M2 finder into M6 TTL body??

[Timmyjoe]

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Does anyone know, or have experience with putting an M2 finder into an M6 TTL body? I've got an M6 TTL that I've had since new, and the viewfinder has always been it's weak point. Didn't notice it so much until I got an M2. My 55 year old eyes really appreciate the flare free, higher contrast of the M2 finder compared to my M6. I keep hearing that the viewfinder "patch" or MP modification that can be done to the M6 doesn't really make that much difference.

 

So I was wondering if anyone knows if the whole finder can be swapped out between those two model cameras.

 

Any and all info is greatly appreciated.

[madNbad]

I believe there is a difference in the length of the rangefinder base between the M2 and the M6. Your best bet would be having some of the guide lines removed. Having an M6 TTL and switching between my right and left eye depending on the day I know what you mean. Let see what other post show up and maybe someone smarter than I am has a much better answer.

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[UliWer]

You can get the MP a la carte with three frames -35 - 50 - 90 - which is the classical combination for the M2. I am sure, they'll do this for the M6 as well.

 

The MP-finder has less flare than the M6. I don't have an MP, though the finders for the M8 and M9 have the same construction and I never had flare problems.

Edited December 8, 2012 by UliWer

[CalArts 99]

Apparently an optical condenser was removed when they built the M6. You have it installed and the flare removed as a 'flare-free optics' upgrade by most any good Leica technician. The price is usually around 200 USD. I have found that it does make a worthwhile difference.

 

You can also have any frame line masked out. The M6 kind of suffers from 'frame line clutter.' Since I personally only use a 28mm, a 35mm, and a 50mm, I've had all the other frame lines masked out. Only those frame lines are visible when the corresponding lenses are mounted. Again, most any good Leica tech can do this. It's inexpensive (30 USD.)

[gyoung]

I'm pretty sure the 35mm frame line in the M2 finder is larger (and more accurate) than the 35 frame in the M6ttl. They reduced the size of it so they could get a 28mm frame in.

In the 60s I bought M3 because I couldn't see any of the 35 frame in the M2 finder, paradoxically the smaller frame in my M6ttl makes it more useable for me, although I deplore its inaccuracy. Seems more like 40mm really.

I have this eternal dual reaction to my Ms, the M6ttl is nice and compact, and easy to use, but when I pick up the M3 and hold it to my eye its so much better, but the bulk of a meter on top and a 35 with goggles makes it such a different item to hold.

 

Gerry

[earleygallery]

The rangefinder base is the same, but im not sure if there are technical issues as to why an M2 finder would or wouldnt work - put a call into one of the Leica repair specialists. You could also ask Leica to fit the finder from the M6J (they will fit this to repair broken M3 finders) which only has 35/50/90 framelines.

[xalo]

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When I still had my M6, I asked a local repair shop/Leica store about masking framelines (75mm, notably). They said it would need to be done in Solms for about EUR 250 - roughly the same as the MP finder patch 'update'. Had they said EUR 30, as it seems to be in some more lucky places, I would not have hesitated... I suppose Solms could also mount a 35/50/90 0.72 MP. I like this one as much as the M2's.

 

Alexander

[thrid]

- The flare fix for the M6/ttl is well worth the money. I had both my ttl and M7 upgraded and the improvement is noticeable. Contrast is improved and the flare has been eliminated. You can also have the windows upgraded. The glass on the MP and M7 is multicoated.

 

- You could have an MP rangefinder installed but that is a very expensive upgrade. You are looking at at least $500-600 just for the unit.

 

- The biggest technical problem with installing an M2 finder in the M6 is that the M2 frameline mask does not have the holes necessary for the meter diodes. They will be blocked from view.

 

- One of the main reasons why the M2 frame lines look so good is due to their construction. From what i remember the mask is a piece of frosted glass sandwiched between metal. I'm not even sure if the M4 mask uses something that elaborate.

 

- The biggest advantage of the M2 is that the frame lines are calibrated to show coverage at 1 meter.

All bodies from the M6 forward show coverage at .7 meters (70cm).

The 1 meter mask frames more accurately than the .7 mask. This is most noticeable with the 50/75/90/135.

The only modern film Leica to use a 1 meter mask was the MP3.

 

- The rangefinder baselenght is the same for all M bodies with the exception of the M3. What does change is the magnification.

Edited December 9, 2012 by thrid

[normclarke]

The M2 finder would fit easily in place of the M6TTL but you would not be able to meter as the diode assembly is an integral part of the later system. I have always prefered the early finders for the reason's that thrid noted, the field shown is much more realistic especially with 50mm and upward. I understand that the newer digital models have the R/F set at 2mtr so would be even more accurate than the early M's.

 

Best,

 

normclarke.

[CalArts 99]

When I still had my M6, I asked a local repair shop/Leica store about masking framelines (75mm, notably). They said it would need to be done in Solms for about EUR 250 - roughly the same as the MP finder patch 'update'. Had they said EUR 30, as it seems to be in some more lucky places, I would not have hesitated... I suppose Solms could also mount a 35/50/90 0.72 MP. I like this one as much as the M2's.

 

Mine was done by Don Goldberg (DAG) who has a stellar international reputation. He also did my other M6 and masked out the 75 and 135 frame lines while doing the finder patch upgrade. I don't think it's necessary to send to Solms and pay that kind of price, although DAG did do it at the same time of the finder upgrade and a CLA. He charged 10 USD per frame line on both cameras. But without doing the upgrade at the same time, then just masking frame lines alone may very well be more expensive. I'm sure Photo Suffren, or Malcolm Taylor (in the UK) could do the same.

 

I believe that an upgraded .72 M6 (with your choice of frame lines masked) basically becomes the same thing as a current .72 MP finder.

[xalo]

Thanks, in fact it was Photo Suffren where I had asked a couple of years ago; may inquire again out of interest, perhaps my memory is tricking me re/sending to Solms. At any rate, makes sense that it's the combination of upgrade and masking that's most economical.

Alexander

[thrid]

Don, Sherry Krauter or Gerry over at Kindermann can do the flare fix for a lot less money than Leica. Anyone of them can also selectively shut off frame lines. Sherry did my cameras.

 

Some time ago I spoke to a technician. They had installed an M2 finder in an M6 and totally reworked the LED system plus the mask to make it all work. It was such a PIA to do that they won't do another one. They also charged the customer accordingly...

Edited December 9, 2012 by thrid