M4-p

T

tedwhite

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Quick question (seller wants money NOW). What does the "P" mean in M4-P?

Ted
 
professional 😎

no kidding !

the m4-p is essentially a revised m4-2 and IIRC it has a .72 finder with framelines for 28, 35, 50, 75, 90 and 135. Or what is the same, a meterless M6.

and is a very cute camera, btw.

can we already pop open the champagne and congratulate you or do we have to wait for your new acquisition to be official ? 🙂
 
tedwhite said:
Quick question (seller wants money NOW). What does the "P" mean in M4-P?

Ted
P stands for Professional...It seems obvious to me but Lager in his definitive works does not say while van Hasbroek in "Leica, a History Illustrating every Model & Accessory," says it stands for Professional...regards, bob
 
"Professional"? That simple. I shoulda known? Canada....is that good or bad (Not the country) in terms of build quality?
 
tedwhite said:
"Professional"? That simple. I shoulda known? Canada....is that good or bad (Not the country) in terms of build quality?

I've heard the M4-P referred to as "not really a Leica." I believe it has something to do with build quality and price reduction. I never understood it. Hopefully, someone can fill in the blanks. I have two M4-P's, which I really like. One's a beater, and it's very sturdy, holding up under all kinds of abuse. oh...both feel and handle like Leicas to me.


🙂
 
tedwhite said:
"Professional"? That simple. I shoulda known? Canada....is that good or bad (Not the country) in terms of build quality?



As far as Leicas made in Canada, I don't recall where I read it, some people regard Canadian-made Leica cameras and lenses as even better than those made in Germany; others feel they are at least as good...Even so, German-made Leicas seem to be much more popular...regards, bob
 
RayPA said:
I've heard the M4-P referred to as "not really a Leica." I believe it has something to do with build quality and price reduction. I never understood it. Hopefully, someone can fill in the blanks. I have two M4-P's, which I really like. One's a beater, and it's very sturdy, holding up under all kinds of abuse. oh...both feel and handle like Leicas to me.


🙂


The M4-P is a great Leica, often compared to the M4-2 but slightly different...Neither has a self-timer while the M4-P has different built-in finders and is designed for professionals...I had both but sold the M4-2 to a dealer many years ago after Bob Shell, then the editor of Shutterbug wrote that it had light leaks, and Sherry Krauter, the great Leica repair person, added that that was not all that was wrong with it...I still have the M4-P but haven't used it for a while...regards, bob
 
I am truly impressed by all of your kindly posts with so much information. Obviously I'm in the company of people who have hung around these cameras for more than two weeks.

I have two M4-P's I'm watching, a "seven out of ten" for $749 and an A- for $900. There are probably others. As I have no plans for a motor drive, perhaps I would be content with a mere M4?

Ooops. Forgot. I'll need a lens. If I have to live with one lens - and that would be the case given my bi-polar finances - I would prefer either the 50/2 Summicron or a 35mm lens. Note I did not get specific about the 35mm as I know nothing about them. For daily use I'd want a 35mm lens faster than 3.5. Any recommendations? I mention the Summicron by name as I actually used one on an M3 ages ago. The quality of the images on the two rolls I ran through the camera still linger in my mind.

Ted
 
The "mere" M4 is regarded by some as better built than the M4-P and the M4-2, and often fetches higher prices. Have you read the Cameraquest article?

http://www.cameraquest.com/mguide.htm#M4's


Edited to add:

And for a lens, if you don't mind fairly contrasty results, the CV 35/2.5 (LTM with LTM-M adapter) works very well on my M4 at a fairly modest cost, second only to my Summicron 35/2.
 
Last edited:
Thanks, Chris, for the info. I'll take a look at the cameraquest link.

I had a Bessa R with the cv 35/2.5 and it was, as you describe, contrasty. I would prefer a Leica lens.
 
RayPA said:
I've heard the M4-P referred to as "not really a Leica." I believe it has something to do with build quality and price reduction. I never understood it. Hopefully, someone can fill in the blanks. I have two M4-P's, which I really like. One's a beater, and it's very sturdy, holding up under all kinds of abuse. oh...both feel and handle like Leicas to me.


🙂


You're right RayPA. People that say the M4 was the last great Leica are just Leica snobs and are full of BS. I don't think anyone on this forum would know the difference between M's in performance and durability. If you can't make the shot with an M4-P or M4-2 then you aren't much of a photographer. I've owned multiples of M2, 3, 4, 4-2, 4-P, 6 classic, and MP's over thirty eight years and shot tens of thousands of rolls. Not one has let me down and not one has caused me to miss a shot. The only repairs have been a couple of RF alignments and a self timer spring on my oldest M3.


http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost/showgallery.php?cat=5045
 
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