HU: M4 650 Euros

Hi,

the offer isn't bad, but nothing special either, I've seen good M4s to go for 450 to 550 EUR. With 550 EUR you're already well in M5 territory. The good mechanical condition is offset slightly by the green leather 😉

Philipp
 
already in M5 territory ?

Personal choice really but I would always prefer an M2,3,4 above the M5.

The M4 was the last hand crafted Leica M, a totally different thing than the M5 altogether, just peek through the finder and the difference is clear.
 
The M4 was the last hand crafted Leica M
No, the M5 was. Actually they're still hand crafted, but what you probably mean (the switch in production methods) happened after the M5 and before they took up M4 production again (see e.g. on Stephen's page http://www.cameraquest.com/m5.htm). The M4-2 and M4-P are already different.

I've peeked through M4 and M5 finders so far, the main difference is that the M5 finder has a meter and a shutter speed display, the rest is the same. For me it'd probably be either an M2 or an M5.

Philipp
 
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rxmd said:
No, the M5 was. Actually they're still hand crafted, but what you probably mean (the switch in production methods) happened after the M5 and before they took up M4 production again (see e.g. on Stephen's page http://www.cameraquest.com/m5.htm). The M4-2 and M4-P are already different.

I've peeked through M4 and M5 finders so far, the main difference is that the M5 finder has a meter and a shutter speed display, the rest is the same. For me it'd probably be either an M2 or an M5.

Philipp


Mr Gandy refers to the M5 as

"The last regular production M to be built in the traditional "adjust and fit" method rather than the later "correct or replace" method initiated with the M4-2. "

(http://www.cameraquest.com/m5.htm)
 
This is an exceptional price. Most other M4s I have seen go for 50% more, which is what in my mind has always made them less of a good deal than, say, a late production M2.
 
telenous said:
This is an exceptional price. Most other M4s I have seen go for 50% more,

That was my sense too. M4s routinely sell for $1200 USD (900 Euros) and up on this side of the Atlantic.

I think they are wonderful cameras. The only feature of mine that I dislike is the plastic-tipped film advance lever. But I hope to deal with that issue when I find the second M body that I am searching for...😉
 
OT, but for what it's worth mentioning, of the three Leica bodies I've owned recently (M4, M6, and M7), the only one that I wouldn't sell is the M4. Not sure why because I tend to sell gear very freely (not much into collecting). And mine isn't pristine. It's a very nice, simple camera. Elegant in its way.
 
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