Chance to buy M4-P,request advice

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Adam14

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I am new to rangefinders,just got my Bessa last week. I am already hooked! I have found an MP-4 for sale for $795 but I have the opportunity to see it in person. I would appreciate any advice as to what to look for. Also,I would appreciate any lens advice as this person has lenses as well. It seems like a used 50 cron is the way to go. Is this the consensus. I am still not sure about mounts. Is the MP a screw mount?
Also, is this price in the range for a used ,clean MP-4?
Thank you so much,
Adam
 
I have seen excellent condition M4-P selling for ~900USD (sometimes including the box and manual), so 795$ would be a good deal if it is in excellent condition.

The 50mm Summicron is an excellent lens, especially the late versions. That lens + your M4-P would make a very good set-up. 🙂
 
i love my M4-P, it's a great camera. That price is around what I paid for mine and it is in good condition, functionally perfect.

If you get to see before you buy, just know what to look for and if it feels good then do it.
 
Thank you very much for your replies! Thanks back alley for the link. For my Bessa I have the 40mm/1.4 Nokton and have am picking up a 75/2.5 Color Heliar tomorrow.Would these be a good match with the M4-P requiring an adapter? I realize that I will want a meter...thinking of the Voigtlander VC Meter II. I am not sure which frame lines it has?

Thanks,
Adam,
 
The 40mm will bring up 50mm frame lines, the M4-P has larger 35mm and 50mm frame lines than an M6. so you'll get more than what the 50mm shows, but less than the 35mm shows.

Personally, I'd probably use the 50mm frame lines and crop tight. a little too tight, and know you'll get more on your negative.
 
Adam14 said:
Thank you very much for your replies! Thanks back alley for the link. For my Bessa I have the 40mm/1.4 Nokton and have am picking up a 75/2.5 Color Heliar tomorrow.Would these be a good match with the M4-P requiring an adapter? I realize that I will want a meter...thinking of the Voigtlander VC Meter II. I am not sure which frame lines it has?

Thanks,
Adam,
Click to expand...

The 40/1.4 is an M-mount lens, and would fit natively. The 75/2.5 if i recall correctly is LTM and you would require a LTM-M adaptor.

The M4-P has 28/90, 35/135, 50/75 frameline pairs, you would have to use the 50mm framelines for the 40mm or else file down the mount to get the 35mm lines. I use a handheld meter but the VC2 meter is said to be very good.

It seems you are just received your Bessa. I'd be wary of GAS and suggest you spend more time using your bessa to learn what you really need/want before expanding your gear.
 
Thanks for the replies. Yes,Clovis ,you are correct,I do have GAS. I do this with each new hobby!
I was attracted to this one because I can easily see it in person. I have nothing to lose but will proceed cautiously when I go see it with Stephen's checklist in hand.
Adam
 
Noktons are great

Noktons are great

I went your route - Bessa, then M4-P. The Summicrons are great, but the 50mm f1.5 CV Nokton is a beauty - great optics, and takes 52mm filters. Also, they're less pricey. A smaller, quick-handling lens is the CV Skopar 50mm, at f2.5 - very compact & has the little speed-focus saddle-thing as well. Almost as fast as Nikon S's. the 75 Heliars are indeed nifty. Eventually look into a 90mm f2 Summicron - there are lot out there in good quality at reasonable prices.
 
I agree with Clovis, perhaps the best action is no action. Your 40/75 kit will server you well for a while. Which Bessa do you have? Adding a wide lens to your kit will give you a fine set up which will cover almost all of your RF photographic needs, but unless you feel a real need for one, I suggest holding off on that too.
 
Thanks rover and alfredian for your advice.Different points of view and both interesting. In answer to your question,I have the Bessa R3A.
Adam
 
Adam14 said:
Thanks for the replies. Yes,Clovis ,you are correct,I do have GAS. I do this with each new hobby!

Adam
Click to expand...

Few questions:

1. What is it about your current kit that you feel is holding you back?

2. In what ways do you feel getting the M4P and/or more lens will help you improve as a photographer.

3. How many rolls of film have you put through your current kit?
 
If I had to pare down to a single camera then it would be my M4-P. I suspect that you may be getting a PM from some of those who are recommending that you skip it, wondering where you saw it. 😉

The perfect lens for the M4-P is a 35mm, as that uses the second to largest frame line.

All that said, I do find that acquiring cameras distracts me from taking pictures. Will fiddling with an external meter also distract you?

When it comes to camera purchase decisions, the rational thing to do is to determine if the purchase will improve your picture taking ability. Buying an M4-P certainly did mine, but then I was using an Auto-Eye camera at the time. Unless your Bessa is in the way, think about sticking with it for a while.

ps, where did you say you saw that M4-P? 😀
 
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Same position

Same position

I was in the same situation myself - just got a Bessa and was offered an M4-P - good condition and reasonable price. In the end I decided to hold off, get a few lenses and see if I really like the RF way of life.
I probably will get an M at some stage but in the mean time Im building a nice wee selction of lenses and having a ball with the Bessas.

Gary H
 
Well, since we all feel like telling you what to do with your money.... 😀

I'd buy it, but i'd talk the guy down to 650-700. Especially if he doesn't have proof of a CLA lately.
Regarding working with one camera and sticking with it for a while - very true. Doesn't mean you can't stick one camera in the corner for a while you learn. But based on my very brief usage of a Bessa that a friend owned followed by picking up a Leica - for me the Leica won hands down for feel, which is very subjective of course.
 
Thanks so much for all your replies! I love coming here for both technical advice and therapy! Seriously,I appreciate all of your replies.
I realize that my considering a Leica at this time is not necessarily a rational decision and won't make me a better photgrapher but sometimes we are collectors as well.Fo me,there is also a certain fun factor in experimenting with different cameras.
Thanks again,
Adam
 
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