M4-P, should I take it?

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Mablo

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Oh dear, oh dear... my trusted camera repair shop has a nice combo on sale. A black M4-P with a matching black Summilux 50mm and a black MR(-4?) meter. They put the combo aside for me until tomorrow.

I fondled the camera for a moment. According to my first impressions it looks like in "BGN" condition in KEH scale. Clear signs of use but everything seems to be working and no major dings or scratches. Price is comparable with KEH too. I think I can get at least the body CLA'd with 6 months warranty included in the sales price. Viewfinder is quite clear and rf-patch is very good. I think that film winding mechanism felt like just a bit on the rough side. The lens seemed to be clean and clear and free of at least major scratches but the aperture ring is a bit stiff.

I only have experience of Canon rangefinders and occasionally of older Barnack type Leicas. So what spesific M4-P details should I look for tomorrow? All help is needed now my dear friends. This is going to be a BIG decision for me.

--# mablo
 
Depends on the price.

Aperture shouldn't be stiff. Shine through the glas with a flaslight. Preferable a monochromatic one to check for haze and fungus.
Check if the RF is alligned horizontal and vertical.
Check if the long times are correct and if the buzz after the shutter closes sounds good.
Check with the back open and without lens if the shutter set at 1/1000 opens.
But if it had a recent CLA this all should be okay.
Ask if the meter is converted to non-mercury batteries.
It is a very nice camera to use. As smooth as a M6 wihtout the ttl meter.
Cheers,
Michiel Fokkema
 
No! - you know you don't really need another camera!, so instead of going to that camera shop - go and buy the wife a nice Christmas present instead!....that's what I would do! ;).....and just think of the satisfaction you will have by showing such restraint - and generousity! :)
Dave.
 
It's a great combo, one of my favorite lenses, too.

If the lens is clean and comes with hood, it's worth around 1800-2000 US. Wouldn't pay more than that.

Roland.
 
The Crisis silver oxide battery adapter works perfectly in that application, but does not work in all.

If the lens aperture is stiff, that is a repair bill or you live with it.
 
Earth to RFF. M4-P? Meter? Say what? I thought the M6 was the first post-M% body with a meter. Am I hallucinating?

From WIKIpedia:

The Leica M4-P does not have a built in light meter, but the Leica M6 that replaced it does.
Click to expand...
 
Mablo said:
Oh dear, oh dear... A black M4-P with a matching black Summilux 50mm and a black MR(-4?) meter. --# mablo
Click to expand...

Wayne - unless you're being facetious and I'm being thick (which is entirely possible), the OP is contemplating an M4-P body, Summilux lens and a shoe-mounted MR-4 meter. :)
 
If I were in the same situation I'll:

1. get the combo
2. sell the lens and the meter
3. get an LTM to M adapter
4. use your existing LTM lenses with the M4-P for a while (getting to know the M-body in the meantime)
5. wait for a good price on a used M-lens with your favorite focal length
6. get a cheaper meter.

You'll end up with something like this:

4128719813_12dc0f1555.jpg


And you may still have money left to get something nice for your wife for Christmas :D

NOTE: I usually *don't* use a meter when shooting with the M4-P. But the Petri meter is so compact (and cheap) and it looks cool on the M4-P.
 
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Wrong. That lens is the pinnacle of Leica lenses and Mandler designs, and, until 2004 ran circles around any other fast 50 out there. :)

I might agree on using a different meter though.
 
If it comes with a CLA then buy it, Id say its virtually impossible to regret buying a leica in working conditon. I have an m4-p and mr-4. I love it.
 
Dave, my friend. My wife fortunately understands my - shall we say temptations and we sometimes both laugh about my camera cravings. I'll buy her something I know she'll like a lot. Thanks for reminding me. I appreciate your point of view. I really do.

Thank You for your opinion everyone! memphis, michiel, Dave, fbf, ferider, Ronald M, venchka, kxl, shadowfox, al kaplan, chrishayton, Chris101 and others.

I'll let you know what happens tomorrow.
 
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