M4-P first impressions

[gho]

In the process of tuning my gear I decided to get rid of some of my seldomly used cameras, mostly digital, and to get a user M4-P instead. I have a few LTM/M lenses that are seeing the most use.

Other reasons for the move were, that I did not want to invest into a plethora of different systems during my lifetime and decided to settle with the F and M systems.

How are my first impressions with the M4-P?

What I really like are the build-quality, the weight that enables one to hold the camera very steady and the quiet, nearly vibration less shutter.

The only apparent problem with the camera are the slow shutter speeds. The mechanism seems to have gummed up a bit due to infrequent use but a bit of a workout seems to have fixed that problem.

The rangefinder seems to be spot on and today I went out with a light meter and exposed a test roll that I will develop later today. If it turns out good I will probably keep that camera.

 

[sleepyhead]

The M4-P really a one of the best M bodies in my opinion. Congrads!

Enjoy it.

 

[peterm1]

I have had an M4P for probably 15 years and like it very much too. Its a nice camera. You might like to look at the thread linked below and the links in it for some potential problems to be aware of - namely a tendency for the flash connectors on the back of the body to break away and a tendency for the viewfinder window to fog due to outgassing of some volatile material used in its manufacture. No biggy though. These can be fixed with a CLA if they occur. Just so you know as I am going through this now and its on my mind. Until both occurred to me and I posted here, I had no idea these issues were endemic. I thought mine was a one off problem.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1228414#post1228414

 

[ferider]

The M4-P really a one of the best M bodies in my opinion. Congrads!

Enjoy it.

Agreed. The M4P frameline combo is unique.

Just had mine out this morning.

Enjoy !

Roland.

 

[maddoc]

Still my all-time favorite M Leica. 🙂 As Roland mentioned, the combination of 6 FL with the 50mm FL of the old size makes it unique indeed. The M4-P might be still the best choice for an non-metered Leica-M, enjoy !

 

[BillBingham2]

gho,

The M4-P is a great camera enjoy. After using both Leica and Nikon for years I moved over to Nikon and Nikon. The M4-P I bought new and had a very hard time selling it, it just felt so good in my hands. I would strongly say look into getting a Rapid Winder from Tom A. IMHO I think it is the best accessory ever made for an M. I also used a Nikon AR-9 on my M4-P and M6 and loved the feel. Just like an AR-1 on an F/F2.

You made a great choice, enjoy and please share your results, thoughts and ideas.

B2 (;->

 

[ray*j*gun]

My favorite M camera! Smoothest advance of any camera I own.

 

[andredossantos]

My first and only M. Love it.

 

[Haigh]

My M4-P and I are one and the same entity when I'm in the zone.

 

[gho]

Thanks for the replies!

The first roll came out good, the shutter seems to be ok and the rangefinder is indeed spot on. Sure, it will need a CLA in some time, but for now everything seems to be fine and I will go out and expose a second roll as long as there is enough light outside. I will post some results later.

 

[gho]

So, here are the results. I guess the camera is a keeper. I am not very used to using a handheld lightmeter, but I guess it is just a matter of practice. I found myself metering for some initial values and tried to adjust from there depending on the light situation. From time to time I did a check.

The last one was for checking the rangefinder with a CV 1.5/50, the rest was taken with a Jupiter 8.

Using the camera was very pleasureable and enjoyable. The build-quality and design is excellent. Simple and to the point. The rest is up to the photographer.

 

[cmdrzed]

Excellent photos. I love my M4-P as well. Great camera.

 

[cnphoto]

my M4-P is coming back from service/repair (both issues that peterm1 mentioned above) and I will have it tomorrow. i bought an M3 prior to sending the M4-P off so i would have a camera to use over the Christmas / holiday period, and the M3 is a smooth beatiful camera but I soon found myself missing the M4-P a lot. I look forward to having her back 🙂

 

[Graham Line]

So, here are the results. I guess the camera is a keeper. I am not very used to using a handheld lightmeter, but I guess it is just a matter of practice. I found myself metering for some initial values and tried to adjust from there depending on the light situation. From time to time I did a check.

(nice photos deleted) The last one was for checking the rangefinder with a CV 1.5/50, the rest was taken with a Jupiter 8.

Using the camera was very pleasureable and enjoyable. The build-quality and design is excellent. Simple and to the point. The rest is up to the photographer.

The best thing is, the more often you use that meter, the less you will need it in the long run. The M4P and its cousins are all keepers, and the 'P is very versatile as far as using a variety of lenses.

 

[gho]

A short update.

I have now spent some more time with it and what can I say? In my opinion it is an as good mechanical rangefinder camera as one could wish for. The overall design and build quality is excellent. That the camera does not have a build in lightmeter is practically not a big problem. Taking a reading now and then with a handheld lightmeter is sufficient and the bw film takes up the slack. In a way this simplifies shooting, as I am not distracted by checking the exposure meter. The compact cv 35/2.5 feels right at home on that camera.

In the beginning I had a slight problem with film loading and jammed the shutter once. But the camere took the rough handling of film removal without any problems. A detail I like is that it is possible to cut the film exactly between the sprocket holes.

For very low light I am still prefering my Bessa T with its magnified rangefinder and external viewfinder.

 

[Haigh]

I'm married to mine.

 

[chrispiper]

I just got my M3 back from a CLA and I found it extremely difficult to resist getting an M4-P in the three weeks I was M-less. I've always liked them and thought it would make an excellent dedicated 35mm machine. The other focal lengths are a bonus. I want to mate a CV 35 pancake to it and call it a day. Call it vanity, but having a chrome M3 with silver 35/50/90 lens setup and an M4-P with the same in black seems like a dream setup.

Chris

 

[literiter]

I've had the M2 since 1980 and the M4-P since 1985. The M2 had a CLA recently, but probably didn't really need it. The M4-P has never had a CLA and doesn't need one.

The IIIf just arrived and has it's first roll of film since I acquired it. Seems perfectly fine though. These cameras are for ever (or at least a long, long time).

If you want cameras to beat the hell out of: