Replacing M6 framemask with M2 type

[horosu]

Hello,

I just purchased a nice M6, however, being a user of 35-50 mm FL lenses, I would like to get back to the older M2 style 35-50-90 framelines .

Would it be possible to do during a CLA (the camera just had a Leica CLA+MP finder replacement, so ...) ? Could it be done by myself?

Thanks, Horea

 

[horosu]

I am aware of the possibility of converting the existing framelines of the M6 to the 35/50/90 of the MP, but I think these are smaller than those of the M2. Please correct me if I'm wrong

 

[payasam]

Horea, I must say that I am only speculating. As the frame lines are cut out of a plate, it seems possible to me that you could black out (by covering them) the frames that you do not want.

 

[sepiareverb]

Call Sherry Krauter, she will let you know just what is involved if it is possible.

http://www.sherrykrauter.com/contact.php

 

[kipkeston]

Are you talking about having lines set for infinity instead of closest distance? That might be more complicated.

If you're simply talking about seeing only 35-50-90 frame lines instead of the others, I know DAG and the others will simply mask the other lines. Shouldn't cost much I think. I had my 135 and 75 lines removed during my last CLA. Makes a 35 and especially 50 much more enjoyable.

 

[ferider]

Hi Horea,

You can have Don or Sherry mask 28, 75 and 135mm framelines, while converting to the MP finder (flare elimination). I had this done to one of my M6 bodies.

Note that the 35mm and 50mm framelines will about 2.5% smaller (not more) than in the M2, since calibrated to .7m instead of 1m min. distance.

And the 90mm frameline won't be as nice as the M2's.

Cheers,

Roland.

 

[johnny.moped]

i had my framelines replaced with the one of the mp-3 (mp special edition from 2005). leica did this for me and it were a few hundred bucks.
those are the classical 35-50-90 frame lines corresponding to the full 24x36 negative format and therefore they are way more accurate than the regular ones in M6/MP/M7.
if you just want to get rid of the 28-75-135 framelines, than just have someone black them out. and no, you really can't do this by yourself, unless you are a specialist.

 

[horosu]

Thanks for the replies.

I wouldn't want the existing frameline mask of the M6 covered, I would like a more accurate version. If I understand correctly, to date only the frameline mask of the MP-3 can be supplied by Leica to achieve that and that Sherry, Don et al will only cover the exiting ones.

Does anyone have any idea where I could inquire at Leica for the MP-3 mask upgrade?

Thank you so much, Horea

P.S The reason for this is really that I LOVE shooting with a 50, but find the 35 also useful and the 0.85 finder is simply a no-go for the latter IMHO.

 

[lic4]

I wish the rangefinder patch of the M6 could be made as bright and contrasty as the one in my M2. Anyone know if this is possible? My M6 already has the MP VF upgrade.

 

[ferider]

Horea,

the lack of "accuracy" issue of M6 framelines is an internet thing (only). If you have both cameras in hands, compare for yourself how small the difference is. It's not 5 or 10% as often claimed, it's less than 3%. For a more exact analysis, please have a look at:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71202

Nobody ever complains about ZI or Bessa 35 or 50mm framelines. And they are smaller ....

Cheers,

Roland.

 

[katgut@earthlink.net]

I recently acquired an M2 that had been modified with the M6 viewfinder. If you're sure that's what you want then go for it, but personally I wouldn't go back for the simple reason that the 35 frame is hard enough to see without glasses. With glasses, very difficult, and forget about the 28. I'm glad I have the extra room around the 35.

 

[horosu]

Thanks for all the info. Very useful!

 

[sanmich]

Horea,

the lack of "accuracy" issue of M6 framelines is an internet thing (only). If you have both cameras in hands, compare for yourself how small the difference is. It's not 5 or 10% as often claimed, it's less than 3%. For a more exact analysis, please have a look at:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71202

Nobody ever complains about ZI or Bessa 35 or 50mm framelines. And they are smaller ....

Cheers,

Roland.

