M4 if you like using external light meter?

[fsprow]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I use the MR-4 and find it (with conversion to use modern batteries) works well.  Sometimes in low light the iPhone light meter is more sensitive.

[bocaburger]

At one time or another I've owned every model M Leica right up to the M7 and MP, except for the M1 and MD/MDa.  The ones I kept when I went digital are a pair of M4's.  The lack of TTL meter doesn't bother me a bit. 

 

That said, the biggest consideration for me between an M4 or M6 body today would be that it had a CLA in the last 5 years done by someone with a Leica pedigree. 

[Wayne]

Bocaburger,

 

Thanks for the comment. The CLA point is one that is first and foremost in my mind. It seems that many of the cameras available on Ebay include statements about recent CLA, but I cannot think of any way to verify the fact. 

 

The thing that prompted my interest in another film M is the fact that my M3 is in line for a CLA from a hight recommended individual. Unfortunately, such an enterprise takes quite a bit of time. The last thing I want is to purchase a second camera that is in need of a CLA. I suppose I should ask for some kind of documentation concerning any claimed "recent CLA."

 

I appreciate your chiming in on your experience with the various film Ms. I am leaning toward M4 at this time. I mean, if I buy an M4, I get the joy of shoping for a Leica meter. If I go for the M6, the meter is already in the camera..................How much fun can that be?

 

What I am sort of surprised by is the fact that, at least for the examples available on Ebay, the M4-P cameras are priced as high, or higher, than the M4 cameras. Call it ignorance on my part, but I assumed that, being produced in Canada, the M4-P cameras would be priced lower than M4 cameras. I suppose I should do a bit more research into the difference between the M4 and M4-P before I settle.

 

Thanks again.

[dot-me-not]

I have a late M6 TTL with the MP viewfinder upgrade and an early M4-P. There's something about the look and feel of the M4-P that pleases me a bit more. Maybe it's the size. They're very compact. Minty ones, boxed even, can be got for well under a grand. The quality seems excellent. It's just a great little shooter. I use Sunny 16 with it and get by pretty well.