What should a new Leica M4 owner know?

[Ko.Fe.]

So, it is not M4 as in the title.
Still, read the manual.
J-12 might benefit from wide hood sold on eBay.
Add cable tie as focus tab, it will make huge difference.
Nothing wrong with this lens on film. Add filter and hood for easier aperture adjustment.

Serial number story is old myth, all of the problems were sorted out already, those cameras are not shelf queens.

It camera works no need to send it for service.

 

[Dez]

RTFM and RTFM again before touching the camera, then RTFM.

OK, I'll bite. "RTFM"?

Cheers,
Dez

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Polite version is - read the famous manual.

 

[Dez]

AHA!

Thanks,
Dez

 

[jbhthescots]

That all along, he should really have got the Leica M3!

 

[David Hughes]

Polite version is - read the famous manual.

Are you sure? I thought I typed RTMF for Read The Manual First...


Regards, David

 

[Jamespics]

Hi - congratulations of the camera!
Get a half-case to protect the body of your camera - most of its value is tied to cosmetic appearance.
Have fun.

 

[robert blu]

Congrats for your new tool and welcome to the forum.

I do not have an M4 but you all make me desire to have one...
So my only suggestion is to shoot, shoot and than shoot again! You'll enjoy it!

robert

 

[Filter Factor]

They were made in Canada on new machines. These machines were not set up properly.

Indeed. And they were made to meet a price point.

 

[leicapixie]

At this point in time the "faults" of early Leica M made in Canada,
are sorted out! They work well.
Some of the cheaper technology is alive and well in my M6TTL.
The newer MA and M7 using same technology on many parts...
My M6 has a faulty counter (plastic spring!!).
A buddy of mine uses a M4-2 as his sole BW film, on photo-journalistic essays in the Middle East. Lenses 21,28 and 50 mm.
Use it and enjoy.

 

[Richard G]

Mine was a 15xxxxx camera. Very good and reliable. Indeed yours doesn’t look used much. Mine started to go steely gray. My Monochrom is going the same way.

 

[skopar steve]

Mine is s/n 1505xxx. Bought it off craigslist with a 35mm summicron and a 90mm tele elmarit at a good price. Cosmetics are not as nice as yours. Sent it right off to Mr. Yee for a CLA. Added a 50mm Canadian summicron to the kit since I favor that focal length, but the 35mm stays on the camera most of the time. Your looking for a 35mm is a good idea.

Congratulations on your M4-2. Your going to enjoy it.


DSCF8884 by Steve Belden, on Flickr