Sell the M4 or the M7

Beemermark

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OK, I'm retired (which means a limited income with no chance of improvement) and I have an M9, M4 and M7. If you google my posts I (and many others) consider the M4 the height of Leica Supremacy. But I really don't need two film bodies so I'm thing I need to sell something. I have my opinions but would like to hear some differing opinions.
 
What's the serial # of your M7? Only need the first three #s.
Silver or black?

Personally I'd keep the M7 as it is a better M9... (new sensor with every shot!)
 
What's the serial # of your M7? Only need the first three #s.
Silver or black?

Personally I'd keep the M7 as it is a better M9... (new sensor with every shot!)

I once had to pay $300 to fix electronic control of the M7 curtain
quite hestate to reccomend the M7
 
The M7 gives you a meter, AE and ISO setting. If you don't need this then keep the M4. The M4 is a much more simple proposition and won't fail due to electronics problems. YMMV
 
My differing opinion is to sell them both and go for an M6, which has a light meter and full mechanical operation.
John Mc


I guess this comes down to the question of what kind of photographer you are. If you need a meter then I agree with the above post - sell both and get a nice M6. If you don't need a meter then definitely keep the M4.
 
If your concern is limited income with no chance of improvement, then consider whether you can afford to have the M9 fixed if the electronics or sensor fails somewhere in the future..
 
The M7 will no longer be serviced at Leica!
The M6TTL no more circuit boards,
Less and less Service folk available..
I intend keeping M3 and M2 (needs a part /working).
The M6 will either be used as much as possible or sold..
 
Keep the M4, without a doubt.

The M7 is basically battery dependent, and even then you are relying on the electronics to remain operative and/or economically repairable. Over the longer term, this is highly unlikely.

Your M4 is probably only around 50 years old. I’d say another 20+ years would be no challenge at all 😉

Enjoy your retirement!

Cheers

J 🙂
 
Had to read all the responses here and found them interesting. I have toyed with getting a Leica of some sort but have hesitated due to costs. I think (from these limited responses) I would lean toward my first preference for a Leica in the M4. Never really got the urge for a M3 mainly for the rewind knob but the M4 has always held my interest. A meter would be nice but picking up a Leica MR-4 would resolve that need. Thanks for all the responses.....
 
Beautiful serial number, Peter.


Erik.
I think myself lucky to get this 1986 serial number Erik. And no TTL circuit board in this one to worry about.
U51008I1478577889.SEQ.0.jpg

John Mc
 
A meter would be nice but picking up a Leica MR-4 would resolve that need.


I never got on with the MR4, plus it's a pain in the backside to mount / remove as it marks the camera top plate. IMHO you would be better off with a nice pocketable Sekonic meter instead or, if you really want something on the camera, then something like a Voigtlander VC Meter II.
 
I never got on with the MR4, plus it's a pain in the backside to mount / remove as it marks the camera top plate. IMHO you would be better off with a nice pocketable Sekonic meter instead or, if you really want something on the camera, then something like a Voigtlander VC Meter II.


I almost never take the MR4 meter off. Very accurate meter and very quick to use. I have the VC meter II on my IIIF and can't say I like it all that much. Certainly slower than the M4R in use. If you slip a business card between the camera top while mounting/dismounting the meter you won't scratch the top.


I had an M6, bought new shortly after it was introduced. That's one camera I really didn't bond with. The +/- diodes were too sensitive and I'd spend to much time time trying to get the camera set I'd miss the shot. Plus the VF flared horribly. Less than 6 months after buying it I traded it for a new Hexar outfit.


However thanks everyone for the input. It makes me realize all the M7 has over the M4 is the AE exposure. While I really like AE it isn't a deal breaker.
 
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