Leica black Paint M4

[skueh]

Hi, I am new to this forum. I am a long time user of the M cameras and M4 is one of my favorite. Recently I am in the market for a black paint M4 and come across a new one (S/N 1286437) in box in E-bay (item #320266698794) listed for $5500.00.

From the S/N, this camera is the correct block of black M4 cameras made in 1971, the some year Leica produced the M5. I read an article sometime ago that the black color (including the black paint?) of Leica cameras staring with the M5 (introduced in 1975) is slightly different (in term of finished look of the the black color) from the earlier cameras. If this is true, would Leica use the same black color on the 1975 year M4 product and would it be more preferable to buy the earlier black paint M4?

Is the asking price too high for the condition of the camera?

Your advice/ comments will be very much appreciated.

skueh

 

[SolaresLarrave]

The camera is probably "unique" (admit to not having seen the listing) and "mint in box", or aimed at a collector. If you intend to use it, keep in mind that it'll brass because it's paint, not black chrome.

I don't know about the paint quality of pre-1971 black Leicas, but, if you're searching for a black M4 (which may be an M4-P or M4-2), look elsewhere. At least, that's what I'd do.

Take care and have fun shopping! 🙂

 

[aniMal]

Be careful with a mint camera that old if you intend to use it... It might have dried up, and will probably need some servicing...

That being said, I would just love to afford a mint, black M4 myself! And then carry it all over the world - getting the paint worn like it should be... ;-)

 

[aizan]

unless you have cash to burn, leave it for the collectors.

 

[Erik van Straten]

The Leica M5 was never produced in black paint, only in chrome and in black chrome.
The Leica M4 was produced in chrome and in black paint from 1968 until 1971, afterwards only in black chrome.
The black paint of the M4 is technically far superior to the black paint used on the black M3 and M2 cameras, but black paint M4 cameras are not as rare as black paint M3 and M2 cameras.
Black chrome M4 cameras are however rare. Black chrome M4-2 and M4-P camaras are much more common, but the M4 is far superior to both the M4-2 and M4-P cameras.
As a user camera, the black paint M4 is very desirable. In really mint condition $ 5500 is a good price.
It is my personal opinion that black paint is a much better finish than black chrome.

Erik.

 

[abenner]

if you want a black paint m4 as a user why not buy a nice chrome user for $1000 and have Robert www.digitalintrigue.net paint it black lacquer for you for about $400 and spend the other $4000 on lenses and film and developing or he'll buy two or three for the same money

No matter what you want to say its tough to justify $5000 on an M4 you're gonna want to use