M4-p compared to MP

[scaryink]

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I have an M4-P and love it. I have attached an external light meter (voigtlander) which is actually quite handy as you can check metering with the camera away from your eye. What are the primary differences between these cameras excluding the built in light meter?

[thomasw_]

I have an M4-P and love it. I have attached an external light meter (voigtlander) which is actually quite handy as you can check metering with the camera away from your eye. What are the primary differences between these cameras excluding the built in light meter?

 

Appearances -- MP has the classic styling, with no red dot or model no. on the front. Generally MP users prefer the classic look of the M2/3 with its pull-up rewind arm. Some like Tom A claim the older, straight pull-up arm is stronger than the angled, faster rewind crank.

 

Mechanics -- MP has brass gears, M4-P has steel. The brass gears are smoother in operation but function the same as steel gears.

 

Optics -- MP has a newer brighter VF. It is possible to put a new MP VF in a M4-P.

[batmobile]

Aside from a light meter and improved VF there is not a lot to write about. For me, the internal meter is important and the VF makes a big difference on 0.85 finders but i have no older 0.72 finder to compare my 0.72 MP with.

 

My MPs feel more solid than my M6, but that is more likely a perception than a reality. My M6 is as smooth as my MPs too. M6 shutter seems a little louder and I put than down to the heavy brass on the MPs changing the note.

 

really, in the hand, all my Ms are the same deal. Which is kinda the point! Meter and VF may matter to you or may not.

[christoph_d]

Hi scaryink,

 

Some differences coming to my mind:

• Treatment of the exterior in case of black: MP is painted, M4-P is black chrome.
  
• Different "Leather" used as cover: MP looks like sandpaper, M4-P looks like leather.
  
• Winding lever: MP has single piece full metal version, M4-P has two-piece plastic folding lever.
  
• Rewind thing: MP has pull-out knob (á la M3), M4-P has angled rewind crank
  
• Button to unlock lens: MP has a protective rim, M4-P lacks a protective rim
  
• Flash syncronisation plugs: MP has one, M4-P two (one of them outdated...)
  
• Viewfinder windows on front of body: MP has flush windows, M4-P has recessed windows (some later version M4-P also have flush windows)
  

MP can be modified "á la carte" to a great extend.

Internally some more differences. I believe (have not tried though) that the current motor for M fits to MP but not to M4-P, and that the original M Winder does not fit to the MP.

 

Regards, C.

[tobey bilek]

Early M4P had the original vulcanite finsh (bonded rubber) and brass top like original M cameras. The very last ones had the glued on vinyl cover and were made with the zinc top plate. These cameras have flush windows like the M6. The zinc tops have been known to corrode if the alloy mix was not perfect. In any case they look like zinc if the finish wears on the corners. The camera basically looks like hell if this happens.

 

The transport on my M4 -2 + M4-P is quite rough compared to previous M cameras. The M6 was improved. MP were very close to original M 2,3, & 4. All were purchased new. I have two samples of the M6.

 

The frame lines are cheaply done in the M4-2 through the M6. You will find them thin and difficult to see if your eye is less than perfectly positioned. The original frame lines were a joy to use.

 

You got a fancy red dot . This covered the screw hole and kept you from adjusting the vertical allignment of rangefinder. Previous models could be adjusted with a simple quality screwdriver. Not sure of the M4-2. It has a screw covering, but the inside actual adjustment screw may be the tamper proof variety still in use today. All previous M were two screws.

[scaryink]

Thank you all for this information.