Roalnd,
I'm not sure about this one.
I have a MP 0.58 that I use mainly with 35mm and an M2 with a 50 welded to it. I once had a look and compared the frames of both the cameras.
While the 35 frames are pretty close in size ,the 50 frame on the MP is really smaller than on the M2.
I also hear that the finder magnification has something to do with it.
I think it shouldn't but....
Just my 2c.

 

[johnny.moped]

Horea,

the lack of "accuracy" issue of M6 framelines is an internet thing (only). If you have both cameras in hands, compare for yourself how small the difference is. It's not 5 or 10% as often claimed, it's less than 3%. For a more exact analysis, please have a look at:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71202

Nobody ever complains about ZI or Bessa 35 or 50mm framelines. And they are smaller ....

Cheers,

Roland.

i have a mp with mp-3 framelines and a regular m6. both 0.72 viewfinder-version and the difference is huge! i even would say it is more than 10%. will take some photos later.

 

[ferider]

Roalnd,
I'm not sure about this one.
I have a MP 0.58 that I use mainly with 35mm and an M2 with a 50 welded to it. I once had a look and compared the frames of both the cameras.
While the 35 frames are pretty close in size ,the 50 frame on the MP is really smaller than on the M2.
I also hear that the finder magnification has something to do with it.
I think it shouldn't but....
Just my 2c.

i have a mp with mp-3 framelines and a regular m6. both 0.72 viewfinder-version and the difference is huge! i even would say it is more than 10%. will take some photos later.

Never tried the .58, Sanmich, maybe the magnification makes a difference. Also never touched an MP-3, Johnny.

I have compared M2, M3, M4-P (brass), M6 and various Bessas though, and verified. When comparing, you have to make sure the cameras are in the same location, like on a tripod.

Cheers,

Roland.

 

[Harry Lime]

Note that the 35mm and 50mm framelines will about 2.5% smaller (not more) than in the M2, since calibrated to .7m instead of 1m min. distance.

And the 90mm frameline won't be as nice as the M2's.

You're going to see an error that is a lot biggert than 2.5%...

 

[Harry Lime]

Horea,

the lack of "accuracy" issue of M6 framelines is an internet thing (only). If you have both cameras in hands, compare for yourself how small the difference is. It's not 5 or 10% as often claimed, it's less than 3%. For a more exact analysis, please have a look at:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71202

Nobody ever complains about ZI or Bessa 35 or 50mm framelines. And they are smaller ....

It is not an 'internet thing'. There is a huge difference in framing accuracy between pre and post M6 bodies. The framelines in all cameras (except the MP3) show a substantially smaller area of coverage than the earlier bodies. The problem is so big, that many people including myself, will not shoot anything wider than a 35mm on the new bodies.

The difference is blatantly obvious if you compare an M4 and M6 side by side. I have 6 M bodies (M2, 2x M4, M4-2, M6ttl, M7) and shoot them on a daily basis. The frameline coverage problem is not a myth.

 

[ferider]

I was wondering when you would chime in 🙂

 

[Harry Lime]

horosu, you can't install an M2 frameline mask in an M6 rangefinder.
Leica made some drastic changes to the RF over the decades and not all parts are exchangeable.

The frameline mask in the M2 is a piece of paper thin, etched glass that is sandwiched between two pieces of metal. In the M6 it is stamped or etched from a piece of metal and also has holes for the meterdiodes, which obviously the M2 mask is lacking.

Your best bet is to see if someone can install a frameline mask from an MP3. Apparently this mask shows the same area of coverage as the pre-M6 bodies. I'm guessing that they will not be able to install this mask in the M6 finder, but may have to replace the whole RF unit with a more modern incarnation from an MP. This could cost about $500-600 from someone like Sherry Kraueter at Goldentouch.

 

[Harry Lime]

I was wondering when you would chime in 🙂

It's my pet peeve.
🙂

The whole coverage thing has been driving me up the walls for years.

Leica finally fixed the problem with the MP3, but they priced the darn camera out of reach of almost everyone. I've been meaning to email Don or Sherry about installing MP3 finders in my M6ttl and M7, but keep getting distacted by other things...