Which M4 less expensive?

[Joop van Heijgen]

How does the thread justify your statement?? I have both of them, and I like my M4P too. But it is clearly that MP-P is not stronger than M4, and they do not have same build qualtiy. I will be surprised if people who own both of them would agree your conclusion.

I have both cameras. The M4 since 1978 and the M4-P since 1981!!

They are equal in quality and performance!

Perfect M Leica's!🙂

 

[borismach]

Thanks for all your advice.
Just want to have an M4 for its built qaulity. Maybe M4 chrome is a better choice for me.
BTW, I don't like the aesthetic of M4-P. And as to M4-2, I already have an M6 classic. They are so similar in terms of construction, just except the meter on M6, that I don't need another one.
Thanks again.
🙂 bm

 

[dreamsandart]

Most of the time you'll have to add in a good CLA to the price of any M4. If you want to be happy long term my vote would be towards a good original chrome M4, doesn't need to be mint, but with a CLA a good user.

 

[maddoc]

"The M4-P is cheaper than the M4 and have in fact the same build quality!

The M4-P feels even more stronger..."

Are you kidding me!!! NEver heard that before....

M4-P has steel gear and M4 brass gear, M4-P can take a motor but M4 (usually) can't ... M4 has the better (less frame-lines and less prone to flare) VF ... the M4 feels and operates more smoothly compared with the M4 but need to be CLAed to prevent from shutter failure (shutter-curtains are the weak point)

... and yes, I own both 🙂

 

[JNewell]

M4 VF > M6 VF

My M6/.85x has a better finder than my M4.

 

[maddoc]

My M6/.85x has a better finder than my M4.

Better in which way ?

 

[HSI]

My M6/.85x has a better finder than my M4.

In that case, you could totally sell me your inferior M4. 🙂

 

[zooyorkzooo]

So would trying to find a beater M4-2 or M4-P for around 500 be crazy?

 

[maddoc]

So would trying to find a beater M4-2 or M4-P for around 500 be crazy?

Not crazy, sounds like a good plan ! 🙂 If you don't need the 28mm frame-lines go for the M4-2 (cheapest M Leica) and otherwise for the M4-P. Plan for a CLA and buy lots of film !

 

[pvdhaar]

And CHEAP here translates to >800 USD for a beater in desperate need of a CLA!

What the heck happened with these prices?

I got my Chrome M4 early last year for 500 Euro (ca. 700 USD), inclusive an overhaul and shutter repair.. It's not pristine, but it's no beater either.

So, actually this camera is accumulating value as I shoot with it? Now there's something to factor into a purchase decision..

 

[varjag]

There are bargains on M4 now and then, especially if you look locally.

I got mine for a bit over $800, in good, clean condition, at a local brick and mortar store. I was torn between it and black M6 classic (also at very attractive price) but I didn't need in-camera meter and M4 felt nicer otherwise.

Then, Erik here is known for his ability to pick black, Everest-tested M4s for a song and dance. Mind you, this all in Norway, otherwise fairly expensive country.

 

[Rico]

Call me a tramp, but the only M4-2 I want is the gold version. 😀

 

[rxmd]

And CHEAP here translates to >800 USD for a beater in desperate need of a CLA!

Maybe there is some secret Dutch premium on M4's, but here are some recent German eBay auctions:

110194438787 - black M4P, 923 EUR ($1330) "like new" + black 35 Summicron
320184544338 - chrome M4, 816 EUR ($1180) + black 50 Summicron, Leicameter etc.
170171157280 - chrome M4, 764 EUR ($1107) + black 50 Summicron
120185175528 - chrome M4, 646 EUR ($936) + 50 Elmar plus some goodies
300170645223 - chrome M4, 599 EUR ($868) plus 12 months warranty, from a shop
180184573524 - chrome M4, 507 EUR ($735)
290181245352 - chrome M4, 502 EUR ($727) plus 12 months warranty

All random picks from the last three weeks or so, and none of them look particularly beaten. Even taking into account the absurdly low dollar, and the fact that Leicas are still bloody expensive cameras, prices look more or less bearable.

Still, M4 prices are probably on the upturn. If you want a good user Leica, how about this instead:

320186279309 - black M5, 473 EUR ($685) in fairly decent shape. Everything the M4 has, and more 😉

Philipp

 

[pvdhaar]

Maybe there is some secret Dutch premium on M4's, but here are some recent German eBay auctions:

110194438787 - black M4P, 923 EUR ($1330) "like new" + black 35 Summicron
320184544338 - chrome M4, 816 EUR ($1180) + black 50 Summicron, Leicameter etc.
170171157280 - chrome M4, 764 EUR ($1107) + black 50 Summicron
120185175528 - chrome M4, 646 EUR ($936) + 50 Elmar plus some goodies
300170645223 - chrome M4, 599 EUR ($868) plus 12 months warranty, from a shop
180184573524 - chrome M4, 507 EUR ($735)
290181245352 - chrome M4, 502 EUR ($727) plus 12 months warranty

All random picks from the last three weeks or so, and none of them look particularly beaten. Even taking into account the absurdly low dollar, and the fact that Leicas are still bloody expensive cameras, prices look more or less bearable.

Still, M4 prices are probably on the upturn. If you want a good user Leica, how about this instead:

320186279309 - black M5, 473 EUR ($685) in fairly decent shape. Everything the M4 has, and more 😉

Philipp

These prices certainly seem more reasonable. Goes to show that it does pay to look around, and especially to look abroad; I assume the high prices mentioned before this come from limited availability in some markets.

Waiting also helps.. I had to keep an eye open for 3 months before I found one at a fair price..

 

[JNewell]

Better in which way ?

Better because the higher magnification makes a real difference in terms of speed and accuracy of focusing 50/1.4 and 90/2 lenses. It is as close as you come to an M3 with a meter without doing really exotic mods. Further improvements would be getting rid of the 75mm lines (which can be done) and making the 90mm lines more like an M2 (haven't heard of anyone doing that). I don't find the flare-free VF issue to be much of an issue. My other M6, a .72x, has had that mod done by DAG and it doesn't make that much of a difference to me.

In that case, you could totally sell me your inferior M4. 🙂

I'd be happy to, at the going rate. 😉 You can see it here (LINK), btw.

 

[HSI]

I'd be happy to, at the going rate. 😉 You can see it here (LINK), btw.

Don't fool with me like that. 🙂