Leica M4, maybe too rich for my blood

[Beemermark]

I (and many others) consider the M4 the pinnacle of the Leica M series. The m2, M3, and finally the M4 were the high mark of Leica craftsmanship. When they where new I could afford a new one, but now I have my chance -🙂

LP FOTO AUKTIONER - Leica M4 No.1381327

Leica M4 No.1381327

www.lpfoto.se

 

[Sarcophilus Harrisii]

The x-ray images of the contents are fascinating. It would be very interesting to see similar photos of various model cameras.

 

[Richard G]

Interesting. Tempting. Very late M4.

 

[raydm6]

I remember seeing this before somewhere - maybe another auction.

Collector's conundrum: keep contents sealed in original Leitz packaging (which is kind of cool 😎- never seen that before with the Kraft paper and gum tape), or open carefully to preserve wrapping and display or enjoy camera?

Here is a similar one (lower serial no.) with box - but opened - on the big auction site: 1974 - M4 Boxed

 

[agentlossing]

I love how "Leica" it is to advertise an unopened 1970s camera with X-ray photos of the contents. I know I'd have to open the box up the moment I got it, but imagine that one-time thrill!

 

[p.giannakis]

I don't know if I can even afford to use the x-ray picture as an avatar...

 

[Pál_K]

…
Collector's conundrum: keep contents sealed in original Leitz packaging (which is kind of cool 😎- never seen that before with the Kraft paper and gum tape), or open carefully to preserve wrapping and display or enjoy camera?…

A personal choice, no doubt. For me, a camera is an instrument to be both admired and used. Somehow it seems a disservice not to use it.

The situation is similar to classic cars with extremely low mileage that have been tucked away for decades. They certainly sell for high prices, but what is the buyer to do? Any additional mileage reduces the unique value; not driving it brings no pleasure. Additionally, all the rubber, fluids, and seals have deteriorated.

For me, I’d buy it, get it in working condition (the camera’s lubricants have dried out) and use it constantly.

The solution for such collectors, cameras and cars, is to make a photo of the pristine thing and put it on the wall, then use it

 

[Keith]

Well ... at least it won't need any wrapping to go through the post ... all done! 👍 😆

 

[steveyork]

Sold for less than I imagined, about $6-7K US. Thought collectors would bid that up higher. Some olive prototype M4-2 went for something like $80K!!!!

 

[Godfrey]

I'd not want to buy a collectible like that ... The premium for a completely new original is simply not worth it to me since I buy cameras to use, not collect.

G

 

[Ronald M]

A personal choice, no doubt. For me, a camera is an instrument to be both admired and used. Somehow it seems a disservice not to use it.

The situation is similar to classic cars with extremely low mileage that have been tucked away for decades. They certainly sell for high prices, but what is the buyer to do? Any additional mileage reduces the unique value; not driving it brings no pleasure. Additionally, all the rubber, fluids, and seals have deteriorated.

For me, I’d buy it, get it in working condition (the camera’s lubricants have dried out) and use it constantly.

The solution for such collectors, cameras and cars, is to make a photo of the pristine thing and put it on the wall, then use it

Right on. Prepare for a CLA. DAG is 3 months Leica service plain long. Long is 3/6 months and pray they do it right

 

[pvdhaar]

Such an M4 begs to be used. Keeping them in an unopened box seems more appropriate for the commemorative models.