RE: M4-2

[Paul Winkfield <paul@dunx1.ocs.drexel.edu>]

Hi all, mmmm can i say I used Leica since '57? I was 5 then, my uncle put 
a 3F in my tiny hands! :)... I bought M4-2 with 50F2 and winder in '81 or 
81 used and I sent them to Leitz to install the M4-P screen, in prep for 
buying either the 28 or 75 (which i still dont own<sniffle>) and CLA. 
In the first 2 years, I ran Tri-X 36X roll each day, seven days a 
week(yes, I took it to school,work,church,dates, everywhere!) During a 
Leica day at a local shop, the repairman said mine was in super shape, 
all speeds spot-on! and warned me to dump the winder for a newer one 
because the first version tend to lockup and burn out. The lockup did 
happen when I tried to rapid fire, but I learned to swiftly thumb wind 
and rarely loss a shot. In fact it sits here next to my computer! Once I 
bought a M6 the M4-2 became the backup machine, I use it a lot for 
weddings, using a Pentax AF280T or Vivitar 285 flashes or hooking it to 
my studio lights. 

I just loss my M6 to thief, so the M4-2 is number 1 with my M3 as backup. 
It's still using the same original winder; I miss the inboard meter, I 
thought of selling it to help buy M6 but I was told that people who does 
often regret they let it go. There are many great memories from using 
this camera, It help win ribbons at camera club and made many friends! It 
seems one is very tough to walk the city streets with a M series over 
neck, I dont care what the 'collectors' think, after all, you buy a M 
camera to use M lenses, yes? I suggest, if the price is right, try it 
out, if you like it, buy it!
btw: my M4-2 winder is quieter than my M6 winder!!!
<paul>
ps: Thanks all for providing input on thread: Leica in movies and TV!! I 
have a bunch of movies to rent to see Leica in co-starring role!