I love my M4

[wlaidlaw]

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There is something sexy about black paint old Leicas though. I have black paint 1C Standard and Model II. All my Leicas from M4 onwards are chrome or steel grey. I might go for a black one next but it depends how big an advance the next M is from the M240. I suspect it is just going to be the same sensor (still needs amortising) with the VF off the T and maybe a Maestro II processor.

 

Wilson

[Guest Ansel_Adams]

I already have a chrome M4 and an M3 and an M - all of which see heavy use. My M4 just took over 800 images in northern Pakistan (Hindu Kush - documenting new school projects) and I love it.

 

The black paint M4 will just sit on a shelf where I can admire it and pass it along to the kids. Offered $3500 which was accepted.

 

Cool. Don't forget to post a few pics here when you receive it so we can all drool along with you...

[Rick]

My M4 Black Chrome. Mint. I bought this as a shooter and thought I'd actually use it. When it arrived, I couldn't find anything wrong with it, not even a smudge. The M4 is amazingly beautiful. So, I guess it would be wise to try and pick up a shooter as well?

 

Rick

 

 

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[pico]

For you I have a 1968 Leica M4 black enamel body, never used, still in a presentation box with the strap in its original wrap, never put on the body.

 

Go for broke. I will use the money for new eyeglasses and dental work. seriously

[Rick]

For you I have a 1968 Leica M4 black enamel body, never used, still in a presentation box with the strap in its original wrap, never put on the body.

 

Go for broke. I will use the money for new eyeglasses and dental work. seriously

 

I bet your M4 black enamel is awfully nice, but I'm not a collector, although I do also have a couple LTM cameras and lenses that are mint or near. Your black enamel M4 is more of a collector piece.

 

They made a lot of black chrome M4 cameras like mine in 1974. It isn't much of a collector like your never used one in a presentation box. I use all my cameras including the II, IIIg, IIIg, M2, M3. I was going to use this M4, but now I'm not sure.

 

Do you think it is much of a collector or do you think it should just be used like my other stuff, which I have never posted here.

 

Rick

 

ps As I've said before I enjoy most everything you have posted here in the last couple years.

[wlaidlaw]

My M4 Black Chrome. Mint. I bought this as a shooter and thought I'd actually use it. When it arrived, I couldn't find anything wrong with it, not even a smudge. The M4 is amazingly beautiful. So, I guess it would be wise to try and pick up a shooter as well?

 

Rick

 

Rick,

 

Is that a Midland camera? Does it have the 28mm framelines. That is the only thing I slightly feel my M4 lacks, being an early one (#47 of all M4's made) but in reality, you can just use the outside of the viewfinder frame.

 

Now you need a nice black MR-2 meter to go with it

 

Wilson

[Rick]

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Rick,

 

Is that a Midland camera?

 

It is a Wetzlar version.

 

Does it have the 28mm framelines.

 

It has the 35/50/90/135 lines.

 

That is the only thing I slightly feel my M4 lacks, being an early one (#47 of all M4's made) but in reality, you can just use the outside of the viewfinder frame.

 

Your's must be the M4 black lacquer? #47 makes your's special. Do you shoot it? How did you come to own it?

 

Now you need a nice black MR-2 meter to go with it

 

I'd like to have one of those meters. I can guess pretty well with B&W Trix. Color I use my iPhone App and it is really good.

 

Wilson

 

 

Rick

[MarkP]

Rick,

 

Is that a Midland camera? Does it have the 28mm framelines. That is the only thing I slightly feel my M4 lacks, being an early one (#47 of all M4's made) but in reality, you can just use the outside of the viewfinder frame.

 

Wilson

 

This is has put me off an M4 as I use my 28mm Summicron a lot,

or I could get an M4-P for the 28mm framelines,

or I could get an M6, which is an M4-P with a light meter,

or I could get an MP, which is an M6 with increased production quality,

or I could get an M7, which is an M6 with Auto,

or I could get an M-A, which is a 21st century M4-P

or I could get an M4 , which would save me whole lot of money.

And so the circle of life with Leica goes round and round and round...

Edited November 27, 2014 by MarkP

[philipus]

My M4 Black Chrome. Mint. I bought this as a shooter and thought I'd actually use it. When it arrived, I couldn't find anything wrong with it, not even a smudge. The M4 is amazingly beautiful. So, I guess it would be wise to try and pick up a shooter as well?

 

Rick

 

 

[ATTACH]470543[/ATTACH]

 

Rick, that is a very, very beautiful M4, congratulations.

 

I use my "original condition" black paint M4 which many may think is wrong. Sure, it's already had its baptism of fire by being used by a photojournalist so more scratches, brassing or dings won't affect its value much, but it's nevertheless considered a collectible by many. Likewise, I've used my TTL Millennium heavily the last several years and it is now quite worn.

 

So this explains where I am coming from when I say "use it". Put a half-case on it if you're worried about scratches etc but let it do what it was intended to do. Don't lock up beauty in a cupboard; let it be seen.

 

Philip

[Stealth3kpl]

Yes, use it Rick. I'm determined that I won't be upset by scratches and marks on my BP MPs. I'm careful with them, but I won't worry if they clang together whilst hanging around my neck. Ultimately, I think they look better to have been used. I don't see the point of having cameras unless they're put to use. What's a couple of thousand in the grand scheme of things compared to the fun and satisfaction you'll have using it?

