Leica M4

Miskuss · Dec 12, 2011

I have the opportunity to bid on a Leica M4 series. It's black and has Ernst Leitz Canada LTD, Midland Canada markings on it. It looks to be in good shape. Some people tell me that it is rare and it's value could be worth $5000.
But I have about $1250 to spare in hopes of getting a bargain. It's not ebay so there is no way of knowing if a higher bid has been made. Should I dig deeper? If so what would you pay for one? :confused:

EthanFrank · Dec 12, 2011

$5000 sounds a little high...unless I'm missing something; I'm no collector.

chioque · Dec 12, 2011

Yes black-paint M4 is rare, and collector may not hesitate to pay for it. Although, to me it's still overpriced. IMHO, unless you're a collector and only want to display in rather than using it, better get other ordinary Leica M4s or M2s.

Miskuss · Dec 12, 2011

I agree 5k is a lot of coin. But this is a "lot" of cameras. The M4 and 2 nikon bodies. An F3 Series and a F2AS which look nice.
But I'm not interested in the nikons, I have nikons F2, two F3's and a pair of F4's. I wanted a rangefinder that was tough and will last.
So if I win at $1250, I'll sell off the nikons. Then I can look for a Leica lens, which will most likely be a Voigtlander M mount.
Thanks for your feedback, appreciate it!

Rol_Lei Nut · Dec 13, 2011

You can get a chrome M4 in a reputable shop in Germany, complete with a "try out" guarantee, for 650....

While the black paint ones definitely look nice, I would hesitate paying even twice as much for it.

Also, I wouldn't sell all your SLRs: a Leica M is nice, but doesn't do everything. You will probably still need an SLR, at least sometimes.

John Austin · Dec 13, 2011

The Black Canadian M4s are considered "uncool", or so I have been told when wearing one, so the $5000 figure is very silly

Regarding the "uncoolness" of the M4, don't let it worry you and if it does, cut a red sticker from a Leica catalogue, glue it on and very few people will know the difference - I used a friends very battered black M4 for years and found it worked superbly - Then his M6s started to get sick one by one and I had to return it so he had a dependable camera - Since then he gone digital for magazine work, but has not let me have the battered M4 back - Possibly because I told him he only wore it as costume jewelery while working with digital

darkosaric · Dec 13, 2011

jbaphoto said:
cut a red sticker from a Leica catalogue, glue it on and very few people will know the difference

I put piece of black duct tape to hide red sticker on my M6 - too many of those "...is this a Leica..." question on the street

Miskuss · Dec 13, 2011

jbaphoto said:
The Black Canadian M4s are considered "uncool", or so I have been told when wearing one, so the $5000 figure is very silly

Fine by me. I'm a Canadian that loves M series Leica's, so no conflict there. If it's a bargain I'd use it, even if it were in KTM orange

But. I have still to win this "lot" fingers crossed

Thx for your input all!

Cheers

Miskuss · Dec 13, 2011

darkosaric said:
I put piece of black duct tape to hide red sticker on my M6 - too many of those "...is this a Leica..." question on the street

Darko, I saw your post and noticed you're in Warsaw. My mother is from the Warsaw area "Wolomin" and I haven't been there since early 80's, so I looked at your images.
I really dig your work man. Nice!

darkosaric · Dec 14, 2011

Miskuss said:
Darko, I saw your post and noticed you're in Warsaw. My mother is from the Warsaw area "Wolomin" and I haven't been there since early 80's, so I looked at your images.
I really dig your work man. Nice!

You are too kind to me , thank you, thank you.

btw - Warsaw has changed a lot since 80's - now is much more modern, many new building, sturbucks and other things are common ...

jordanstarr · Dec 14, 2011

You mentioned it was a black M4 series....could it be the M4-2 or M4-P? I think those are the 2 that were Midland manufactured, not the original M4. If that's the case, even $1250 is dodgey as I've seen those go for much much less (like $400-800 less). If it's an original black paint M4 (not just a black painted chrome one) then yes, you're looking at $1300-$5000 in value based on it's condition. I'd jump on it and sell it and get a couple "normal" Leica M bodies, but if it's the M4-2 or M4-P, I'd bid low ($600) or skip it all together.

Miskuss · Dec 14, 2011

Well the lot sold for $2,211.00 almost twice what I bid. Thanks everybody, I didn't get the M4 but I got an education.
Cheers
Ted

pobe · Dec 22, 2011

There was a few "original" M4s done in Canada. Bad luck, if you want one just keep looking. The M4 is great, even in chrome

hobbes · Dec 22, 2011

Miskuss said:
I have the opportunity to bid on a Leica M4 series. It's black and has Ernst Leitz Canada LTD, Midland Canada markings on it. It looks to be in good shape. Some people tell me that it is rare and it's value could be worth $5000.
But I have about $1250 to spare in hopes of getting a bargain. It's not ebay so there is no way of knowing if a higher bid has been made. Should I dig deeper? If so what would you pay for one? :confused:

The amount you have to spare is just well enough to get a good bargain on a near mint M6 early release (1986-1987) !! (I got mine for 900euro). Don't bother yourself looking for collectables just seek a well preserved decency instead.. I'd recommend ebay sellers specialized with this kind of gear with good amount of positive feedback and well responsive to questions you may certainly have..

Rol_Lei Nut said:
You can get a chrome M4 in a reputable shop in Germany, complete with a "try out" guarantee, for 650....

While the black paint ones definitely look nice, I would hesitate paying even twice as much for it.

Also, I wouldn't sell all your SLRs: a Leica M is nice, but doesn't do everything. You will probably still need an SLR, at least sometimes.

I agree with Rol_Lei Nut, don't quit SLR .. mine OM-1n is a good backup and there will always be an opportunity to use it - say film testing, some close-ups shots or a situation (some street unrests or dangerous districts) where exposing your precious Leica is too risky..

davela · Dec 22, 2011

I paid about $750 for a really good chrome one recently - normally they are a little more however

Leica M4

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