Upgrade the viewfinder mag on the MP...Possible?

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horosu

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Hello,

I have a nice black paint MP 0.72, which I absolutely love, however, I also have a M3 and I just have to say that focusing the 50 mm is so much more easy with the big 0.91 magnification.

So: I would like to upgrade the magnification of my viewfinder to the 0.85. Is it possible? Would Leica do it? Any idea abut the price?

Thanks in advance, Horea

P.S I know about the 1.25 x magnifier but I decided against it
 
It can be done but the cost would be very high. It would probably have to be done by Leica, not by any of the independent techs. Better to sell your .72 and look for a .85.
 

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I believe the only way to do that is to replace the entire RF/VF assembly, and I believe I've read here or on pnet that Leica won't sell the .85x assembly without return of the .72x assembly...and that it's breathtakingly expensive in comparison to doing the MP upgrade to an M6 (which, of course, does not get you the coated glass, etc., but does eliminate the flare issue). You might contact DAG or Leica USA concerning price and feasibility.
 
Horea it is much easier/less expensive to sell then get a 0.85mag MP. Or if you can swing it, just get a 0.85mag MP and keep the 0.72mag. I had a 0.72mag M6TTL and bought a 0.85 M7. Big mistake. I had to get a 0.72 M7 to replace the M6TTL. It is wonderful having both mags. :)
 
Thanks for your answer,

I asked this because I know it was done in the past, but I figured the price tag should not be very high...maybe I was wrong.

Has anyone done this yet?
 
On the other hand, finding a used 0.85 mag MP is like searching for the holy grail :(, particularly as it is available only as an a-la-carte option
 
You are right. I bought my 0.85mag M7 just before they went out of production and so avoided the increased prices that followed. Your best bet might probably be the classifieds here or on photo.net. Patience is the key...
 
What's wrong with the x 1.25 magnifier? Probably cheaper than any other option - and more flexible.

In fact, I bought one yesterday :)

The effect on the .72 M7 ( --> .90 ) isn't all that stunning to be honest, but putting it on the M3 (.91 -> 1.14) makes the 90mm easy to focus :)

I think I would have preferred something like x 1.33 or even x 1.5 (why don't they make several?) Also, given what it is, even Leica could have offered it at about half that price.

colin

PS. If you want the frame lines for each lens to fill the viewfinder - get an SLR :D
 
depending on the shape of your current .72 mp, it might be the least hassle to work out some sort of trade in with tony at popflash.
 
I purchased a chrome MP with the .85 finder from Photo Village while I was in New York last week. It was a demo model w/warranty. They had a black paint model in stock as well--priced at about $2800. I think the black one was certified used, but I'm not sure.

The black one was in great condition. I'd call it at least near mint. I went for the silver because I prefer black chrome to paint and, well, that's not an option.
 
colinh said:
......I think I would have preferred something like x 1.33 ....... given what it is, even Leica could have offered it at about half that price.
Click to expand...

colin, not sure if you have read about the Megaperls 1.35x magnifier?

The build quality is as sturdy or better than the Leica 1.25x: and, to top it all, the Megaperls 1.35x magnifier IS HALF THE COST!!! :)
 
A little update:

Thanks to the nice tip from AlexanderR I contacted Rich from Photovillage. He graciously agreed to do the change (plus some cash)...so: I now have the nice black paint 0.85 MP and it is truly wonderful with my two lenses..
 
I talked to DAG on this before. He basically said it can't be done. At least, not at reasonable cost. You'd have to replace the entire assembly and I think Leica won't sell that to third-party repairer. Even if they did, the cost of the work and parts would be prohibitive. Better to just sell your MP and buy one of the correct magnification.
 
horosu said:
A little update:

Thanks to the nice tip from AlexanderR I contacted Rich from Photovillage. He graciously agreed to do the change (plus some cash)...so: I now have the nice black paint 0.85 MP and it is truly wonderful with my two lenses..
Click to expand...
Great! Congrats on the new cam and the RFF network came to the rescue again! Nice work Alexander! :) I bought my first Leica body from Rich and he is a good guy. Use it in good health.
 
horosu said:
A little update:

Thanks to the nice tip from AlexanderR I contacted Rich from Photovillage. He graciously agreed to do the change (plus some cash)...so: I now have the nice black paint 0.85 MP and it is truly wonderful with my two lenses..
Click to expand...


Do you mean you traded cameras, or that you had the RF/VF assemblies swapped?
 
I agree with Colinh. I don't have particular problems with my chrome 0,72x Leica MP with the D.R. Summicron 50, but i think to buy the 1,25x magnifier for the eyepiece.
Ciao.
Vincenzo
 
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