Black Paint M4 Prices?

[ktmrider]

I will be in Hong Kong toward the end of February for a few days and am thinking of a black paint M4. Mint ones are going for $5000 US while others are in the $3300-3600 range. What are they (if they can be found) going for in the US?

A premium of $2000-3000 seems like a lot for a paint job. My favorite is the M2 but I have always lusted after a black paint M4. And I can afford it but am not sure I want to spend the money.

Of course, the black paint will make me a much better photographer, right?

 

[Mute-on]

I can’t help you with US prices, but I bought mine in Mint- condition in Tokyo in 2017 for around $3,150 AUD, or around $2,400 USD. Subsequent overhaul at Kanto Camera was around $700 USD, so around $3,100 USD all in.
I would say $3,000 USD is your starting point in 2020. Mint- is closer to $5,000 USD, as you observed.
Personally, as nice as the M4 feels to handle and use, there’s something really special about a nice M2. Only you can decide if the $3,000 USD premium is worthwhile.

 

[Deleted member 65559]

KTM, there is at the same time a special feel of a worn black paint camera. I'm a huge fan of the M2 as well, & I regret selling my original black paint M2. That was my all time favourite Leica. I wouldn't pay the premium for a mint M4....i'd buy whatever black paint user i could find.

IMG_0231 by , on Flickr

 

[leo mm]

I think prices are about the same in the US.

 

[Rob-F]

KTM, when you find your black paint M4, do you plan to make it your go-to Leica for shooting?

 

[ktmrider]

yes, it will become primary film camera.

 

[Rob-F]

I've noticed some black re-paint Leicas, M2 and Barnacks, being done by a fellow who offers them on RFF classifieds from time to time. They look so nice, I've been tempted. Maybe he will offer an M4 one of these days. His prices are not so bad!