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rogue_designer

Reciprocity Failure
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Ebay is at once my friend and enemy.

I've only ever wanted one (ok two or three) M bodies.

The M4, the M2-R and the new MP3.

I just won an M4 for a relative steal (I think). http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250192356282

Now I just need to pay for it (didn't expect to actually win for that).

I'll probably put my D100 and lenses on the block. I don't really use them much anyway.

Whee.
 
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It was pointed out to me (thanks Marc!) that in my haste, I made some very beginner mistakes. I probably have won a Franken camera...

The serial numbers on the top do not match with those on the hotshoe - which shouldn't even be hot on an M4. And the black rewind crank, and black preview lever would indicate an M4-2.

So I probably got an M4-2 with a replaced top plate.

These are things I should have noticed, and are easily seen in the pictures. I don't think I have any claim to cry false advertising. This is a pawn shop, and I wouldn't expect them to know.

Ah well - still not horridly out of price, and it should still be a fine shooter - provided the mechanicals are up to snuff.

I don't really *need* brass gears and I certainly don't want or need the self-timer.

Maybe this will be a good candidate for stripping and painting down the line.

A good CLA and some new levers - this should be a fine shooter.
 
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I have a "legit" M4 and it has a black plastic-tipped wind lever and self-timer. It also does not have a hot shoe. So, you probably have an M4-P/M4-2. The only thing you might miss is the less cluttered viewfinder and more accurate framelines of the M4. Still, not a bad deal, all things considered. It looks like you need a new skin on that puppy! Have fun with the makeover.
 
It would seem that the product was misrepresented though.
Ebay is a friend and enemy indeed!
Oh well, if it checks out mechanically that's still still right in the ballpark for an M4-2/M4-P, so it's not a rip off.
Enjoy!
 
I sent the seller a message indicating the mistake. I still intend to buy it, I consider this my mistake - but I do want them to be aware of it.

And if they happen to offer a slight discount, I won't say no. :D (yeah right).
 
Hi,
I think it is/was a M4. But it has some new parts. The hotshoe, the rewind lever is black too and the frame line preview lever is black also.
As long as everything works fine it will indeed be a nice shooter.
Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
 
Seems like a good buy in any case - congrats !

I believe the M4 didn't have the motor gear shown in one of the photos.

Roland.
 
Hey, think of it this way, it's one of a kind! Congrats!

Just curious, did all the M4's have a self timer?
 
Hey rogue-designer, in the end you probably did fine with this camera. Okay, so it's not all original and pristine. But it's probably perfectly functional and will likely be even more so after a CLA. Further, and I mean this sincerely with no intent to make you feel any worse about things, you will be able to enjoy this camera without fear of marking it up or ruining its pristine nature. You see, I picked up an M4 on ebay a few months back that turned out to be so nice that I baby it a bit. Now don't get me wrong, I'm happy about its condition and the price I paid. But there is an advantage to having a true "user" camera that frees you up to just use the camera. It's supposed to be a tool, right? Not a piece of jewelry. Just wish I could think more that way about mine!

-Randy
 
vrgard said:
Hey rogue-designer, in the end you probably did fine with this camera. Okay, so it's not all original and pristine. But it's probably perfectly functional and will likely be even more so after a CLA. Further, and I mean this sincerely with no intent to make you feel any worse about things, you will be able to enjoy this camera without fear of marking it up or ruining its pristine nature. You see, I picked up an M4 on ebay a few months back that turned out to be so nice that I baby it a bit. Now don't get me wrong, I'm happy about its condition and the price I paid. But there is an advantage to having a true "user" camera that frees you up to just use the camera. It's supposed to be a tool, right? Not a piece of jewelry. Just wish I could think more that way about mine!

-Randy
Couldn't agree more!
I have a near mint M4 and I found myself babying it as well, so I ended up getting a beater M6 for my regular shooting camera.
Would've been much cheaper to get a user camera to start with!
 
Thanks for the feedback all. I have mixed feelings given my gaff, but overall, I think I'm going to go through with the purchase.

I'll enjoy it. This for the 35, and the P for the 50's - will be a good pairing. :)

Now...someone go buy my DSLR kit so the fiancee doesn't get angry with me. ;)
 
Just plan a really nice honeymoon (2 week) in a remote area and tell her you'll need a dslr in case you run outta film.

enjoy the new (for you) camera.
 
It could be a genuine M4 with the hotshoe fitted later. I know Don Goldberg has done a bunch of those, and others probably have as well. [Edit: very unlikely, since it's missing the self timer...]

rogue_designer said:
It was pointed out to me (thanks Marc!) that in my haste, I made some very beginner mistakes. I probably have won a Franken camera...

The serial numbers on the top do not match with those on the hotshoe - which shouldn't even be hot on an M4. And the black rewind crank, and black preview lever would indicate an M4-2.

So I probably got an M4-2 with a replaced top plate.

These are things I should have noticed, and are easily seen in the pictures. I don't think I have any claim to cry false advertising. This is a pawn shop, and I wouldn't expect them to know.

Ah well - still not horridly out of price, and it should still be a fine shooter - provided the mechanicals are up to snuff.

I don't really *need* brass gears and I certainly don't want or need the self-timer.

Maybe this will be a good candidate for stripping and painting down the line.

A good CLA and some new levers - this should be a fine shooter.
 
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vrgard said:
Hey rogue-designer, in the end you probably did fine with this camera. Okay, so it's not all original and pristine. But it's probably perfectly functional and will likely be even more so after a CLA. Further, and I mean this sincerely with no intent to make you feel any worse about things, you will be able to enjoy this camera without fear of marking it up or ruining its pristine nature. You see, I picked up an M4 on ebay a few months back that turned out to be so nice that I baby it a bit. Now don't get me wrong, I'm happy about its condition and the price I paid. But there is an advantage to having a true "user" camera that frees you up to just use the camera. It's supposed to be a tool, right? Not a piece of jewelry. Just wish I could think more that way about mine!

-Randy

Glad I'm not the only one who winds up feeling that way... :) :( :bang:
 
Used Ms ....

Used Ms ....

Congrats to your new camera, may it be an M4, cloned M4-P or whatever. As long as it works as it should everything should be fine. :)

I just received an M3 from a member here at RFF and thought that it will be an optical not so nice but OK shooter ... Well I receive the mintiest (correct word ?) M3 I have ever seen in my life. The camera looks like 5 or less years old with only moderate use :) I can barely see any scratch :):) Thanks Jim, for that great camera and nice deal !!

cheers,

maddoc
 
MikeL said:
Just curious, did all the M4's have a self timer?
Yup, and the lack of one is a giveaway. Adding or removing a ST is no casual affair (like swapping a top cover).
 
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