Last GAS splurge - Bought an M4-P

[maddoc]

Riccis, your are correct. During the production run of the M4, Leica started replacing certain metal parts by plastic. For example the sprocket was from plastic in the M4 and later cameras. From the M4-2, they started making the frame-counter with plastic-parts and also changed the RF vertical adjustment screw during the production run of the M4-P.

The 50years anniversary M4-P looks nice (silver-chrome) but I have only seen this model with the later M6-type top-plate, which doesn't have recessed windows anymore, the new smaller 50mm frame-lines and the top-plate is made from zinc diecasting.

If you want a "special" and rare version of the Canadian Leicas, try to find a silver-chrome M4-2. Unfortunately, there seem to be many "fake" silver-chrome M4-2, assembled from spare-parts and overpriced.

 

[thomasw_]

.......my lenses of choice are a 21, 50 and 90 (perfect for the M3s).

Should I look into one of these or buy two more M3s?

Cheers,

Riccis, stay the M3 course, especially with your main lens preferences. Just buy M3s without VF dimness, dark specks or any other VF problem. The M4-P is a great compromise body for a 50-75-90 shooter who also wants the 28-35. The M4-P ,72x VF has more accurate all-round frame lines for the 50 than the M6, but it is still a ,72x, not a higher ,85x or ,91x VF like the M3 VF. For 50s and 90s you will get more accuracy with the M3 VF --- also, as I know you shoot the fast 21, you'll want the brighter VF in the M3, too. Not sure if you shoot the fast 50 Noct, but some of your shots sure seem to be Noctilux shots, so assuming you do, the M3 is just the very best RF with a fast 50 that I've used. The M4-P is a better all-round M, but for your stated preferences, I'd stay with M3s. If for some reason you really wanted a ,72x finder, given your lens preferences, I'd recommend the M2 for you over the M4-P, as the 90 lines in the M2 are the best I have used in a ,72x finder.

 

[Nick De Marco]

I read last night about the brass plate issue, and it looks from my serial number like I have a brass plated one so maybe this is an even nicer camera than my M6.

Yeah, the 35/3.5 is an earlier LTM screw one. Very tiny and in exceptional condition. I was very happy that it was screw as the main reason for buying it was to use on some of my old screw cameras.

 

[Efra1]

If you want a "special" and rare version of the Canadian Leicas, try to find a silver-chrome M4-2. Unfortunately, there seem to be many "fake" silver-chrome M4-2, assembled from spare-parts and overpriced.

And how to know if the camera is not fake??

I have this one, and never be shure about it... I buy it in a very reputable Auctions house 4 years ago.

 

[maddoc]

There was a very long thread about this topic some time ago over there at the Leica User Forum. As I remember, only 1000 or so were build and all of them special order, never appeared in the official catalogs.

EDIT: I just saw that you already had posted in that thread.

 

[Efra1]

There was a very long thread about this topic some time ago over there at the Leica User Forum. As I remember, only 1000 or so were build and all of them special order, never appeared in the official catalogs.

EDIT: I just saw that you already had posted in that thread.

😎

Yes, and still have my doubts...

Anyway, is a beautyfull camera 🙂

 

[monochromeimages]

Please excuse my ignorance but exactly what does GAS mean in this context ? Been trying to figure it out ... Nice camera - I too was watching that one !

 

[maddoc]

Efra1, the silver M4-2 truly looks nice ! 😎

GAS = Gear Acquisition Syndrome ...

 

[Rogrund]

Please excuse my ignorance but exactly what does GAS mean in this context ? Been trying to figure it out ... Nice camera - I too was watching that one !

GAS = Gear Acquisition Syndrome, a fixation on buying more and more gear instead of using what you've got for taking pictures

 

[monochromeimages]

Many thanks - I am also a sufferer ....

 

[Riccis]

Riccis, stay the M3 course, especially with your main lens preferences. Just buy M3s without VF dimness, dark specks or any other VF problem. The M4-P is a great compromise body for a 50-75-90 shooter who also wants the 28-35. The M4-P ,72x VF has more accurate all-round frame lines for the 50 than the M6, but it is still a ,72x, not a higher ,85x or ,91x VF like the M3 VF. For 50s and 90s you will get more accuracy with the M3 VF --- also, as I know you shoot the fast 21, you'll want the brighter VF in the M3, too. Not sure if you shoot the fast 50 Noct, but some of your shots sure seem to be Noctilux shots, so assuming you do, the M3 is just the very best RF with a fast 50 that I've used. The M4-P is a better all-round M, but for your stated preferences, I'd stay with M3s. If for some reason you really wanted a ,72x finder, given your lens preferences, I'd recommend the M2 for you over the M4-P, as the 90 lines in the M2 are the best I have used in a ,72x finder.

Thomas:

Thanks a lot for your input, that's exactly what I'm going to do... One of my user M3s is headed to Solms for CLA and maybe housing replacement (depending on how much they want for it, otherwise a new leather will do 😀).

Cheers,