M3/m4-2

[pipefish]

Hi,

Want to get a Leica to replace my Hexar AF. My only requirement is 1) VF that can be viewed clearly in very low light as I will be using it for street shooting. I do not need electronics, so have ruled out the M6, M7 and MP. I'm currently looking at the M3 and M4-2, partly also because of price (want to spend the rest on f1.4 glass).

For me, the advantage of the M3 is build quality and the VF, whereas M4-2 is cheap, apparently is easier to load, and also has framelines for the 35mm. However, I have heard of build quality issues with the M4-2. My preference at the moment is for the M4-2 because of the framelines for 35mm. I treat my cameras with care, so as long as the M4-2 doesn't fall apart by itself, I can take the risk.

I'd be interested to hear if you guys have any practical experience with either body, and which one you personally prefer.

I have read the previous posts on the M3/MP btw, but there wasn't much discussion on the M4-2.

Cheers,

Alan

[Red Dawn]

Hi

there really isn't much of a choice if you want the 35mm framelines. the m4-2 or m4p will provide that.

Alternatively consider a M2. That might be a better choice. Same build quality as the M3, only with 35mm framelines. But u'll have to live with the slow film loading mechanism. (which is the same as the M3 anyway)

[y0gi0h]

Originally Posted by pipefish Hi, Want to get a Leica to replace my Hexar AF. My only requirement is 1) VF that can be viewed clearly in very low light as I will be using it for street shooting. I do not need electronics, so have ruled out the M6, M7 and MP. I'm currently looking at the M3 and M4-2, partly also because of price (want to spend the rest on f1.4 glass). For me, the advantage of the M3 is build quality and the VF, whereas M4-2 is cheap, apparently is easier to load, and also has framelines for the 35mm. However, I have heard of build quality issues with the M4-2. My preference at the moment is for the M4-2 because of the framelines for 35mm. I treat my cameras with care, so as long as the M4-2 doesn't fall apart by itself, I can take the risk. I'd be interested to hear if you guys have any practical experience with either body, and which one you personally prefer. I have read the previous posts on the M3/MP btw, but there wasn't much discussion on the M4-2. Cheers, Alan

Of all Leica M's, M4-2 has the worst reputation in terms of build quality. I had tried it before and it is considerably less smooth than M3 or M4, slightly worse than M4P and M6. Functionally similar to M4 (no self-timer but has a flash sync). VF design is identical to M4P and M6 (ie. more flare-prone than M2,3,4.) It is the higher failure rate reported that is worrying.

M4-2 is the lowest priced Leica M in the market. If you can find one in full working order for around S$1.2K, then go for it. Else, get an M4P (~$1.8K) or a M6 Classic (~$2K).

Hope this helps.

[pipefish]

Thanks. I'm going to look for a good condition and newer serial number M4-2 at the moment. Have seen some mint ones on eBay and saw a few at TCW. Will probably have to send it in for servicing and to get the rangefinder adjusted. If there aren't any, then I I will look at the M4 or M4-2.

Mainly use 50mm, but its always nice to have the flexibility for 35mm. Doubt I will ever use the 28/90/135 lengths, so no need for those framelines!

[pipefish]

Am now a proud owner of a M4-P, which I got at a very decent price.

Cheers

[glchua]

I am considering a leica system too. May I ask what is the current market price for M4-2?

[XXX Boy]

Originally Posted by pipefish Am now a proud owner of a M4-P, which I got at a very decent price. Cheers

Congrats on your purchase!! Hope you enjoy using your M4-P!

[pipefish]

I paid 1k for my M4-P. I am using it with a 50 f2 'cron.

The other M4-2s and M4-Ps I saw were all around $1500-1800.
For that price, I would rather buy a M2 or M3.

PS: thanks XXX boy! I bought 20 rolls of Tri-X after that - to give me plenty of ammo.

Originally Posted by glchua I am considering a leica system too. May I ask what is the current market price for M4-2?

[XXX Boy]

Originally Posted by pipefish I paid 1k for my M4-P. I am using it with a 50 f2 'cron. The other M4-2s and M4-Ps I saw were all around $1500-1800. For that price, I would rather buy a M2 or M3. PS: thanks XXX boy! I bought 20 rolls of Tri-X after that - to give me plenty of ammo.

You are really lucky to get a Leica M4-P for 1k! My friend got his chrome one (rare) for $1600.
I am too using the 50 'cron too! It is really a very good lens! Enjoy!

ps. I also like to using Tri-X too! Have you tried Fuji's Neopan?

[Red Dawn]

Originally Posted by pipefish I paid 1k for my M4-P. I am using it with a 50 f2 'cron. The other M4-2s and M4-Ps I saw were all around $1500-1800. For that price, I would rather buy a M2 or M3. PS: thanks XXX boy! I bought 20 rolls of Tri-X after that - to give me plenty of ammo.

$1k for M4p, wow. anymore where that came from?!

[pipefish]

My film choice is simple: Tri-X, Delta 3200 and E100VS for slides. I have used Neopan. I find that it has good latitude and nice grain. But since I am happy with Tri-X, I'll stick to it for the time-being.

To all who asked: got my M4-P at Anthony's Collection. If I did not see that one, I would have bought an M2/3, which are also wonderful cameras.

Originally Posted by XXX Boy You are really lucky to get a Leica M4-P for 1k! My friend got his chrome one (rare) for $1600. I am too using the 50 'cron too! It is really a very good lens! Enjoy! ps. I also like to using Tri-X too! Have you tried Fuji's Neopan?

[y0gi0h]

Originally Posted by pipefish My film choice is simple: Tri-X, Delta 3200 and E100VS for slides. I have used Neopan. I find that it has good latitude and nice grain. But since I am happy with Tri-X, I'll stick to it for the time-being. To all who asked: got my M4-P at Anthony's Collection. If I did not see that one, I would have bought an M2/3, which are also wonderful cameras.

To get an M4-P for 1k @Anthony's Collection??
You must be a real lucky guy