Looky here! A real practical question - and one not previously asked as far as I can see.

The black plastic insert on the frame selector lever of my M4-2 has developed a crack and is bowing out slightly. It's only a matter of time before it pops out and gets lost.

This appears to be a snap-fit into the metal frame. Is that correct? And if so, does that mean I can easily replace it myself sans tools? Is this part easy to get from Mother Leica?

Thanks

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), February 17, 2002

Answers

Yes it is very easy to change and Leica would be delighted to sell you one (or more).

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), February 17, 2002.

Yes it's a snap-in but I can't recall if it snaps in from the front you have to remove the lever to install it. I'll bet John Collier knows. The part is definitely available from Leica, it looks the same one still used on the M6.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 17, 2002.

Andy, You can get the inserts from Leica USA. Dave in parts will send them to you gratis. Or, if you want, give me a call. I have a couple of extras.

-- Henry Chu (heninden@yahoo.com), February 17, 2002.

They snap in from the front, I had one that fell out of an M4-2.

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), February 18, 2002.

Thanks everybody.

John - Note the following: TWO M4-2s that had plastic parts fall off within 20 years of manufacture. Clear statistical evidence of the legendary inferiority of the M4-2! They really ARE garbage!!

8^)

-- Andy Piper (apidens@denver.infi.net), February 19, 2002.