Help! Which Leica M do I choose?

[print44]

OK so I have enough cash to treat myself to a(nother) Leica. It's a one off windfall and leaves me enough to afford a black chrome M4 body - just about! But what if I were to buy an M4-2, or an M4P? Then I'd have enough left over to buy myself a couple of lenses - OK they wouldn't be Leica lenses most probably. Or alternatively for a couple of hundred more I could get a black M6 Classic and a color skopar??? Then there's the real wild card - an M8!
I'm really torn - do I really want that M4 so bad? If I get a different body will I yearn for the missed M4, or just forget it and enjoy whichever one I buy.
I already have a chrome M2 with an Ultron 35 1.7, and a nice CL with the Summicron-C, so I know what I'm getting into. People seem to really rate the M4 and deride the M4-2. And, oh, I love the Leica engraved (and the Leitz) top plates and can't afford a special edition M6 Japan/LHSA - so what would you do in my position?

 

[Ranchu]

Buy a lens.

 

[Vickko]

A black chrome M4 isn't cheap, and if it is Midland, even more expensive.

Sure you want a body?

Something to consider - while an M4 is an excellent choice, it will have fewer framelines than an M4-P, which is also a fine camera.

And if you want an engraved top, look to the LHSA or M6-2000. It is worth the extra $$$

Vick

 

[Ranchu]

Buy a lens.

Actually, no. Buy two yashica 35 CC's.

 

[print44]

I have £1400 ($2,300). I prefer shooting on film - I have a Nikon D90 and use the Leicas over it all the time. I briefly owned an M4-2 but it was faulty and was returned, but I took some pictures I was pleased with using it. I guess I've always lusted after a black M4 and now I can afford one. But... another part says it's a dumb choice.

 

[Vics]

Buy a lens.

Plus one, but with a caveat... Buy a LEICA lens! Leica really is all about the optics, IMO.

 

[barnwulf]

Black M4s are wonderful but I would get the M4-P, they are very nice too and get a lens or two. After that advice I might hold out for a black M4. I know, I am no help at all. Jim

 

[stefan-s]

Buy a Summicron and a Super-Angulon.

 

[jsrockit]

Buy the M8. At least it offers you something different than you have.

 

[Ranchu]

Buy the M8. At least it offers you something different than you have.

High praise, there!

:angel:

 

[SonC]

With an M6, an M2 and a CL, and other choices, I usually grab my M6 if I'm shooting film.

I agree though, If I were you I might get a lens, maybe a Summicron.

 

[ferider]

The next logical lens is a fast 50 or 90. And, therefore, the next logical camera is an M3 🙂

M2, M3, 35/1.7 and 90 Summicron is one tasty combo ....

 

[huntjump]

I'm digging the M4-P. Unless you are a collector, i dont see the reason to spend so much on a black m4 body. Get lenses, they are more important than the color of the M, imo

 

[print44]

Well I guess the collecting aspect is partly what pushes me toward the M4. The windfall I got was through selling something else I'd collected which was gathering dust. I thought better to turn it into something useful instead. The lens debate... will I really be blown away by the difference between the Ultron/Summicron and whatever I chose to buy?

 

[print44]

In my sig? I don't think I have a sig do I? I have M2 + 35 1.7 Ultron both chrome. A CL with Summicron C and a IIIf with Summtar 50 f2. No other Leica stuff tho.

 

[ferider]

Sorry, looked at the wrong post 😱

 

[MCTuomey]

Get the black M4, fulfill your wish. If you're fortunate, your desire will be sated, and you will grow to enjoy using not just owning the camera in the fullness of time. But the odds, they are not with you.

Roland has a good point, kidding aside. A combo of an M2/35 and M3/50 (or 90) would be awfully good.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

If you want to take photographs get the M6. If you want to put the camera on the shelf and admire it for it beauty and historical perspective get the M4 black.

 

[segedi]

I'd opt for M6 and 50 or 75mm. A used Zeiss Planar 50/2 or a Voigtlander 75mm might also leave some left over for film too!

 

[print44]

I think if i could find a beaten up black chrome M4 I'd buy it and use it - but they seem to have vanished. The beaten up BP versions are out of my league pricewise. I definitely dont want the camera on any shelf! So I'm coming down closer to the M4P and glass option. The M6 with meter maybe for the future but I'm trying to work without a meter and use my brain/eye which is satisfying and so far mostly successful. It's been fascinating reading your thoughts though - thanks to those who've responded.