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krnt

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Whats the main difference between Leica M4 and M4P.
I´m planing to buy one of these as a backup for my M6TTL.
I`m intrested in quality for longterm use in cold wether.
Regards krnt/ Sweden
 
The M4 finder has the condensor lens that was added back in with the M7 and MP. It was taken out with the M4-2 to lower production cost. Expect to pay a premium for the M4 over the other used Leica models. The M4P will go for less; as will an M2. Unless you must have the rapid rewind crank, the M2 is well worth looking at.
 
If you want to know how sexy a Leica M2 can be, see here: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?goto=newpost&threadid=1509 . :)

I looked at an M4 or M4P too but after comparing the 4s with the M2, and seeing the price difference between them, I decided on an M2. I got it quite cheap but it needed a new coat and a CLA. All in all I paid about 500 euro for it ($360 for the body, and about 220 euro for the CLA). The new leather cover added another $50.
I also got a cup for the eye piece and The Sling, both from Leicagoodies, and about 20 euro. A new Op/Tech strap cost me 25 euro.
As you see costs add up quite quickly for a new camera. But the M2 is worth it. It's a really lovely camera, very silent (even the click of the shutter curtain frames is almost inaudible), quite heavy (a good thing), balanced nicely, and a treat to shoot with.
I just wish it had a built-in light meter like my Voigtlanders or Leitz Minolta CL. A new Voigtlander light meter will add another $160 to the bill. :)
 
Oh. That would the the M2P.

I can't wait for my M2 with the original intact vulcanite to get back from its CLA. Paid $420 for the body, and $180 for the CLA/repair of the rewind gears. I use a Weston Master II for my Light meter with the M3, and will with the M2. It ran $5, and is amazingly accurate even in fairly dim light. It has a BIG selenium cell on it. Of course, the M4 series did not have a meter either.
 
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Krnt, you still can carry around your M6TTL in cold weather: just take out the battery and carry a small meter around your neck. That's what I'd do...

Now, if you want another Leica body, who am I to stop you...? :)
 
Thank you very much all of you who has given me a lot of good edvice about what to buy, eather m4 or M4P.
My best regards krnt.

Happy Leica owner.
 
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