-doomed-
film is exciting
I'm looking at the M6 now , I've found a few a bit over my price range. I've got two leica's now screwmount and my M3. If I had more money then surely I'd have four or five, possibly more.
drec
Rangeflounder
To answer your question: I would love a second M if I could afford it. The M4-P is more affordable than some other Ms and the 28/35 framelines in the finder are invaluable. But your current setup is good too: just use CV screwmount stuff and plug a 35 or wider into the IIIf and use an external finder.
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Roger Hicks
Veteran
I'd go for the M6, but then, I've never owned or even used one; just the M6ttl, with the 'wrong way' shutter speed dial.
If you don't need a meter, an M2 is nicer too. Again, not necessarily good advice: (a) I don't use 28mm and (b) I have no problem with external finders (for 24mm, 21mm, 18mm, 15mm... I tried the 12mm but found it wider than I needed).
Cheers,
R.
-doomed-
film is exciting
I don't necessarily need a meter , its a nice feature , but not something I require as the Sekonic L28c2 meter I use pretty much always gets me by. I like the M2 but it seems that I'm drawn to owning one of the black bodied leicas. External Finders aren't an issue, it would be nice to be able to use a 35 or a 28 without an external finder.
cnphoto
Well-known
i have an older M4-P (recessed windows, older viewfinder not ther M6 finder and brass top and bottom, not zinc).
I've only experienced a flared finder once, shooting a music concert with a lot pf point light sources at oblique angles. I have shot about 4 or 5 concerts so far and this has only happened once and for a split second. The black chrome finich doesn't appear to have any issues either and this camera hasn't been babied at all. After a recent CLA it came back considerably smoother (film advance etc) and though not as smooth as the M3 is not that far off in reality.
I've only experienced a flared finder once, shooting a music concert with a lot pf point light sources at oblique angles. I have shot about 4 or 5 concerts so far and this has only happened once and for a split second. The black chrome finich doesn't appear to have any issues either and this camera hasn't been babied at all. After a recent CLA it came back considerably smoother (film advance etc) and though not as smooth as the M3 is not that far off in reality.
fbf
Well-known
My m4p is one of the smoothest M i have used, even comparing to my current mp. The reason I kept it instead of M2/M4, is that I need the 28mm frameline. I use the m4p with cv 28/3.5 most the time. It works great for me but again, if you wear glasses, the 28mm line is useless. I have the m2/3 style lever installed.
-doomed-
film is exciting
Well I've got some decisions to make at this point then.
chrispiper
Established
>>
i have an older M4-P (recessed windows, older viewfinder not ther M6 finder and brass top and bottom, not zinc).
>>
cnphoto -
i'm following along the thread as it's exactly how i find myself at the present. you m4-p sounds perfect, can you tell me the SN range or other identifying characteristics of the "older" models like yours?
i have an older M4-P (recessed windows, older viewfinder not ther M6 finder and brass top and bottom, not zinc).
>>
cnphoto -
i'm following along the thread as it's exactly how i find myself at the present. you m4-p sounds perfect, can you tell me the SN range or other identifying characteristics of the "older" models like yours?
-doomed-
film is exciting
Pulled the trigger on the M4-P with the late VF window. It will supposedly be here on friday. Ill see how I feel about it in use after that. Thanks to all that helped.
Roger ,
I value your opinion on the subject but my being stubborn got the best of me this time.
Roger ,
I value your opinion on the subject but my being stubborn got the best of me this time.
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raindog61
Established
Congratulations. Mine just arrive tonight. I am more then please with it. Super quiet shutter, viewfinder is fine (I wear glasses) at least seems the same as my M6 and I'm fine with the 35mm frame lines. 28mm, not so easy - two out of four line if I twist my head around.
-doomed-
film is exciting
Sounds similar to the way my r2a was with the 35 lines, if i can see them sort of i can usually frame what i want in the shot.
If I decide I don't like the m4-p ill sell it and the m3 and go for an m6
cnphoto
Well-known
the most obvious characteristic to ID an older M4-P by appearance is the recessed/bevelled finder windows, these models have brass top plates:
The newer type have flush finder windows and zinc top plates, similar to an M6:
I am unsure of the serial range of when the change occured.
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maddoc
... likes film again.
Switch over was around 161xxxx but my first M4-P was 162xxxx and with the old-style brass-top plate.
-doomed-
film is exciting
The one i bought is a late m4-p , I plan to keep my M3 unless I find that Im using the m4-p more.
chrispiper
Established
Thanks for the help ID'ing the early M4-P models, the pictures are worth 1000 words as they say. Do any of the early ones come in black? I really like the look of the brassing as the paint wears.
And congrats on the new cameras too.
Chris
And congrats on the new cameras too.
Chris
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denmark.yuzon
Streetographer
I too am planning to get this as my first M... we'll see at the end of the year if i have saved enough money for a good one with a lens..
@maddoc, thanks for the input back at flickr..
@maddoc, thanks for the input back at flickr..
Roger Hicks
Veteran
1) Even the worst Leicas are pretty good
2) An M4-P gets better with use and besides it may have been well overhauled.
3) I sincerely doubt you're going to be unhappy with it.
Cheers,
R.
ferider
Veteran
I'm sure you'll like it, Doomed. I love mine, it's smooth and reliable. Never saw the need for an MP with M4P or M6 in my bag.
One thing I always wondered are the 75mm framelines in the late M4P (I have an early one). Let us know how the look (corners vs. lines), please.
Best,
Roland.
cnphoto
Well-known
AFAIK, a majority of M4-P's are black chrome. black chrome tarnishes but doesn't exactly brass. Well not like a black enamel paint M body will.
A chrome M4-P, stripped and refinished in black enamel would probably be a beautiful thing though.
-doomed-
film is exciting
I'll let you know how they look , it won't be here till Monday now but I'm looking forward to trying it out.
Thanks for all the helpful responses
-Scott