Need/want another film body: M4/M4-2/M6 or another M-A?

[logan2z]

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I'm looking to buy a second film body to pair with my M-A and have been tossing around the idea of some variant of the M4 or the M6.  The M6 is somewhat attractive because of the full set of frame lines (I use 35mm and 75mm lenses) but I don't care about the meter and it would be nice to have a camera from pre-M5 era Leica.  I'd also likely end up swapping out the M6 finder for the MP/M-A finder to avoid potential flare issues so the fact that it has all six framelines out of the box isn't that big a deal.  The M4 would also get the finder upgrade so that I could get the frame lines for the focal lengths I use.  I'm also entertaining the idea of another M-A because I love the camera, but since the second body would act mostly as a backup I don't know that I want to spend what it costs to get another M-A.  Plus it would be nice to have a camera from the 'golden age' of Leica.  So I'm pretty much coming to the conclusion that some variant of the M4 may be a good choice.  My preference is for a German-made body so the original M4 is preferable to the M4-2/M4-P (I'd love a black one but I realize those are relatively rare).  That said, I have come across a very nice M4-2 (with original box) for what I think is a decent price.  But the idea of a Canadian-made Leica niggles at me a bit (despite the fact that I'm an ex-pat Canadian ) and the compromises in materials/build quality in the M4-2/M4-P are a bit of a turn off, even though they probably don't make much difference in the camera's operation. 

 

I realize I'm rambling and pretty much know that the answer is an M4 if I can find one at a reasonable price.  But I'm just thinking out loud in the hopes that someone might share some thoughts that could either solidify, or potentially change, my direction.

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[a.noctilux]

A second M-A of different color is the only path .

If you plan to use 75mm.

The M-A's VF is so beautiful, clear and contrasty.

 

 

Wait a while for a Black Paint M4 or if you prefer Black Chrome M4 may be a sensible choice...

 

Have a look at those beauties

 

 

 

Notes to myself:

 

Don't have MP anymore, the M-A's VF is better .

The old M4 VF is dimmer, less contrasty with reflections compared to M-A : coating may be the cause.

Same with my Black Paint M4 VF not as nice as M-A's

My M4s well used are smooth in use (more than M-A)

M-A takes Leicavit M or Motor M if need be, not my M4s

 

Each Leica M IS a wonderful piece of equipment anyway.

 

 

My last film Leica

 

Edited July 23, 2018 by a.noctilux

[logan2z]

A second M-A of different color is the only path .

If you plan to use 75mm.

The M-A's VF is so beautiful, clear and contrasty.

 

That probably is the right answer, and deep down I think I know it.  I was just trying to think about another option that was more economical.

 

That stack of Ms is something to behold...

[a.noctilux]

Economical things are not in Leica world.

 

I see thing as: now second M-A (tomorrow may change)

 

wait a while you may want/need another that can be BP M4, BC M4, MP, or why not M3/M2/etc.

or STOP at two M-As (that's pretty nice)

 

stack of Ms

 

 

 

First seen here post #40:

https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/236926-i-love-my-m-a/page-2

 

(...november 2014, time flows quite quickly )

Edited July 24, 2018 by a.noctilux

[Ko.Fe.]

My first M is M4-2. Came in working condition from Japan and I used it as everyday, everywhere camera. After two years, smashing it on the concrete (re-glued RF prism)  and taking it on important trip it has some film advancing gear broke. I was still able to use it and later on spend half-a-year waiting for parts. But they say ELC and Germany have exactly same gears, I even seen pictures of it. 

If you check GW history, he was constantly buying, fixing made in Germany M Leica. 

But. After having M4-P I sold it quick. I also owned M3 ELC for two years and it was very different camera from regular ELC, including M4 Black ELC I have in my hands (I was not impressed). I sold this DS M3 ELC fully working with original C (Canada) seal. All was original in it. It looks like this seal was never replaced after it left Midland in fifties. And every time I used this camera I understand why.

 

For now I only keeping M4-2. I'm not HCB or GW. I need just one Leica M camera.

I keep M4-2 because I'm New Canadian taking pictures of Canada. It is very special to show camera made in Canada while you are in Canada. At least for me. I can't even sell Cron 50 v4 because it is ELC. , maybe I'll exchange it to 21 M ELC lens one day...

 

One thing to notice, all three M I had and all other types of M I have in my hands were different in how shutter speed dual operated.

And somehow I'm finding M4-2 shutter speed dial just right.

 

Yet, if I would be in not Canada or less patriotic, sentimental while I'm here I would get M4 or M2. They are very different cameras from M4-2, M4-P. Or if I would buy second M, it would be M2 ELC.

[enboe]

MP, because having one camera with a meter is a good thing.

M4-2, because having an M worth less = less stress of damage.

 

Or just collect them all...

