M4 vs. M4-2 and M4-P

[kiwidad]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The only thing I would suggest is to get an early M4-2 if that is the choice of camera you’re making. The later ones have the same rangefinder flare problem as the M6. I just added an m6 to my bag and it really suffers badly from the patch white out. My m4-2 knows no such issue.

[Ko.Fe.]

On 1/20/2025 at 10:24 PM, Deeetona said:

Is it just me, or are -2 and -P versions really commanding higher (asking) prices?

I read on several websites and blogs that especially the -P is supposed to be the bottom of the barrel M camera, e.g. https://leicaphilia.com/category/leica-m4/

Made in Canada, stamped logo on zinc top plate...

But looking at auction sites, or Leica's own "Classic" website, things seem to be different. Why? Because many people prefer the (Model name+suffix) to (Model name) variant of a product?

Because they are younger?

I doubt any of three are higher than zinc and cheapish looking M6. Some uncommon sites prices might be in fluctuation. 

M4-2 was made in small quantities. They are black (most thinks it is discrete,  some thinks build-in meter is a must).

Made in Canada is cool. M4-2 is not zinc. 

I had M4-P briefly. Didn't cut it for me. I'm not 28, but 35/21. Common funky thing with M4-P is something they used in production which evaporates into top plate window above lens mount. But you and camera has to get hot for it to happened. These days Canadian sun does it. 

M4 is obviously as good as M2/M3 but more universal as M3 and more advanced in build than M2. 

If I would have to buy film M again, I would look for recently serviced M4. Everything after M4-2 is not worth of my money. Nor I have money to overpay for something which isn't really improvement.

Edited February 27 by Ko.Fe.

[Ko.Fe.]

2 hours ago, Eli4-2 said:

The M4-2 and M4-P have plastic pieces in their sync ports which tend to break, so that's one thing to keep in mind. They do have a hot shoe though which is great. 

Not in my M4-2, I know because I removed top plate couple of times by my own.

But those parts are not really made to be unscrewed/screwed too frequently.  

[silentowl]

On 1/25/2025 at 2:41 AM, hansvons said:

I also will say that cocking the M4-P's shutter and releasing it is slightly more satisfying compared to the M6

I thought I was the only one. I learned the better part of my photography with it, so maybe it's just more nostalgic for me. I went with the MP because the new M6 didn't have those crispy clicks and lighting fast return as did the M4P. 

[otto.f]

For me an M4 should be chrome. I never liked the -2 and -P. Somehow the black M6 is much nicer and I was never very enthusiastic about the chrome version. 

[Shac]

Anyone wishing to learn more about the much unjustly-maligned M4-2 can go here (I don't own one but am allergic to internet Leica myths)

 

[davidmknoble]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I think sometimes the differences in models, like the M4/M4-2/M4-P can be less of an issue today depending on where you buy one.  My M4-P has a new MP finder in it from Leica Wetzlar and a new shutter mechanism, but is also a brass version with perfect ‘vulcanite.’  I get no flare and I’m wearing in the new shutter system which is getting less stiff with use.  So, compared to any original old M4’s of any model, the one I have is incredible.  It takes awhile to get this kind of work done, so I bought it from a Leica dealer after the work had been finished - meaning no real waiting for me!  Today, there are great old bodies that have been re-serviced and I think that is what makes them fun.