I just purchased an M4 serial number 1272xxxx in perfect working order, viewfinder clear, shutter speeds ok, no vulcunite missing, no brassing or dents, but with some chrome skuffs on top & bottom plates. It has been serviced, but I don't know by whom or when. Price is $800 delivered. This appears to be a good deal to me. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. I'm just hoping I did not overpay. Thanks... ;^)

-- Ron Snyder (STUDIO1401@AOL.COM), January 14, 2002

Answers

Sounds like a very good deal!..........

-- Muhammad Chishty (applemac97@aol.com), January 14, 2002.

you got a good deal.

-- Mitchell Li (mitchli@pacbell.net), January 14, 2002.

Tamarkin price 125xxxx VG 799.00.

-- Ed DeAngelis (edeange769@aol.com), January 14, 2002.

Sounds about right -- not great, but certainly not bad.

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), January 14, 2002.

WELL DONE, Ron. Congratulations In years to come you will look back on this as the home run it is.

-- George L. Doolittle (geodoolitt@aol.com), January 14, 2002.

That sounds like about a 9- if the scuffs aren't deep or cover more than 30% of the bottom plate and/or 10% of the top-plate. Those tend to run above US$1000 from what I've seen. If it was indeed serviced, and serviced *properly*, $800 is a good price indeed. A CLA would run $150-$300 depending on who does it, and in the case of a camera being purchased for use as opposed to collecting, the CLA is a real plus to the buyer.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), January 14, 2002.

Yep, it's a good deal! Congratulations!

-- Hoyin Lee (leehoyin@hutchcity.com), January 14, 2002.

It's an excellent price; however, I'd let Sherry Krauter do a thorough CLA. She hnows the M4 backwards and forwards. IMHO (because I have an M4) that camera is the last of the bodies assembled by jewlers - - instead of carpenters. < grin >

To get the best out of your purchase, get a good incident light meter and learn how to use it. We use a Sekonic 308, and it gives us on-target exposures.

-- George C. Berger (gberger@his.com), January 14, 2002.

Ron. Yes $ 800 is a good price for an E/E+ M4 that is in good functional condition (ie., everything works). If you plan significant use, I agree with Jay that a CLA (whether by Leica or a good repair technician such as DAG) is a good investment at $ 200- 300. This camera is 30 years old, so it will definitely need an internal cleaning and adjustment to bring it up to the original factory specifications. IMO, the shutter mechanism of a well adjusted M4 sounds significantly smoother and less "metallic" than that of the current M6. I just think they were made better in the old days.

The value of an M4 depends on two major factors: 1) cosmetic condition; and 2) whether or not it is a rare subtype or finish. Even the most common type chrome Wetzlar M4 is quite rare if it is new in the box with all original materials (that because there were relatively few collectors in those days). The price rises very steeply as you approach mint condition.

The less common varieties (black paint M4 and M4-M or MOT, black chrome (especially those engraved "Midland Canada") and the 50 yr anniversary commemoratives can reach stratospheric prices, especially in high grade condition. I've seen mint black paint M4 cameras go for $ 5000 or more (these are usually found well worn). So the valuation is complicated.

-- Eliot (erosen@lij.edu), January 14, 2002.