One other point about the M4 - I hate, hate, hate the quick load takeup spool on that camera. For some reason, I struggle to get it to grip the film. Both the removable reel on the M2 and the quick load on the M5 are leagues better.
Is it just me?
I couldn’t say if it’s “just you,” but I used both an M2 and M3 years ago—the M2, equipped with a 35mm Summicron for nearly twenty-five years. Currently, I use an M4 (and have two M4-Ps that I acquired years ago when I needed the 28mm frame lines and the hot-shoe.
The only times that I’ve had problems with the QL mechanism on the M4s is when I try to “help things along.” My current method is:
Remove the baseplate, insert the cassette, gently pull the leader and ensure that the leader extends deeply in the “tulip.” Note, I do NOT open the rear panel during the loading process.
[The original instruction book for the M4 and M4-P models provided an illustration that shows the tip of the leader barely intruding into the tulip. I have been told (by people who might know) that this was done to ensure that the film didn’t “snap” when loading in very cold conditions. Within normal operating conditions, the leader may extend completely across the tulip. I find that having the leading edge touching the opposing blade is sufficient.]
Unless necessary, I do not open the rear-plate. The only times I’ve had to open the backplate is when a film “twists” and locks up during the advance. Naturally, I do this in a changing bag.
And that’s about it. Attach the baseplate, advance for two frames, activate the rewind until I feel confident that the film’s engaged and make sure that the rewind knob turns as I advance the subsequent frames.
All said: I do miss the loading mechanism on the M2,3 bodies because they were dependable, but I do appreciate the “fast-loading” mechanism out in the field.