Pete

[wlaidlaw]

Rick,

 

My M4 is a chrome one and I have had it from new. Lizars in Aberdeen, Scotland had just received one as their demo but my father persuaded them to sell it to him for my 21st birthday present. Initially the only lens I had was my father's elderly 50/3.5 Elmar, which he used for enlarging, on an LTM to M adapter. I have a chrome MR-2 to go with it.

 

Wilson

[Rick]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I use my cameras, too. My M8 was so beat up the local dealer didn't want it for trade. The M9 was less beat up and I got a fair trade-in on the M240. So far, the M240 is is the least beat up. I'm getting better about taking care of it. But, I really don't mind any of the marks. I am just trying a bit harder because it makes it easier to get rid of at the end of life. The camera, I mean.

 

The M4 came from Tamarkin and is mint. When Stan lists "mint"... it is mint. I think I'll just sell it on eBay (should profit). I'll look for another. But, I'll enjoy it for a while and try to sneak a roll through it.

 

I really like the finder for 35mm (Silver 2.8 Summarron) which looks so cool on the black M4. Very fast to focus as well.

[gsgary]

Rick, that is a very, very beautiful M4, congratulations.

 

I use my "original condition" black paint M4 which many may think is wrong. Sure, it's already had its baptism of fire by being used by a photojournalist so more scratches, brassing or dings won't affect its value much, but it's nevertheless considered a collectible by many. Likewise, I've used my TTL Millennium heavily the last several years and it is now quite worn.

 

So this explains where I am coming from when I say "use it". Put a half-case on it if you're worried about scratches etc but let it do what it was intended to do. Don't lock up beauty in a cupboard; let it be seen.

 

Philip

I'm like you I picked up a mint boxed all paperwork 70 year anniversary M4-P that gets used every time I go out (no half case) I pick it up before my worn M4-2

[pico]

[,,,]Do you think it is much of a collector or do you think it should just be used[...].

 

 

How the next owner treats it is none of my concern. As I wrote earlier I bought another of the same lot, threw away the box and papers and through daily newspaper work, it looked like a wreck in two years.

 

I have kept this one because I am an Olde Pharte now, but will likely let go for practical reasons: I desperately need dental work and new glasses. That is what age has come to.

 

Pax,

Edited November 28, 2014 by pico

[bocaburger]

I've bought and sold a bunch of M's over the years, M2, M3, M42, M4P, M6, M6TTL, M7, MP...many of them in pairs. But I've always held onto two M4's I bought in the early 70's, got lots of marks and dings but had them CLA'd by DAG a few years ago. Have a few MR4 meters I brought back to life and recalibrated for the 1.5v batteries. The M4 is my favorite film M. It's the combination of features and fit/finish I think. I probably won't ever use them again (haven't shot film in a few years) but they're at the ready if and when.

[Rick]

How the next owner treats it is none of my concern. As I wrote earlier I bought another of the same lot, threw away the box and papers and through daily newspaper work, it looked like a wreck in two years.

 

I have kept this one because I am an Olde Pharte now, but will likely let go for practical reasons: I desperately need dental work and new glasses. That is what age has come to.

 

Pax,

 

I was actually asking if my mint M4 was a collector, but the same applies. Anyway, I decided to sell it because it is worth more mint and then, I can just buy a cheap beat up shooter with some character. I'm not enough of a film shooter to justify such an expensive camera. And, although I like to play around with nice Leicas, I'm no white gloved collector - so it is going on eBay after I have a chance to enjoy it for a while.

 

I don't know what part of the country you are in, but if you are ever in Seattle I'll examine your eyes for nothing and make you a nice pair of glasses at cost. Keep it in mind.

 

Cheers,

 

Rick

[pico]

I was actually asking if my mint M4 was a collector, but the same applies. Anyway, I decided to sell it because it is worth more mint and then, I can just buy a cheap beat up shooter with some character. I'm not enough of a film shooter to justify such an expensive camera. And, although I like to play around with nice Leicas, I'm no white gloved collector - so it is going on eBay after I have a chance to enjoy it for a while.

 

 

 

I don't know what part of the country you are in, but if you are ever in Seattle I'll examine your eyes for nothing and make you a nice pair of glasses at cost. Keep it in mind.

 

 

 

Cheers,

 

 

 

Rick

 

 

Thank you Rick but I doubt I will ever be in your area. You are most generous and considerate.

 

Still I think you should own a never used mint black enamel Leica M4 so I will mention you in my will.

 

It will say, "Hi Rick! I threw the Leica M4 into the lake near my house,"

 

-- Pico from the state of 10,000 lakes.

Edited December 15, 2014 by pico

[jcraf]

This week I finally took the plunge and bought just about the only M model I have never owned, the magnificent M4. I have always hankered after one, and especially in black paint. I found this one on eBay, and got it for what I consider a very decent price. It arrived today and seems to be in lovely condition, mechanically and cosmetically, with a bit of brassing.

 

It is from 1967, and is confirmed as a genuine black paint camera according to the Cameraquest 'list'. Interestingly it has a little square importers badge below the frame selector which includes the word Cattaneo, who I think was the/a Italian Leica importer for a while.

 

I am now looking forward to shooting a roll or three.......

 

Here she is with my 35 Summicron v4.

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[sblitz]

a beautiful camera ....... use it, use it, use it!

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[jcraf]

a beautiful camera ....... use it, use it, use it!

 

Thanks. I'll be doing so tomorrow!!

 

It is a dream in the hand, even smoother than my M2 and MP. Lovely, lovely thing.

 

Regards