[otto.f]

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I'm looking to buy a second film body to pair with my M-A and have been tossing around the idea of some variant of the M4 or the M6. The M6 is somewhat attractive because of the full set of frame lines (I use 35mm and 75mm lenses) but I don't care about the meter and it would be nice to have a camera from pre-M5 era Leica. I'd also likely end up swapping out the M6 finder for the MP/M-A finder to avoid potential flare issues so the fact that it has all six framelines out of the box isn't that big a deal. The M4 would also get the finder upgrade so that I could get the frame lines for the focal lengths I use. I'm also entertaining the idea of another M-A because I love the camera, but since the second body would act mostly as a backup I don't know that I want to spend what it costs to get another M-A. Plus it would be nice to have a camera from the 'golden age' of Leica. So I'm pretty much coming to the conclusion that some variant of the M4 may be a good choice. My preference is for a German-made body so the original M4 is preferable to the M4-2/M4-P (I'd love a black one but I realize those are relatively rare). That said, I have come across a very nice M4-2 (with original box) for what I think is a decent price. But the idea of a Canadian-made Leica niggles at me a bit (despite the fact that I'm an ex-pat Canadian ) and the compromises in materials/build quality in the M4-2/M4-P are a bit of a turn off, even though they probably don't make much difference in the camera's operation.

 

I realize I'm rambling and pretty much know that the answer is an M4 if I can find one at a reasonable price. But I'm just thinking out loud in the hopes that someone might share some thoughts that could either solidify, or potentially change, my direction.

Yes I can solidify you on an original Wetzlar M4, because the M4-2 and -P have never had that charisma for me as an M4. Which is not at all saying that Canada didn’t do anything good, on the contrary, some of the best lenses came from there.

My first Leica was an M4 in 1990, had an M6 and an M6TTL afterwards but have returned 3 times to an M4. Because? The most sturdy M I know, probably mostly because of the top plate. I have always worked with a Summilux75 on the M4 and it didn’t bother me at all, you’ll get used to it very soon.

Edited July 28, 2018 by otto.f

[FrozenInTime]

Instead of an off the shelf M-A, how about a titanium shuttered m3 m4 hybrid:

 

https://www.35mmc.com/22/07/2018/leica-m3-titan-panda-leica-m4-p-super-rat-cameraworks-uk-custom-cameras/

 

No more curtain holes when using that Noctilux wide open with ISO 25 film.

[ianman]

I realize I'm rambling and pretty much know that the answer is an M4 if I can find one at a reasonable price.  But I'm just thinking out loud in the hopes that someone might share some thoughts that could either solidify, or potentially change, my direction.

 

The M4 doesn't have 75mm framelines does it?. I think the first to have them is the M4-P.

So I would echo what's been written already, get yourself a second M-A :-)

[logan2z]

The M4 doesn't have 75mm framelines does it?

 

No, it doesn't.  That's why I mentioned I'd probably upgrade to the MP/M-A finder if I bought an M4.  But I think I've decided to just go for another M-A.  Silver this time

[pico]

Short, simple, to the point: If you enjoy the M-A, then get another one.

 

Briefly, before getting a Summilux 75mm I was perfectly happy with two M2s and a few M4s. I still have a few of those bodies. After getting the Summilux I tried an M4-P and to my simple mind it was a cluttered viewfinder disaster, and my sample had a less smooth advance. Maybe I got a bad sample.

Edited July 28, 2018 by pico

[logan2z]

Short, simple, to the point: If you enjoy the M-A, then get another one.

 

That's my plan.

[ianman]

After getting the Summilux I tried an M4-P and to my simple mind it was a cluttered viewfinder disaster, and my sample had a less smooth advance. Maybe I got a bad sample.

 

Cluttered ? By what, the double framelines ?

[PFM]

Pico's advice about getting another M-A is spot on, because it keeps the confusion down since all the controls, and viewfinder will be the same.  Only thing you have to worry about then is what film is in which camera.

 

PF

[Mute-on]

M2 with a 35 is the purest M film Leica combination ever available.

 

I have M2, MP and M4. IMO, the M2 is clearly better made than the others.

[A miller]

I'm looking to buy a second film body to pair with my M-A and have been tossing around the idea of some variant of the M4 or the M6.  The M6 is somewhat attractive because of the full set of frame lines (I use 35mm and 75mm lenses) but I don't care about the meter and it would be nice to have a camera from pre-M5 era Leica.  I'd also likely end up swapping out the M6 finder for the MP/M-A finder to avoid potential flare issues so the fact that it has all six framelines out of the box isn't that big a deal.  The M4 would also get the finder upgrade so that I could get the frame lines for the focal lengths I use.  I'm also entertaining the idea of another M-A because I love the camera, but since the second body would act mostly as a backup I don't know that I want to spend what it costs to get another M-A.  Plus it would be nice to have a camera from the 'golden age' of Leica.  So I'm pretty much coming to the conclusion that some variant of the M4 may be a good choice.  My preference is for a German-made body so the original M4 is preferable to the M4-2/M4-P (I'd love a black one but I realize those are relatively rare).  That said, I have come across a very nice M4-2 (with original box) for what I think is a decent price.  But the idea of a Canadian-made Leica niggles at me a bit (despite the fact that I'm an ex-pat Canadian ) and the compromises in materials/build quality in the M4-2/M4-P are a bit of a turn off, even though they probably don't make much difference in the camera's operation. 

 

I realize I'm rambling and pretty much know that the answer is an M4 if I can find one at a reasonable price.  But I'm just thinking out loud in the hopes that someone might share some thoughts that could either solidify, or potentially change, my direction.

 

you should change it up and get a really good condition M4.  Spend the extra money on a vacation.