[Leica] R4--A bad Camera?

["palmieri" <palmieri@cybernex.net>]

Ted Grand wrote (snipped)--

>The previous cameras were
>replaced due to "upgrading models" and not because they broke down. (other
>than one no good rotten *#*#!!%&*** R4!!  Leica replaced it!):)

Hello All--

I have an R4 that was just "reconditioned" to Leica specs within the last
month. The focus was off as was the light meter. There were some other minor
things that were taken care of. Maybe it was foolish of me to spend as much
to have this work done as I see these cameras selling for on the used
market.

Over the years I have used this camera sparingly because I had a hard time
focusing it (and still do). I find that the finder is much darker than my
Nikons and it is hard to read the settings in dull light. But, these are
really not big complaints because when I get it right the camera is able to
produce some really outstanding quality photos. I use it on a tripod 90% of
the time so focusing it accurately is not really an issue as I can take my
time to get it right. I use a diopter to help me get the focus right.

I would like to know what makes the R4 such a criticized camera. Not that I
plan to argue about or defend its merits and/or faults, only that I would
like to understand from much more knowledgeable "Leica" people what its
faults are in absolute terms and relative to other R Leicas. Too, what
should I be alert about in using this oldish camera (which looks like it
just came out of the box!)?

Any advice, help and information would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Peter in NJ