How much does it cost to change a viewfinder?

[msbarnes]

If I wanted to use an M2 body but with an M4-P/M6 viewfinder, how much does such an operation cost?

Basically, I want to know how much it costs to add 28mm framelines.

I know that there are other options (ZI, Hexar, M6, etc.) but I'm just wondering.

[hrzlvn]

M6 viewfinder part costs around $900 at Leica NJ.

[msbarnes]

whoa, not worth it (to me).

Thanks.

[coelacanth]

I think it's gonna be less that than if you ask Don at DAG camera or Sherry K. ANd M3 has a lot more complicated VF/RF assembly and M2 is a lot closer to newer Ms so may be it's cheeper than M3 operation.

28mm is pretty much the whole VF with M2 magnification so I'd just use it as-is if I were you, though. (And I do with my M2)

Good luck!

[sepiareverb]

Just adding frame lines would be cheaper than replacing the whole thing. I'd also suggest you ask Sherry or Don or Gerry about it. I wouldn't replace the whole VF, that will run over $1200 at Leica NJ.

[boomguy57]

I emailed Youxin about swapping out my .72 for a .58 in my MP and was told it was $900 for parts alone, so you're best off selling one camera and buying the one you prefer instead of swapping it out.

Try an external VF, perhaps?

[Godfrey]

Originally Posted by sepiareverb

Just adding frame lines would be cheaper than replacing the whole thing. I'd also suggest you ask Sherry or Don or Gerry about it. I wouldn't replace the whole VF, that will run over $1200 at Leica NJ.

I agree. The experienced independent techs are much more familiar with what to do and how much it costs.

G

[msbarnes]

Yeah, I'm actually interested in acquiring a 28mm lens. After reading some more it seems that even if i had 28mm framelines, they aren't all that great. They're inaccurate and hard to see.

I feel that I have three practical solutions:
1. Learn to use the entire 0.72 viewfinder.
2. Get a more suitable M body (0.58 M6, Hexar, R4, or ZI)
3. Get an external viewfinder.

I'm not thrilled about either option, really. But which option is more suitable is a very individual thing.

I'm leaning on learning to compose with my M2 and eventually getting another body. I don't like the idea of an external viewfinder. I even thought about a fourth option and getting into the Contax G system (G1 + 28 + 50).

[CNNY]

Originally Posted by msbarnes

After reading some more it seems that even if i had 28mm framelines, they aren't all that great. They're inaccurate and hard to see.

I wouldn't say 28mm frames on an M6 are inaccurate. They are as accurate as any framelines on a rangefinder. I also have no problem seeing them. If you wear glasses that would be a different story. In any event you will not know until you have a chance to look through one.

[msbarnes]

I know that RF framelines aren't 100% reliable but I hear that some framelines are more accurate than others but I guess that also depends on distance too. I guess visibility and space around the framelines is the larger concern for most, since part of the rangefinder experience is the framing. I think many 28mm shooters suffice without a lower magnified body so I can probably cope.

[msbarnes]

And maybe to other 0.72 magnified Leica M's...

For the later 0.72 magnification Leica's with 28mm framelines, are the windows larger than the M2? Or are they the same size but with additional frame lines.

[kemal_mumcu]

It's interesting that the m9 and friends have a .68x finder. I wonder if Leica did that to improve the 35mm/28mm shooting experience? I've often wondered what a .68x finder would be like in a film M. Better for 28 but still giving accuracy for 135 and 90 lenses too.

Sorry to change the topic a bit.

You need to ask a technician about just swapping out the framelines. When my M2 goes in for repairs I'm going to ask. If the tech has spare parts lying around I don't imagine it would be more than $200 - 300. Maybe.

[sepiareverb]

Originally Posted by kemal_mumcu

I've often wondered what a .68x finder would be like in a film M. Better for 28 but still giving accuracy for 135 and 90 lenses too.

But impossible from what I've been told. I really wanted a .58 M9 but was told it cannot be done.