Leica m4-p

R

rangefound

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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.
 
The M4-P has tons of framelines if you shoot with 28mm+ lenses. That's all I can safely say however.
 
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.
 
I bought a M4-P new and LOVED IT. There is a lot of stuff out there about Midland cameras (made in Canada) but I had an M6 too and never saw any difference in quality.

It might need a CLA but from what I can see of the price for the S90 I'd go for it. If I were going back to Leica RF the M4-P would be my first choice.

Take a look at Stephen's page on checking out a used M. It is a great resource.

http://www.cameraquest.com/leicamchecklist.htm

B2 (;->
 
My M4-P is actually a wee bit smoother than my M2, which surprised me! I like that I can use my 28mm lenses on it without an external VF, too.

Also, I think it's sexy:
 
Long after the S90 is gone and the $220 spent, the M4-P will still be working for you. IMO
 
The M4-P is the latest of the "classic" M Leica cameras without any electronics, brass top-plate (not the latest production models) and frame-lines in the "old" size (not the latest production models). It has the faster film-loading of the actual models and allows coupling of a Rapidwinder / Leica motor.

I would expect that the camera needs some service but then it should be ready for many years of happy shooting !

BTW, the M4-P was many times my only working Leica, when my other "state-of-the-art" Leicas (former MP (sold) and now M7) were or are in for service at Leica.... I think the M4-P is a true workhorse.

Cheers,

Gabor
 
I have two M4P's - both bought new in 1981 and to say that they have used heavily is an understatement. I suspect that one of them has had at least 10-15 000 rolls through it. It was used for testing Rapidwinders for a decade. Some service required in mid-90's and I just had the speeds checked and had the finder cleaned ($60). Great cameras - probably the best deal for a meterless Leica (this includes my two M6's with dead circuit boards!!!!). I have owned and used about 15-16 M4-P over the years and the reason I kept these two is that they look like wrecks and would not bring anything as trades - and they still work!
Your deal sounds like a good one - IF you are ready to start on the slippery path of Leica ownership and guessing exposures.
 
I bought mine new in 1984 & had it service 12 months ago. The view finder can become cloudy,(mine did) & the flash terminals on the camera back can work loose,(mine haven`t). Probably not as sort after as other models, but as Maddoc said,the last no frills work horse Leica.
 
I bought an M4-P not too long ago and love it , maybe more than the M3 I sold.
The M4-P is great but ultimately its your decision.
 
I could not tell you if the proposed trade is worth it or not, I don't follow camera prices. I can tell you that it makes no practical difference to me if I use my M4 or M4-P and I like the M4-P because it has a 28mm frame line. I notice very little difference in smoothness too.

Bob
 
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
 
maddoc said:
The M4-P is the latest of the "classic" M Leica cameras without any electronics, brass top-plate (not the latest production models) and frame-lines in the "old" size (not the latest production models).
Click to expand...

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.
 
The M4-p's with recessed windows have brass top plates (most of them). There are some with flush windows (like the M6) which are the late production versions with zinc top plate and usually fetch a bit more.

I have a recessed window m4-p, Its VERY early ( the serial oddly pre dates the production run) and its lovely, smooth and reliable. Much prefer it to my M8 for feel but cant beat that convenience of digital.

I wouldn't worry about serial numbers with the m4-p, just decide what top plate you prefer. There's no bad Leica M, the M4-p and M4-2 are the 'worst' apparently but its still every bit a Leica
 
maggieo said:
My M4-P is actually a wee bit smoother than my M2, which surprised me....
Click to expand...

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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