retaining ring for the advance lever? I want my to look just like the new black MP..