I'm considering buying an m4-2(1503xxxx) with a 35mm canadian summicron (271xx). It sounds like a great deal...$1,000....But, a few things. The shutter sticks at 1 sec. Also, the alignment on the focusing seems too be off by just a little. I haven't processed film yet, but i think it should be fine as far as having pictures in focus. Condition on camera i'd say i about a 6...maybe 7. it definetly loos like a well used a camera. Other than what i've mentioned it looks and feels like a good working camera. Just wondering i the price is good.

-- eric (grigoriane@yahoo.com), May 19, 2001

Answers

IMO, you should plan on doing a CLA on the body and the lens. So at $1000 plus the cost of the CLA's, the deal sounds about right depending on condition...

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), May 19, 2001.

The camera may have much of its life already spent from your decription. Unless you want to go for the "beater" look, I'd personally want to stay away from a rough camera-hard as hell to sell if you ever need to. I wouldn't pay $1000 for the outfit unless the lens was near mint. How was the lens--in similar shape to the camera?

-- Andrew schank (aschank@flash.net), May 19, 2001.

Here is a good check list to run down:

http://www.cameraquest.com/mguide.htm#M%20Buyer's%20Ch ecklist

The slow speeds not working properly is pretty common on older cameras so I would not worry about that as a CLA will fix it up. The focusing is also easily adjusted during the CLA. The bad news is that a CLA runs a fair penny with $250US being the going rate (it has been a while since I did mine though). It is pretty hard to wear a M camera out, not impossible, but not very common. I seem to remember the shutter being good for 500 000 firings or so (14 000 rolls). The M camera does require regular CLAs, say every five to ten years.

Cheers,

-- John Collier (jbcollier@powersurfr.com), May 19, 2001.

From where I am (Hong Kong), a functioning M4-2 with 35mm Summicron sounds like a fairly good deal. The same combo would fetch much more in Hong Kong or Japan, from anything between $1,500 to $2,000. Like John has said, the sticky slow shutter and focusing alignment can be fixed by a CLA. It's not cheap if it's to be serviced by Leica ($180 is the current rate in Hong Kong), but I probably won't entrust my Leica to anyone else. Anyway, back to the M4-2 and lens, if the pictures turn out OK, I'll say grab them before someone else does and leave you regret for the rest of your life!!!

-- Hoyin Lee (leehoyin@hutchcity.com), May 20, 2001.

typo: " . . . a functioning M4-2 with 35mm Summicron at $1,000 sounds like a fairly good deal."

-- Hoyin Lee (leehoyin@hutchcity.com), May 20, 2001.

warning: CLA does not always clear sticking slow shutter speeds - personal experience. Leica M shutters are tested/designed for 50000 cycles (leica brochure), nikon F2, F3, F4 for 150000 cycles, nikon fm2/fe2 for 100000, f90 is supposed to be 100000 but apparently film wind motor can die well before that, canon eos n1 for 100000, and I understand eos n1v for 150000

-- Sait Akkirman (akkirman@clear .net.nz), May 20, 2001.

1. Would like to know the brochure where Leica claims the M shutter is good for only 50,000 cycles. 2. I do not agree that a Leica needs a CLA 5-10 years. If the camera is kept reasonably active and not used in extreme climatic conditions (especially dust, heat and humidity)it can go much longer than that. My personal modus is to use them until something actually goes wrong. The CLA (a.k.a. overhaul) costs the same either way. I've spoken to several factory-trained Leica techs...Leicas aren't wristwatches, you're not going to cause premature wear on parts by not having it relubed periodically as long as it feels smooth to operate and nothing's sticking, "if it ain't broke don't fix it". When a Leica needs a CLA it is not shy about asking! 3. An M4-2 in 6 condition with a 35/2 Canadian Summicron in same condition (good glass) would probably sell for $1000-1100 if everything was working fine. So the repairs ($300-350 for body and lens if in fact it is the lens and not rangefinder that's off)will not be recoverable upon resale.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), May 20, 2001.

jay, the brochure mentioned was from late 80's or early 90's, if and when I find it I will let you know, 1997 leica fotografie special issue leica M6 quotes 100,000 cycles, and goes on to say that it is not uncommon for a camera to come back for "inspection" after 200,000 or more exposures.

-- Sait Akkirman (akkirman@clear.net.nz), May 21, 2001.

Eric, it takes about 15 min to repair 1 sec speed: take off a baseplate and a bottom cover with a diagram (3 screws), loosen contrariwise at 15-30 degree the second (from the left) screw with a screwdriver of 4mm width. With this screw you adjust the brake of the first curtain, which activates the slow speed mechanism movement.

Check how fast curtains are moving, if weakly or the film gate opens partly (at 1/30 sec), or if you see the bar of second curtains when shutter released, the main springs are to be adjusted. If you have not experience leave this work and RF-adjusting for a rofessional.

Good luck,

-- Victor Randin (ved@enran.com.ua), May 22, 2001.

Eric, it takes about 15 min to repair 1 sec speed: take off a baseplate and a bottom cover with a diagram (3 screws), loosen contrariwise at 15-30 degree the second (from the left) screw with a screwdriver of 4mm width. With this screw you adjust the brake of the first curtain, which activates the slow speed mechanism movement.

Check how fast curtains are moving, if weakly or the film gate opens partly (at 1/30 sec), or if you see the bar of second curtains when shutter released, the main springs are to be adjusted. If you have not experience leave this work and RF-adjusting for a professional.

Good luck,

-- Victor Randin (ved@enran.com.ua), May 22, 2001.

Remember that the most important components are the lens optics and the shutter speed accuracy, not the overall esthetic of the camera. 1000.00$ US seems like a very price to me. (IMO)

-- Eric Laurence (Edgar1976@hotmail.com), May 27, 2001.