Re: [Leica] M4-2

[LEICAMAN56@aol.com]

Jeff,

Yes this is why the late M4-P and M6 have the flush windows.  I don't know if
the Leitz script on the top of the M4-2 and M4-P is stamped or engraved.  Yes,
engraving the serial number on the shoe is easier and cheaper than engraving
it on every top plate.  This practice began with the M5.
Believe it or not, the M cameras, besides being all mechanical and not
electronic wonders, are more complex than their plain outsides would reveal.
It is more costly to build these cameras, and the number of parts contained
within is greater than most SLR's.  The rangefinder assembly alone consists of
more than 100 individual parts.  The M3 had more than all the other M's with
something like 130-140 parts.
What was Wetzlar doing during this time?  Well, this was the period when the
Leitz family began selling off the company to the Swiss Wild company.  This
was after Leitz began co-operation with Minolta.  The first Minolta based
camera at this time was the R3 and then the R4.  Lenses were being made in
both Germany and Canada.  Most of the SLR's were being made in Portugal.  M
production and Leicaflex production had ceased in Germany.  The Leicaflex SL3
was stillborn and dumped in favor of the R3.  Things did not look that good
for Leitz during this time.  The M6 did not start production untill 1984.  I
guess we're lucky Leica is still around and again a lot of this is due to the
efforts of Leitz Canada.  Don't look down your nose at the products from
Canada.  They came through for the company and for all of us when it counted.
A lot of quality Leica people, including Reinhold Mueller, worked at Midland.

Bill Rosauer