Prototypes?

[Vince Lupo]

Hello -- I just laid some relatively modest money down on an M4-2 'prototype' winder that is chrome, partly for use on my M2 ELCAN (that's been converted for motor use), and partly for 'collectibility'. Does anyone have any thoughts on prototypes in general, particularly if they weren't commercially offered? Any thoughts on potential value of a chrome M4-2 winder, particularly if it's mated to a converted M2? Or is about as useful as a chocolate teapot (or Leica)????? And how do you know that something is a prototype in the first place????

 

[Thud]

One thing that should be done is check the history of a "prototype". Some come from a doubious path. I have seen this winder several times and looks like it just didn't go through a paint cycle. Checking the item is give several of the experts an email or just use hindsight. But above all ask your self "Do I really need it"

 

[Vince Lupo]

Thanks for the reply. It's come from a pretty reputable dealer, and they told me they regularly get things from former Leitz employees, so I don't know whether things that aren't meant to out circulating in the public are considered 'legitimate'. As far as 'do I need this or not', well of course I don't need it -- heck, I have three Mooly motors I don't need either, but I just thought it would be an interesting addition to the M2 (believe me, I've spent money on stupider things!). I do remember, however, that these M4-2 winders would kick you in the face every time you press the shutter!

 

[Thud]

My only issue is that a reputable dealer needs to sell stuff to survive. They get stuff from former employes??? But yet what is the history of the stuff is it a prototype or a enginernering project. I'm just leary of stuff called a prototype with no documentation. I to have a load of stuff that do I really need?? only my safe knows. I have over the years collected 13 diffrent styles of M3, 5 diffrent M2's M5, lenes don't ask, and too many accesorys that tyhey overflow to the 2nd safe. I too went to a very reputable dealer and aquired too much stuff.

 

[Tom A]

Vince, I saw some of these at Midland in the early 80's. They were trying out stuff like diecasting battery cover and top-plate in Zinc. Do you know if yours is polycarbonate battery holder, painted silver or the heavier diecast version? It looks better than the all black one though!

The M4-2 winder was not the best of designs. Huge motor and some strange behavior as well as severe "kick back" in the release. It also had a tendency to advance before the shutter fired if you were trying to shoot sequences. But a reject film in the M2, pop off the back door and put a felt marker on the film and cycle through. This will tell you if it advances properly. The exposure part you are going to have to "waste" a regular film with.

 

[Vince Lupo]

Hi Tom -- Thanks for your reply. I just ordered it today from Camera West in Monterey, and it should be here by the end of the week. I saw it online, and it looked fun, so what the heck. I'll give more info on it when I have it in hand. I am aware of the kickback after having tried one on my M2 years ago ('Dr. Dave' Eve did the motor conversion on the M2 about 16 years ago), and I know the black ones go for really cheap, but I just thought it to be an interesting thing to add to my accumulation. I'm just not sure how one tells when a 'prototype' is a 'prototype', as well as their collectible value.