Re: [Leica] m4-P film speed dial

[Javier <japho@cunyvm.cuny.edu>]

It took me a while to figure out you had to
write on it. This has got to be the stupidest idea they ever
came up with. The smudge off problem means I never use it
for anything. The trick is to get your hands on an older back and
use that instead, or tape a reminder to the bottom plate. No
other solutions except using the flash socket exist. As for the
missing plastic. I think it just falls off a lot. They are cheap from
Leitz but better yet, design your own!

Mark Newport wrote:

> >My new M4-P is in nice condition, but the back looks a bit battered, like it
> >might have belonged to another camera. Also, oddly, the film speed dial is
> >missing the centre...but looks like it never had one. IE the centre of it is
> >blank and smooth. I noticed another M4-P advertised on ebay with the same
> >'feature'. Anyone know anything about this? My serial # is 1621***, which
> >makes it a 1983 model according to Stephen Gandy's amazing list of lists.
> >
>
> I think Leitz called it a "write on " film speed reminder.  I was always
> afraid to use ink that might not come off easily so I used pencil.  As a
> left eyed shooter I have also found out that this results in a dark smudge
> on my nose after a shooting session so I have quit using it. Oh yea, if
> your camera has a lot of paint chipped of the back door, this is pretty
> normal in later M4-p's I have seen.
>
> Newp
> --------
> R. Mark Newport
> Publications and Special Projects
> University of Texas - Permian Basin
>
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