I am considering the purchase of a M4-2 as a secondary body to compliment my M6 and would like to get some feedback on the M4-2 in regards to, if it is in fact a good choice from those of you that own one. the pluses and minuses.

I would also like to take this opportunity in thanking all of you on this forum for making my transition from a F4 junky to a leica hippie as my friends describe me with the leica (I seem to have found my karma) very informative and helpful.

Paul

-- paul (longrange@swipnet.se), February 17, 2001

Answers

I use an M6 and an older body, an M2. The fact is that while I envisioned two cameras hanging around the neck, with two lenses, in real life, the M2 sits in the bag as a reserve camera incase the M6 quits. 90% of the time the M2 sees little action, but it is nice (comfortable) to know it is there, especially when I am far from home. I would think any M that takes all of your lenses would be a viable spare or second camera. I wouldn't, as a 35mm lens user, desire an M3, but a 50mm / 90mm person wouldn't mind it.

The M4-2 has been written up in several articles that I have read as having a potential for light leaks. I have seen this statement from several dis-associated sources, but it might be possible that it is one of those urban legends that gets passed on. I have seen it stated that a potential purchase should be tested by loading some 400 ISO film, and setting the camera in bright light for a while to see if stray light enters the camera.

You can read Steve Gandy's M buyer guide, (which doesn't mention the light leak problem), for another opinion.

http://www.cameraquest.com/mguide.htm

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), February 17, 2001.

The M4-2 is a fine camera. Its reputation suffered because of quality control issues at the Canadian factory when they started producing M cameras there. Any early serial number cameras should have had their bugs worked out by now and the later serial number cameras are fine. Because of this they are the least expensive M camera around and a great shooter. I had one and was very happy with it. I do not like to change lenses while phtotographing, so I use two bodies with two lenses. The TTL gets my most used lens while the M2 gets the other. I have been using a 35/90 kit but am going to try a 35/21 for awhile to see how that goes. At least until I can afford another M4-2 to carry my 90!

PS: Older cameras are pretty likely to need a CLA. So remember to factor that into the purchase price.

Cheers

-- John Collier (jbcollier@home.com), February 17, 2001.

There is in the universe of leica`s M, not much hidden secrets or surprises we users will find, what we dont know may be in most resent production, even we all know and trust leica factory, so I would sugest to think in the lens you`re going to use on it, if it is going to be a second lens using body, if it is going to be a second extra body that you`ll use when the one you use has to go for cleaning or something (knok on wood),in the first case I`ll sugest an M4-p, or M6 if you`re going for 50,35 or 28, a M2 or M4-2 if 35 or 50, and M3 if 50 or longer, of course the most flexible it can be, the better, but if you are positive on what are you put on it you can make a positive election ,that can suit the lens of your choice, better; if on the other hand is goin to be an extra body to use the lense or lenses you already work with, I`ll recomend to have a body the most like to the one you already have, for an M6 another M6 will be the best or an M4- P.Is interesting how diferent projects on photography can take you to choose a diferent set of cameras and lenses, for example: a)one body, one lens. b)one body, two or three lenses. c) two bodies, two using lenses. D)two bodies, four lenses. e)three bodies, three working lenses. who knows is up to your experiences and needs, just let me add the reason I`ve ended up owning four bodies, we don`t know for how long are they going to be in production, at least that`s what I though years ago, and I don`t regreat, I own two M3`s and two M4P. Any way the best of luck in your next body, fellow friend.

-- r watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), February 17, 2001.

I've got an M4-2 that I bought to replace a couple of long-retired M3s. I like it just fine, and haven't had a bit of trouble. When it came out people had a number of issues which aren't issues anymore, since they're now standard--the lack of self-timer, and cheaper covering, for instance, and I believe that's the source of a lot of it's bad rap as a "cheapened" Leica.

I don't use 28mm--I have 15 and 24 and use them with separate viewfinders--so I don't miss the 28mm finder of the M4-P. One thing I know I wouldn't like about the -P is the even lower finder magnification--already I'm at the limit focusing my 85/1.5, and .72 appeals even less to me--and the new .58 or whatever--well, forget that one entirely! In fact, since I hardly ever use 35mm either, I wish I had my M3s back, just for the lovely finder.

I've been thinking of getting a second body, and it's going to be either an M3 or another M4-2, if that says anything.

-- Michael Darnton (mdarnton@hotmail.com), February 18, 2001.

M4-2 is a fine camera, I had one for many years. One thing to consider at this point is that a used M6 non-TTL of late production (s/n 2,000,000 and up)in fine but not mint cosmetic condition, which in all probability will not need an immediate service might end up costing less than an M4-2 which might need the service in the near future (another $250, you're not likely to get the seller to discount the price that much unless it obviously needs the service now). And you'd have the built-in meter, a rubber-shrouded eyepiece, 28/75 framelines.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), February 19, 2001.