michaelwj
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It's not an original BP, the camera comes from a batch of silver chrome.
M2 Repaint or M4 Black Chrome
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It's not an original BP, the camera comes from a batch of silver chrome.
michaelwj
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So I'm guessing your in the repaint camp and not too keen on the black chrome?
Not a bad idea really...
Huss
Veteran
Having owned an R3a, and not enjoying its feel... I would get an M4-2 while you wait to get the M4 painted. I sold my R3a and replaced it with an M4-2.
But I did not send anything out to be painted. I learned my lesson after having a motorcycle painted some years ago.
But I did not send anything out to be painted. I learned my lesson after having a motorcycle painted some years ago.
P
PhotoGog
Guest
Six months ago, when I bought my first M2, I contacted Kanto for a quote on a black repaint thinking that if it was less than US$350 I might go for it. The quote was JPY 100,000 for the repainted + JPY 45,000 for an overhaul (compulsory package with the repaint) + JPY 2,900 for return courier = JPY 147,900 = US$1,340. My M2 cost me only US$750 for a truly mint 1959 body and a spent a bit more on replacing the shutter curtains and multi coated viewfinder with Youxin Ye. A camera for life and now I couldn't imagine painting the beautiful brass black. So glad I couldn't afford the repaint as I know I would regret it now - this is not a reflection on Kanto's quality of service, just an acceptance that perhaps we should leave a Leica body alone unless it's in such poor condition that a cosmetic intervention can only improve what has already been lost. Just my view.
michaelwj
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Good to hear your thoughts. I agree it's a bit to burn on something a little unknown.
michaelwj
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I have now voted, I'll reveal my choice when I have it in my hands!
d.keljikian
Established
The universe suddenly reveals itself to you in all it's splendid radiance, poised before.
You look down at the camera in your hands. You've either got to load it or shoot it. What camera do you see?
-Doug
You look down at the camera in your hands. You've either got to load it or shoot it. What camera do you see?
-Doug
Huss
Veteran
That looks very nice.
For $1895 it doesn't matter that it is not a real BP.
It's the same money as getting a BC M4. Which I prefer..
michaelwj
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This comment and one I received on LUF from a.noctilux;
Cut the the crux of the matter for me. If I only had the choice of chrome, which would I get. Decision made, now the waiting game begins...
michaelwj
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It finally arrived and I couldn't be happier. It looks and feels so perfect. I'm glad I listened to myself in the end and wasn't distracted by black paint.
Thanks everyone for the sounding board, and especially Beemermark for the camera. It will be enjoyed for a long time
Thanks everyone for the sounding board, and especially Beemermark for the camera. It will be enjoyed for a long time
madNbad
Well-known
Patience has paid off. Looks like a great acquisition.
Jerevan
Recycled User
I am in the minority, but I find the black chrome looks really good. It gives the camera more of a "tool" character, not as much "bling" as the chrome and black paint ones.
Dez
Bodger Extraordinaire
I'm mystified at the number of people who prefer the M2 to the M4. I have owned both cameras, but not at the same time, and I seem to recall that the finders were the same except for the 135mm framelines which I find useful rather than a distraction. In fact I do use a 135 lens occasionally, and wish the tiny little corners were more distinct. The fast load and rewind are a plus, and I really dislike the manual frame counter of the M2. I suspect Leitz had a reason when they replaced the M2 with the M4.
As for the OP's question, I think the condition of the particular cameras between which he has to choose would need to be the most important factor.
As for the cosmetics, the cheezy plastic levers of the M4 are easy to replace.
Cheers,
Dez
As for the OP's question, I think the condition of the particular cameras between which he has to choose would need to be the most important factor.
As for the cosmetics, the cheezy plastic levers of the M4 are easy to replace.
Cheers,
Dez
jmilkins
Digited User
Well done Michael - I think you made exactly the right choice for you. And I see you were up at midnight still oogling your new lifer...looking forward to the first frames. 😀
michaelwj
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Scanning some of the 12 rolls of film I developed last week while watching le Tour de France! Lots of late nights ahead in July.
Okay, I was oogling it a little!
Beemermark
Veteran
It finally arrived and I couldn't be happier. It looks and feels so perfect. I'm glad I listened to myself in the end and wasn't distracted by black paint.
Thanks everyone for the sounding board, and especially Beemermark for the camera. It will be enjoyed for a long time
OMG I miss it already. Bought Ui_Uil's Contax 50/1.5 Sonnar to console myself.
maddoc
... likes film again.
jmilkins
Digited User
I've been looking at the aged black chrome on my M4-P and I have to say I like it - certainly different to a rubbed black paint patina, but good too. Kind of graceful.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
This thread has been an interesting read. I wonder why it's on the front page when the most recent post was from 07-04-17. No matter-now I want an M4.
