Leica m4-p

RFluhver said:
Is that right? M4-P's have brass top plates?? Or is it only some of them? I thought they all had zinc top plates.

Anyway, I'm glad about this thread because I've been considering the M4-P. They're still so affordable. But I get confused about which one to get. Should I aim for a particular serial no. series like 1.6M+ or will anyone from any year do? I can't remember where I read it, but I thought 1.6M+ ones are to be preferred because of they benefitted from production refinements.

Tnx.
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The most important feature of the M4-P (with brass top-plate) is that it has the old frame lines in the same size as can be found in the M2/M4/M5. Especially for 50mm I find this to be a huge advantage over any of the later Leica M cameras including the MP (not the MP-3).

About smoothness ... My M4-P was overhauled (not CLA`d) by Leica in Japan and it is by far a margin smoother and quieter than any other M Leica that I owned or handled ... ;)
 
Only thing I can add is that I have a Canadian M4-P and it is simply beautiful to work with and the viewfinder spoils me for other viewfinders that I've seen.
 
maddoc said:
About smoothness ... My M4-P was overhauled (not CLA`d) by Leica in Japan and it is by far a margin smoother and quieter than any other M Leica that I owned or handled ... ;)
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Hey man...Tokyo resident here, too. How much did that overhaul cost, if you don't mind me asking?

Cheers.
 
rangefound said:
I first want to begin with an apology as I am sure this thread has been made a hundred and five times. I have been offered a trade for my canon S90 and 220 dollars for an m4-p, is that a fair deal? More importantly how is the M4-p a good camera as say just an M4 or M2 ? Would anyone mind giving me a review.

Thank you in advance.
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That's a good deal. I say go for it.

Check the viewfinder for fogging and the rangefinder patch contrast. They might give you good grounds for some discount.
 
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Go for the M4p! That's a sweet deal man! If in good shape, that goes without saying.....
Payed 750euro's last May for a M4p in almost mint condition, boxed.
LeicaM4p.jpg
 
chrismoret said:
Go for the M4p! That's a sweet deal man! If in good shape, that goes without saying.....
Payed 750euro's last May for a M4p in almost mint condition, boxed.
LeicaM4p.jpg
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Presumably you did not read Post 14:

wow thank you for all the replies so promptly. It seems to me that the M4-P is as good as any other classic camera (M3, M2). Unfortunately the deal fell through as he wanted more money, understandly as it was literally mint condition. Guess i am back on the hunt.

In the name of shameless self promotion, please refer to my thread

Cheers,

R.
 
Roger Hicks said:
My M4-P was my first new Leica.

It was one of the worst Leicas I've ever owned. But 30 years later it's smoothed out a lot and I still use it.

In other words, even 'bad' Leicas are good.

I'd not hesitate on the deal you've been offered. But then, it's easy for me to spend your money.

Cheers,

R.
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I bought mine, new in 1985. Leica in Midand Ontario was selling them off for a "reasonable" price. I can't believe it is that long ago but the camera is still with me. Likely the best investment in a new camera I've ever made.

Yes, winding on was and still is, a tad rougher than winding on the M2 but that is the price of steel gears.
 
The seller probably raised his price because he read this thread!
M4-P is (imho) the pinnacle of meterless Leica Ms. Especially if you shoot with a wide angle lens (35 or 28.)

But Roger, keep telling everyone how it's the worst Leica camera. I'll never sell mine, and your pronouncement should help to keep this amazing camera available to all!
 
thomasw_ said:
I would get my M2 exercised more or checked over if this were the case, Maggie. There is no dispute over the fact that the M4-P was borne of cost cutting measures in terms of VF components and in terms of methodology of build and parts contruction compared to the earlier M2/3/4/5s. What started so as to save Leica as a business with the M4-2, continued into the M4-P.

See here and here for reference.

Best, Thomas
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The M2 had been CLA'd in October and I think it sat fallow for a bit, whereas the M4-P has been in constant use since it was new. Might just be that.
 
Chris101 said:
The seller probably raised his price because he read this thread!
M4-P is (imho) the pinnacle of meterless Leica Ms. Especially if you shoot with a wide angle lens (35 or 28.)

But Roger, keep telling everyone how it's the worst Leica camera. I'll never sell mine, and your pronouncement should help to keep this amazing camera available to all!
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Dear Chris,

Not 'the worst'. Merely 'The worst I've owned' (and the first from new).

Cheers,

R.
 
maggieo said:
The M2 had been CLA'd in October and I think it sat fallow for a bit, whereas the M4-P has been in constant use since it was new. Might just be that.
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Dear Maggie,

A half-competent CLA should be good for years. A competent one should be good for decades. Or have I misunderstood?

Cheers,

R.
 
Oh, there isn't anything wrong with my M2 at all. It's a delight. The M4-P just seems ever so slightly smoother. It's like silk vs. silk, really.
 
rangefound said:
wow thank you for all the replies so promptly. It seems to me that the M4-P is as good as any other classic camera (M3, M2). Unfortunately the deal fell through as he wanted more money, understandly as it was literally mint condition. Guess i am back on the hunt.

In the name of shameless self promotion, please refer to my thread

:D
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:eek: Sorry, I didn't read post nr14. That must be a bummer that deal went sour.
 
Gosh, I sold my M4-P last week. I just didn't use it like I thought I would. It wasn't a bad camera. On the contrary, definitely. The spiritual part of our relationship just didn't work out.

Tomorrow someone is coming to see my 50mm Summilux pre-ASPH...
 
Well what a disappointing day I had today. After reading this thread and doing plenty of research, I finally decided to go and get myself an M4-P. I went to 2 different stores and looked at 3 different M4-Ps.

Guess what? All of them had RF misalignment!! So I am now back home empty-handed and without a Leica M4-P. But at least I still have my dough.
 
Just bought a boxed one, with the MR meter for £467. I am now frantically awaiting the postman (or rather lady in our case) who will be bringing my M-LTM adapters.....
 
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