[Leica] m4-p rangefinder adjustment / realignment in Chicago?

[Leicajay at aol.com (Leicajay@aol.com)]

Well let's see:

Last run of the M4-P had top-plate with M6 windows--including the silvered 
strip which is of absolutely no use on the non-metered body.  Leica economizing 
or pumping good money into a soon-to-be-discontinued model?  I say the former, 
you will no doubt disagree.

Last run of M6TTL have brass top plates and blank enclosure inside where M7 
DX contacts go, and M7-style pressure-plate with 4 attaching screws.  Leica 
economizing or pumping good money into a soon-to-be-discontinued model?  I say 
the former, you will no doubt disagree.

First run of M7 have identical rangefinder mechanism to M6TTL, but as soon as 
MP goes into production less than a year later, it switches to MP mechanism. 
Leica using up parts or -- well, there is no "or" unless you believe in Santa 
Claus and the Easter Bunny.

First run of MP have identical filmspeed dial to M6TTL, but in very short 
order changed to less-complicated and less sure-locking type similar to that on 
M7 minus exposure compensation.  Leica using up parts or -- well, there is no 
"or" unless you believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.

There is a very clear distinction between a manufacturer making changes 
during a long product life, versus using up parts from the old model at the 
beginning of the new, or switching to some parts from an upcoming model at the very 
end of the old.  The latter, from a business perspective, would be lunacy if it 
were done for any other reason than economy.  Pretty stupid to re-tool for a 
product about to be discontinued, unless the retooling costs were expected to 
be amortized over the new model.