I'm taking the plunge

[trev2401]

Hi guys...

ok, i've been a devoted user of the Voightlander series of RFers.... whizzing through an average of 5 rolls a week on my R2a.... however, at times, during concerts and other silent occassions, the R2's shutter simply doesn't cut it. (SNAP!!! *starrreeeee* *blush*)

Hence after saving up a bunch and selling off a bunch of books and junk, i've decided to take the plunge into the M system.

As such, i was hoping you could help me out here on a few things:

I was looking at an M4-p, and was wondering what a good price would be, preferably for one on 8/10 in terms of beauty, with no dings/peels and with a top plate that's not seen scratches thanks to the mounted meter.

I've seen them go from 600 - 1200 on ebay, and am a tad confused...

sigh...

Also, has anyone ever used an M4 with a Voightlander VC II meter?

thanks in advance guys...


Trevor

"Your 35mm slide would trash my 1dsMkIII anytime...." anonymous.

 

[RayPA]

Hi guys...

ok, i've been a devoted user of the Voightlander series of RFers.... whizzing through an average of 5 rolls a week on my R2a.... however, at times, during concerts and other silent occassions, the R2's shutter simply doesn't cut it. (SNAP!!! *starrreeeee* *blush*)

Hence after saving up a bunch and selling off a bunch of books and junk, i've decided to take the plunge into the M system.

As such, i was hoping you could help me out here on a few things:

I was looking at an M4-p, and was wondering what a good price would be, preferably for one on 8/10 in terms of beauty, with no dings/peels and with a top plate that's not seen scratches thanks to the mounted meter.

I've seen them go from 600 - 1200 on ebay, and am a tad confused...

sigh...

Also, has anyone ever used an M4 with a Voightlander VC II meter?

thanks in advance guys...


Trevor

"Your 35mm slide would trash my 1dsMkIII anytime...." anonymous.

Hi Trevor!

The M4-P is a little tank of a camera. I really like mine. I'd say if you can get one in 8/10 user condition and not needing an immediate CLA (all shutter speeds accurate) in the $600-$800 range, it would be a fair deal. I agree about the Bessa sound. I don't think the shutter is louder than an M4-P, but it is noticeably different. The one thing I really didn't like about my R2 was the sound the film advance made. Because of that, imo, it's a noisier camera. Good luck. Hope things are going well at UCB.

🙂

 

[photodog]

Price can be all over the place. On the average an M4-P would go for about $750. You could find an M4-2 for about $600. and if you can spend $900, you could get an M6. I have a friend selling an M3 if you're interested.

 

[tajart]

shutter sound

shutter sound

shutter acoustics can vary a bit in all the models (and makes for that matter).
i just had an m2 cla'd and it is now so smooth and quiet, it is very sweet; my m3 was cla'd in the 80s and is still very quiet and smooth. my m4 has a dry sound, most likely from lack of exercise and could use a cla. i'd expect it to be very quiet after that. i've heard other leicas that are noticeably audible. all this to say, if the camera you get isn't as quiet as you expect, i imagine a cla by youxin, dag, or sherry will make it all you dream for in a leica.

 

[woffle]

how about $600? on photo.net:

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00HktF&tag=

it does have a mini-dent from a finder though...

 

[trev2401]

Wow!!!

thanks guys, for the prompt input/replies...

yeah, i was kinda confused and concerned at the same time, in getting an older leica, ie: the m4, m3, for the fear that they might break down/need maintenance.

But after testimonials about its built, together with the lack of funds for an M6, :bang: I've decided to settle for an M4 and a borrowed VC II from a friend.

But yeah, i was scouring the net for M4s, doing my best to avoid fleabay, and came across the one on photo.net thanks to the headsup by Woffle. (thanks). This made me even more concerned about how M4s were treated especially when they had the external meter mounted... 😱

Nonetheless, my search brought me back to good ol RFforums.... and lo and behold, not only did i find an M4-p for sale in the classifieds for 800$, but the person's studying within the same college as me. 😀

I'll be taking a look at the M4-p this friday on campus...and if all goes well, i'll have my first M this week.. (yay!!!)

 

[photodog]

Just to confuse you more, the M6 I mentioned earlier is in San Francisco. I'm pretty sure he'll sell for $900. Send me an email if you want the contact info.

 

[RayPA]

shutter acoustics can vary a bit in all the models (and makes for that matter).
i just had an m2 cla'd and it is now so smooth and quiet, it is very sweet; my m3 was cla'd in the 80s and is still very quiet and smooth. my m4 has a dry sound, most likely from lack of exercise and could use a cla. i'd expect it to be very quiet after that. i've heard other leicas that are noticeably audible. all this to say, if the camera you get isn't as quiet as you expect, i imagine a cla by youxin, dag, or sherry will make it all you dream for in a leica.

youxin cla'd my M4-Ps and they are like a buttery whisper (sounded like a good description) to use. :angel:

 

[ERV]

trev,

I would also check out the m6 for $900 in SF as well. 100 bucks more and you have a built in meter..
-Gene, Cal Grad in NYC.

 

[RayPA]

martin if the M6 is ttl and not a classic, then we should talk!

🙂

 

[trev2401]

arrgh..... M6 or M4... argghh..

Do let me know his contacts as i'd like to find out more regarding the M6...

😀

 

[photodog]

From what I know, it's a classic. I need to check on the price. The seller is busy doing a shoot right now. I'll let you know in a couple of hours.

 

[trev2401]

sure.. no problem...

really appreciate it.. thanks

😀