Changing a lens mount

[owen w.]

I recently had the misfortune to snap an external 24mm viewfinder

clean off the hotshoe. It was a perfectly clean break, so I suppose I

should count my blessings that no (other) damage occurred to the

camera/hotshoe. I presume (given my examination of the tiny plastic

pins that held the foot to the VF) that it cannot be repaired. Given

the price of another external VF, I've been considering other options.

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I primarily use the 24/2.8 on an M7 w/.58 VF. I particularly hate

that the 24 brings up the 35 bright lines. I understand Leica's

progressive logic, but looking past those 35 lines is an optical

challenge. I would find it much easier to look past the 28 lines. To

do this, Jay (just before being sent off) suggested to me that I

change the bayonet mount on the 24 lens to a 28 mount.

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It appears that this would involve no more than the 6 Philips-head

screws that hold the mount to the lens.

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Is this something that I can/could/(should?) do myself? It appears

that a decent jewelers screwdriver would do. If so, where (or from

whom) can I obtain a 28mm bayonet mount, and does anyone know what

would be the cost?

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I thank any and all for your thoughts & advice on this matter.

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P.S. - I sent this question to John at Focal Point, but he's on vacation.

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Owen

[capocheny]

Owen,

 

Focal Point?.... are you in Vancouver, British Columbia?

 

If you are, let me know and I'll direct you to a master craftsman who might be able to help

you out.

 

Cheers

[al_kaplan1]

It's possible to drill a teeny hole in the bayonet flange that pushes against the frame selector mechanism and epoxy a metal pin in there just long enough to bring up the 28mm frame.

[stuart d]

H C - FYI, the Focal Point Owen refers to is based in Louisville, Colorado.

[richard_ilomaki]

Ask Jay for an answer, as he does root canals and attaches dental implants that way. LOL

 

LOL

[owen w.]

Well, I wondered if I should dare mention Jay's name. Hey, he offered this suggestion in an unsolicited response to my off-hand comment in another thread. It is/was an excellent idea, and it is only appropriate that I acknowledge the source. In any regard, I'm still searching for an answer to my query.

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Al, thanks for the lens surgery suggestion. I love the practical approach. That said, I do not have adequate tools in either my Yangon or Bangkok residences for the surgery you suggest, but it sure makes me long for the days of my dad's fabulous wood and metal shop.

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I would prefer not to take the risk inherent in your suggestion. Moreover, if I do a mount swap, it leaves it open to replace should I ever want to sell the lens. (Given that I've never sold a Leica lens once acquired suggests I probably won't, but it's better to keep options open, especially for this lens.)

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And, yes, Focal Point, run by John Van Stelten, is in Colorado. I am currently out from Myanmar and in Thailand, but will be visiting the US on home leave within the month. This makes is more possible to get my hands on such a part.

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So, does anyone know where/how I can get a spare bayonet mount for a 28mm lens?

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Thanks, Owen