M4-P viewfinder window

[Perceval]

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Could anyone advise me on the serial number of the last M4-P to have recessed viewfinder windows (before the change to M6-type finders)?

[jpattison]

This should help... 1642550 at a guess?

 

Leica M4P with M6 Windows

 

John

[luigi bertolotti]

1642550 was indeed a R4s (Puts)... the last M4-P before 1642551 ought to be (same source) 1637550

[zipper]

I don't know the real reason the VF window recess was there, but from my experience it helped keep one's greasy fingers from accidentally marking the VF window. I'm forever cleaning my MP and M8 window, and hardly ever need to on my M2, or my previous M4-2, M6. The 'frame' on the M3 VF window might have served the same purpose, possibly...

[BennehBoy]

I believe the recess indicates a brass top plate, the flush ones have the newer zinc top plate like the M6 (and only 1 sync socket).

[scsambrook]

I don't know the real reason the VF window recess was there, but from my experience it helped keep one's greasy fingers from accidentally marking the VF window. I'm forever cleaning my MP and M8 window, and hardly ever need to on my M2, or my previous M4-2, M6. The 'frame' on the M3 VF window might have served the same purpose, possibly...

 

I have the same experience with my M2 and M8. I used to have an M3 and that was even better for helping keep fingers away from the 'windows'. And it looked good!