Leica M4 or Leica M4-2?

Leica M4 or Leica M4-2?

  • Leica M4

    Votes: 271 76.3%

  • Leica M4-2

    Votes: 84 23.7%
  • Total voters
    355
I had both, and while having both, I used them interchangeably. With both side by side, I always preferred the build of the M4, and the feel, the M4-P is definitely inferior in this regard. However, both take great pics, but I sold the M4-P when my M6 TTL came back. Not because it was bad, but I kept the one I felt I was more comfortable with. M4-P is much cheaper.

Now I am left with just an M7, my favorite of all film Ms. Not the same build as the legends, quirky too, probably looked down on by many, but what the heck, it serves my purpose best.

And yes, I love my Hasselbad too, it complements the Leicas, pound for pound among the best in their respective categories. :)
 
I had my M3 CLAed in DAG, professional work. I have no experience with Mr. Ye, but once I wrote to him to ask whether he could do a CLA for my Summaron 35. He replied quickly and said that he doesn't work much on lens and recommended me to send the lens to DAG.

From the email, I thought Mr. Ye is an honest person, at least not money-driven.
 
the later production M4- P with the flush mounted front vf window were suppose to be the first of the zinc bodied M's.
 
Joseph! I should have known you would have the information. I'm going check my M4P when it comes back from DAG. I'll look for the flush mounted vf window.
 
I'm pretty sure most of the M4-Ps are brass. FWIW, I am new to the P and have only put a couple of rolls through mine, but it feels as solid as my M2 did, plus 75mm framelines, my new favorite focal length.
 
Beemermark said:
Pick up an M4 and wind it, pick up a M4-2 and wind it, you'll notice the difference right off.

M4's with user cosmetics are selling for $700~800 in the US. Get a CLA for $100 and it's a way better camera than anything else without a meter.
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I disagree on both points. A properly maintained M4-2 will be as smooth as you could want, very minorly different from the M2/3/4 bodies. And finding a user M4 and getting it CLA'd for $800-900, all-in, would be exceptional. I think the norm for an M4 would be $200-300 higher, maybe more (including a proper CLA that isn't just lubing gears). Clean M4-2 bodies are going for around $650-700.

Since either body will shoot pretty much the same (meterless, same FLs), I suggest your decision should be made on the condition of the camera. It's much more important to find one from a reputable seller that is as well-maintained and free of problems as possible. Let the condition of the camera guide your choice.
 
SOmebody have an idea of the cost for a CLA in CRR Luton, I have to send a M4 for shutter repair.

Thanks
 
Haha...porktaco took the words out of my mouth.

All I can add to this thread is my M4-2 is all the camera I ever wanted- black, no red dot, and a hotshoe to make flash a little easier to use. But it's the only M I've ever known.
 
blw said:
Haha...porktaco took the words out of my mouth.

All I can add to this thread is my M4-2 is all the camera I ever wanted- black, no red dot, and a hotshoe to make flash a little easier to use. But it's the only M I've ever known.
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M4-2 was the only M series camera I had never used until recently and slowly it is becoming my favorite camera on par with the M4-P. :)
 
I want to try M4/M4-2 before I completely give up on Leica cameras since I see not a single point in using one now days with things like Hexar RF around, except they are the best looking cameras that exist.
 
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Moriturii said:
I want to try M4/M4-2 before I completely give up on Leica cameras since I see not a single point in using one now days with things like Hexar RF around, except they are the best looking cameras that exist.
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Hexar RF is a lovely camera to use, but the question remains about servicability and whether spare parts are available. I found the lens release button on my Hexar was very exposed and very light to touch, which lead me to accidentally unlock the lens several times. And the Hexar viewfinder lacks the slight negative diopter setting that the Leica viewfinder has built in, which can effect some people (like me!). It's a shame that the Hexar didn't have another ten years in the market, to develop and refine the design.
 


Love my M4-2.
They get a lot of flack because people associate them with deviation from the classic Ms, but then they forget about that for every later model and preach about how well built they are. The M4-P for example is very highly thought of, but for me it has a cluttered and flare-prone VF with personally superfluous 28mm frame lines (you said you don't use 28mm too). Plus it doesn't have that god-awful red dot smacked in the most random place ever.
I'm not complaining though. Keeps the prices well down.
Though a chrome M4 would be very nice...
 
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