Value of M4

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I have a silver M4 #1269 857 in decent shape (there is a ding right next to the frame counter, some light scratches and some light flaking of the black vinyl wrap). It has the name Owen Fitzgerald (w/address) stamped on the back silver just below the winder. He is a Canadian landscape photographer of note having published a couple of books on Cape Breton Island. (My mother actually owns one, being from there herself) I just had it overhauled with new curtains installed and I'm wondering what it might be worth. It's been in my possesion for the last 20 years and I'm thinking it would be of more value to a collector than myself since I want to continue shooting with an M6 or newer model at this point. Can anyone advise me on it's potential value on it's own OR as a swap for an M6 or newer. I'm greatful for any advice. Thanks, deanlap@rcnchicago.com

-- Dean La Prairie (deanlap@rcnchicago.com), March 25, 2002

Answers

Dean,

My first advice would be for you to keep and use it, especially since you have just made an investment in continuing its useful life. It should be good for another 10 years before needing the next oil change and lube job.

To many Leica users the M4 was the pinnacle of achievement at Leitz, with both its features such as rapid loading, 35 through 135mm framelines (less the current 75mm), rapid rewind crank, and lastly, the end of the hand craftsmanship and construction embodied in Leitz products before the cost cutting set in.

I'm afraid that no collector would be interested. The ding you mention, the crumbling vulcanite, and most particularly the stamped name and address would drastically reduce the value in not only their eyes, but most users as well. Without seeing it any appraisel is only a guess but I would think 800-900 dollars may be tops.

Also to be considered is that it appears to have been in your "family" for a couple of decades or so, and if it has given good service, I'd tend to keep it around.

If for whatever reason you must let it go, I'd explore a couple of avenues first if possible. The first would be to contact Mr. Fitzgerald if he is still around. Perhaps the publisher of the book you mentioned may have his address, or if he has passed on, that of any of his family. If he was an avid, and good enough, photographer to have a book published, either he or they may enjoy tremendously the possibility of bringing his M4 "back into the fold".

I know I would pay far more than the going rate to get back my first Leica, a used IIIf BD lost in combat in the delta of South Vietnam.

Good luck,

Jerry

-- Jerome R. Pfile, Jr. (JerryPfile@msn.com), March 25, 2002.


Dean- Your email addy suggests you could be in the Chicago area. Some of the very best camera shows take place in the near suburbs of Chicago. Perhaps someone at such a show might be willing to swap you something for that M4. For what I think you would get for it, in the condition described, it might be worth more just to have it as a spare body. Many years ago, it was in the news that everyone ought to put their social security # on all their valuables, as this would make it easier for the police to catch thieves. Many people did this, but it sure lowers the value of a Leica!

-- Frank Horn (owlhoot45@hotmail.com), March 26, 2002.

Frank & Jerry, Thanks for the replies, I was aware that stamping any information, such as your name, would devalue the resale value of a Leica but I was kind of hoping that in this case that would be offset by the fact of it being done by a noted photographer who had his work published. If this had been stamped on by Robert Frank or Walker Evans for example, I would imagine this could even increase the value of the camera. I don't imagine that there are any guidelines in this gray area, and it would simply be up to the marketplace to decide. I'm kind of leery of continuing to shoot with it, because it is still a quite handsome camera at this point and wouldn't want to risk aging it any more through continued use. Thanks for the advice, Dean

-- Dean La Prairie (deanlap@rcnchicago.com), March 26, 2002.

Dean,

What you suggest is more than possible, with one caveat.

That being that were I to be interested in having a camera used by a person of some note, I'd want to be certain that it came with some sort of provenance that insured that lineage.

Otherwise people would be inclined to stamp photographers names of some note on bodies. Perhaps if it is posible to contact that person, he would provide a letter of authenticity. Another route might be to place a classified for sale ad in the newspapers in and around Cape Breton island, coupled with the copy of the book you mentioned.

Just some thoughts.

Best,

Jerry

-- Jerome R. Pfile, Jr. (JerryPfile@msn.com), March 26, 2002.


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