Spin-on oil filter conversion for a '76 240D?

Getting tired of changing the canister-type oil filter on my '76 240D. Quite a mess to clean the whole thing up every time, plus lately the center bolt tried to thread itself into one of the other holes in the receiver. (It's a blind shot to re-install, lying on my back with arm extended over shoulder.) Of course, the canister didn't seat and we reenacted the Exxon Valdes in my driveway at startup...

Is there a practical conversion to use a more modern spin-on type filter? If so, is it less painful to change, and are the filters equally effective?

Thanks any and all...

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Larry D
'76 240D @120k