Dan Kerin

 Leica M4-2

For many people eager to enter the Leica M ecosystem the Leica M4-2 is an appealing option as they are are generally more inexpensive when compared to other models. The Leica M4-2 came at a time when Leica was struggling financially after the release of the M5. Only produced for two years between 1978 and 1980 the M4-2 had one of the shortest production runs of any Leica M cameras; however, it could be argued that it saved Leica from financial ruin.

The Leica M4-2 was produced in Canada, which some people may ague lowered the overall build quality. From owning ‘made in Wetzlar’ Leica’s I can say that while the M4-2 does not feel as smooth as the German made cameras it is still a very well built camera. The M4-2, like the M4 has 35, 50, 90 and 135mm framelines. If you are after more framelines the M4-P has the addition of 28mm and 75mm framelines making it a very good option if you want an M6 but are on a budget. The design of the Leica M4-2 also allowed for automatic and rapid winders such as the Leica winder motor and the Leicavit. Using the M4-2 motordrive it defiantly changes the feel of the camera, and while its not something I would always shoot with it can be quite fun and always good to have in the collection.

Like the Leica M4-P, the M4-2 is a great doorway into the Leica M ecosystem. As not many M4-2’s were produced you are more likely to find a used M4-P. Both fetch similar prices and both are good options, so pick which one suits your needs the most. If you shoot mainly 35mm and don’t use flash the M4-2 would be a great option. But if you use a 28mm and want to use a flash the M4-P may be a better option. I would personally choose an M4-2 if I had to make a decision. I find the 28mm framelines a little cramped on M cameras and prefer to use an external finder anyway. In addition to this I find the lack of the red dot on the M4-2 appealing as it doesn’t draw unwanted attention to the camera.