M2 or M4-2?

M2 or M4-2?

  • M2 (CLA Nov. 2009)

    Votes: 109 60.9%

  • M4-2 (Ex+ condition)

    Votes: 39 21.8%

  • Wait to find an M4.

    Votes: 27 15.1%

  • Silly rabbit, just stick with your M8.

    Votes: 4 2.2%
  • Total voters
    179
JSU said:
The M2 having received a recent CLA should be much closer to original spec's than a M4-2 that may not have been serviced since new (30+ years ago.) Both are Leicas, regardless of whether one came from Wetzlar or Midland.
Click to expand...

The M2 I had for some time still had the original wax seal with a "L" stamp, never serviced. That camera worked still sufficient well to expose Kodachrome slide film correctly and focus was spot on after I adjusted it myself (5 minutes work). On the other hand, my actual M4-P had a "recent CLA" when I bought it and needed a complete (expensive) overhaul by Leica to be brought back to factory specs... Therefore, from my experience, I wouldn`t give so much about "recent CLA" but prefer a newer camera for the same price and only if something is wrong with it then I would have it let serviced (preferable by Leica).

But I totally agree with you, either from Wetzlar or Midland doesn`t make the slightest difference.
 
I'm enjoying the conversation, and have enormous respect for all the participants. I've never used an M4-2. But I can say that an M2 in good condition is a joy. I, too, love the M2's uncluttered framelines and simplicity. The film advance is incredibly smooth. And it is not at all hard to load. But! At the end of the day, if it were me making the choice, I'd base it on the condition of the particular camera.

Edit: P.S.: But I voted for the M2! :)
 
I can think of many arguments in support one or the other. I have used both and both are fine cameras. In the end I thought $700 for an EX+ M4-2 would be too hard to pass up. I have been using the M Motor along side my Rapidwinders so the M4-2 would also be more practical to me. I agree if you can feel both cameras side by side the M2 would have the edge. The action of the M2/3/4 is like tearing silk while the M4-2 is like pushing a lawnmower.
 
I'm waiting for my new M2 to arrive any day now, my first Leica. It was CLA'd by Ye Youxin in September 2009 with new shutter curtains and new skin.
 
M2 vs M4-2

M2 vs M4-2

Having owned several M2's and one M4-2 the only 'issues' that come to mind are black chrome vs satin and age. I never found the handling or feel to be different between these two. I certainly could not see a better product when considering the usage, the results are identical. My M4-2 was a late model which I had serviced by Leica UK at an exhorbinate cost and frankly could not see any added value, I certainly did not function any better on return. No doubt if you stripped and compared them side by side the quality of the M2 MAY be obvious. I think a lot of hype surrounds the M4-2 as to shutter problems with early models but few will be arround that are still faulty after all these years. Another point is that the r/f prism is not balsamed and not as likely to deteriorate as is the M2. (and early M4 as well)

Best,

normclarke
 
If I hadn't been so worried from reading about early M4-2's problems, I would have snatched up this one in the classifieds and saved myself almost $100. But I hesitated and now I have an M2 on the way.

But really, with an M, can you really go wrong?
 
Yopu probably can't go wrong with an M. As soon as the M4-2 is mentioned, its supposed faults are told, but in fact after many years every M needs a good CLA. My 4-2 had one recently and works very smooth and nicely. An M2 will be there sometime...
Good luck and enjoy your M2!
Lex
 
I own an M4-2, M2, and M5. My favorite so far is, the M5. The M2 is an incredibly close second. All three finders are similar in actual usuage. M2 and M4-2 have TomA Rapidwinders, that's a major advantage. :)
 
The M2 got here on Tuesday and I've run a roll of film through it. Man, it's nice! Also, it's the same age as me; it was meant to be! Here's one of the first shots from that roll, taken with my '51 Summaron 35/3.5 LTM:


Black & White conversion in LightZone from a bad Walgreens' scan of some old Kodak color print film. But hey, it's the M2!
 
That looks very good !! ... and congrats to your new M2 !:)

maggieo said:
The M2 got here on Tuesday and I've run a roll of film through it. Man, it's nice! Also, it's the same age as me; it was meant to be! Here's one of the first shots from that roll, taken with my '51 Summaron 35/3.5 LTM:


Black & White conversion in LightZone from a bad Walgreens' scan of some old Kodak color print film. But hey, it's the M2!
Click to expand...
 
You made the right choice. Should you choose to do so, anytime down the road your M2 can be converted to M4 style film loading - due to the external frame counter mechanism, it’s really not that difficult a conversion.
 
The M2 is the right choice as far as I'm concerned with a close second vote for the M4 (I own and use both extensively). They are phenomenally built, and amazingly smooth. I actually just completely refurbished a Leica M2, with brand new top plate (with no M2 or serial number engravings...and looks amazing), CLA, complete recovering of chipping vulcanite, and Artisan and Artist half case to top it off. I spent about $1100 dollars bringing this camera up to date because it is just a gem of a camera.

The only thing that brings down these older cameras is the lack of meters, but hey, that is extremely minor. On top of that, if I were more conscious of my settings I probably wouldn't need a meter at all....

IMHO, the M2/M4 are the way to go. Good luck with your new M!!!

Finally, as a minor bias...I've heard that some of the internal parts of the M4-2 are plastic...and who wants that?!?
 
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