I have been a photographer for 22 years and Ihave worked and lived in spain, France and Canada where I reside now. I heard my father talk about Leica since I was five. It created this belief in my head and heart that although I could of purchased many Leicas during my life and career, I had to be good enough in order to deserve such a piece of history. Although I own and work with every other camera on the planet Hasselblad, Sinar, Linhof...., I never thought that I deserved it yet. My wife felt differently and she offered me a M4-2 in excellent condition. Of course there is no words to describe the feeling. I tried it out without film and everything was great, shutter release, crank, speeds. The camera was rehauled by the Leitz technician (so she was told). I stick in a roll of Tri-x urgently, crank, click, crank and blocked shutter release. I take out the film, crank, click, crank, click... The only way to release the shutter with film in the camera is to crank and hold the crank lever with the thumb while you press on the shutter release that finally gives in but with some effort. Of course I called the Leitz technician but he is not to sure. I wonder if by any chance you have heard of such a problem. And if you did could it be serious? I have the possibility to give back the camera and get a new M6, however I always believed that you can make better soups in pots with a history.( that is if the pot does not have a hole in it of course.) Any ideas and or suggestions? Thanks.

-- daniel (malkafoto@home.com), September 04, 2001

Answers

Daniel:

Welcome to the joys of Leica ownership! It sounds like your M4-2 shutter needs to be repaired or replaced. A CLA by Leica USA will cost about $300, but the actual $ amount will depend on the work needed. Since you have the option of returning it and getting a brand new M6 TTL, that might be better in the long run. The M6 will come with a light meter, TTL flash capability, and Leica's very generous 3-year Passport Warranty. As the owner of a new M6 TTL and 2 very old M3 cameras, and many Leica lenses, I can guarantee that you are getting started on a wonderful photographic journey!......

-- Muhammad Chishty (applemac97@aol.com), September 04, 2001.

Daniel, a properly operating Leica should be butter-smooth, so obviously there's a problem in need of repair. The M4-2 seems to have a reputation for having some problems, so you might wait to hear from some M4-2 owners. I'm sure they will add their comments.

I think your father complicated things by putting the Leica on such a high pedestal. It's a fine camera, but no finer than that Sinar you're already doing good work with! It is, I would say, more trouble-free than the Hasselblad, though the Hassie remains a fine instrument also. From the sound of things, you've been worthy of a Leica for years, and the purchase is overdue!

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), September 04, 2001.

Thanks to Muhammad for your advice I guess sometimes it is better to use silver salts emulsions rather then to start cooking Daguerrotypes.

-- daniel (malkafoto@home.com), September 04, 2001.

Daniel

I always thought the M6 was a pot with a 75 year long history...?! ;o) Anyway, the decision is up to you - but I would go for a new camera. Hey, after 22 years - give yourself a break.

Enjoy cooking and invite us for dinner!

-- Lutz Konermann (lutz@konermann.net), September 05, 2001.

I suggest that nothing serious have happened with your M4-2. The shutter release mechanism in your camera should be reassembled. All parts should be fastened in proper positions. I think the error is consequence of that the camera was CLA’d by “the Leitz technician”.

-- Victor Randin (ved@enran.com.ua), September 05, 2001.

You say the camera was recently serviced by a Leica technician. I am American but know of only 3 in Canada--Lisle-Kelco, the official distributor; Gerry Smith of Kindermann in Toronto (the former distributor); and Reinhold Mueller, an independent (also in Toronto area). If you have the option of having the M4-2 re-serviced at no charge, and it didn't cost more than US$900, it is probably worthwhile, especially as it will make a nice second body when you eventually do get an M6 anyway. Otherwise, go for the M6.

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), September 05, 2001.