Franken-Leica

[artspraken]

I got this urge to replace my M4 film advance lever with M2/M3 lever because the piece of plastic on the M4 lever is annoying. I prefer the simple M2 lever.

However, i feel guilty if i do this coz my M4 will kinda lose its identity as full M4. You know what i mean?

M4 with an M2/M3 lever will become franken leica. What you think? Should i just do whatever float my boat or should i try to respect my M4 identity and accept my M4's strengths and weaknesses?

 

[makebelieve]

accept the strengths and weaknesses! heheheh.... all cameras have + and -

 

[chiif]

Aiya... if u like the M2/M3 lever, buy a M2 & M3 lor... Keep the M4 as it is...

Every camera has it's characteristic. Like every child has his own identity. To nature a child to his fullest potential is to develop his strength to the fullest. Not to make him an Einstein if he is supposed to be groomed to be Ansel Adams.

 

[Shahlan]

I got this urge to replace my M4 film advance lever with M2/M3 lever because the piece of plastic on the M4 lever is annoying. I prefer the simple M2 lever.

However, i feel guilty if i do this coz my M4 will kinda lose its identity as full M4. You know what i mean?

M4 with an M2/M3 lever will become franken leica. What you think? Should i just do whatever float my boat or should i try to respect my M4 identity and accept my M4's strengths and weaknesses?

What issit abt the m4 lever that is annoying?I pose this question as I intend to get an m4 and is in the same dilemma as you..thanks

 

[neowy]

I would replace it. There are thousands of m4s out there. There are not many unique m4s. Anyway leica has it's own a la carte programme which mixes and matches parts to satisfy each customer's unique requirements eg the rewind lever. So no reason why the winding lever should be different!!

 

[pixelbrain]

i say get the replacement levers if that rocks your boat, but keep the original ones safe.. not as if the process is not easily reversible..

 

[NazgulKing]

Well, plastic isn't as lasting as metal so...

 

[Benji77]

Get an M3. Top up (a bit only) from your price of your 'metal lever'. Hehe

 

[Joohander]

I would say: whatever rocks your boat man! Doesn't mean that you can't revert back if you don't like it! That said, my M4 is very very happy with her plastic (removal) surgery.

 

[ZoomP]

Well, plastic isn't as lasting as metal so...

It lasted the last 30 years or so, so I am not too worried about it.

Art, keep the Blackpaint one stock and change the chrome one if you like. I have no problem with it on mine. Anyway, which M4 having problem?

 

[artspraken]

Thanks for all your opinions.

The chrome M4 is working good because it was freshly CLA when i bought it.

The BP M4 is dunno how long never CLA. Its not been used for long time. The problem with overlapping frames one is BP version. The advance lever connection need to be checked.

Somebody asked what is so bad about plastic lever. Its personal preference lah. You go shop try compare M3 lever with M4 lever. See whuch feels better. My thumb prefers to be poke by metal instead of plastic. Hehe.

As for those who suggest i buy M3, yes I already got M3, i use it for 50mm. My M4s i use for 35mm.

 

[astroboy888]

Art, if you are going to order a M3 lever, let me know. I'd like one too so maybe we can combine and split the cost for freight. I've been thinking of changing the lever on my M7.

I too don't like the plastic tip on the film advance lever and prefer the feel of the M2 or 3 lever.