Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1992/07/22
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]>From mvolo@uncecs.edu Wed Jul 22 09:50 EDT 1992 > >The used camera salesman at my local photo store told me that with the M4-2, >adequate but less expensive materials were used in the top plate and also in >the innards. Was the Leica M4-2 seen as a less expensive Leica for the masses? >I know that it does not have a movable film reminder dial on the back like >my M2 has. Was the salesman correct? Considering that the M4-2 was retailing in Canada for more than $1000 for body only, back when the Canon AE-1 was $329 including lens, I doubt that this was a less expensive Leica for the masses. Test reports say that the M4-2 included some "harmless" cost cutting, for instance, on the M4, the frame counter pointer is made of chrome plated brass and held in place with two screws on a chemically blackened brass plate. The M4-2 uses natural anodized aluminum for the plate and merely stamps the pointer into the surface. Another difference is in the use of plastic casting to hold the hot shoe and PC outlets. The magazines complain that this is less rugged, but I don't know how many M4-2's have actually suffered any difficulty from this problem. -Darrell.