Leica M4-2: Exchange lens release button ?

maddoc · 06-05-2012

It might sound crazy (and has nothing to do with taking photos) but I got tired of that "red-dotted" lens release button of my M4-2 and want to exchange it for an "old-style" type (with the slotted screw in the middle). After inquiring Leica CS in Germany and DAG without success, I found a spare "M3 part" lens release button on Ebay.

I have disassembled the camera last night and exchanged the lens release button. However, the assembled unit is a tad to short and the old-style type button keeps in depressed position and can`t be released into lock position.

I wonder if anybody else has made this switch and if other parts except for the button itself have to be exchanged.

rlouzan · 06-06-2012

Hi Gabor,

Could be the fact that M4-2/m4-P bodies lack a lens release guard. Next time I send my M4-P for a CLA, I'll ask Sherry to ad a release guard

Regards,
Robert

maddoc · 06-06-2012

Hi Robert, that could make a difference also but carefully looking at the problem (and getting confirmation from Youxin Ye) it had to do with manufacturing tolerances. I added three tiny washers to the assembly and it looks like it works.

Adding the M3-type guard around the button could make things more complicated, though.

maddoc · 06-14-2012

Got the job done !

and wrote something about it in my blog...

buzzardkid · 06-15-2012

For a moment I was wondering why you took the complicated approach, but then realized that the button had to be removed from the inside since it had no front slot...

Myself, I'd like to have an M2 with a lens release button shroud like the M3 has, I'm always fiddling the camera and the M2 button is so easy to push... I worry someday my Summilux 35/1.4 will fall off...

maddoc · 06-15-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzzardkid

For a moment I was wondering why you took the complicated approach, but then realized that the button had to be removed from the inside since it had no front slot...

Myself, I'd like to have an M2 with a lens release button shroud like the M3 has, I'm always fiddling the camera and the M2 button is so easy to push... I worry someday my Summilux 35/1.4 will fall off...

Two times I accidentally un-locked my Noctilux from the Hexar RF, then sold the camera (had the version without shroud).
The M3 shroud is available on fleabay as spare-part (same seller from where I got the release button) but I don`t know how to install that one ... Might be some fiddling with washers to get dimensions right...