Selling my Leica M-A in Favour of a tatty Leica M4-P

Some thoughts on my decision to keep a tatty old Leica M4-P, and sell a very nice Leica M-A

[@IceCreamGuerrilla]

I understand why you like you're old M4, and great that you're upgrading it with those custom changes. I personally have M-A and could never sell / replace. It's just too amazing.

[@nigellee7892]

I think you're guilty of admiring the pram instead of the baby. It's a beautiful camera, like many others, but it's ultimately meant to be used for taking photographs.

[@danielstevenson8259]

I always feel sorry for those people who purchase very, very nice cameras and then spend the subsequent ownership of such camera stressing over what they paid. It would seem that they could move on and just enjoy the process of using that camera. But it never seems to work out that way. Instead the vision of that money spent just grows and grows in their minds and erases all the joy of ownership. At that point is certainly best to just sell the camera and move on. Instead of just doing that they must then justify their decision to sell, kind of similar to the initial time spent justifying the original purchase.

[@Frakaphoto]

sold my M-A I bought new, buy an other m4-2 then after two years… bought an other pre owned M-A… why? because M-A is the most beautiful M in black . because M4-2 is an old beast, wich need a lot of cla, with their old spring, box full of dust and oil, and old wheels. I love the M4-2 but I adore the M-A Because buying a pre-owned 6 year M-A put his price in a real value range. Because this is the ultimate M film camera . So Hamish , stop thinking and go back to the most beautiful camera on earth.

[@AndySnap]

This brings back all my pangs of regret selling my M4-2 and 35mm Ultron lens... probably sold for too little too. A momemt of madness, such a lovely camera, and all the Leica anyone needs really.

[@frakaelectrosonparis7819]

i did the same one and a half year ago: had a M4-2 sold it for an Ma, keep it one year and sold it for an old M4-2...and so happy for my decision: better rewind, better recess window, better wind lever....

[@ramarren]

Nothing wrong with either camera. Keep what you're most comfortable with and use it happily. My film M is an M4-2. I'd had a few before that, but this is the one I like the most. It wasn't expensive, but that doesn't matter really. I just like it.

[@Nerdzombiedisco]

Need a video of your recent renovations on the Leicas. Read the blog...you have some amazing personalized shooters now. Kudos to the technician and your design/upgrades.

[@NicosPhotographyShow]

Good move! I lusted an MP got it and after 6 months one day ran out of film, picked up the M2 and never used the MP again. So much nicer and much cheaper.

[@popcorny11]

Cheaper yes, but "So much nicer" in what sense? Just curious because many often like to say that the M3 generation is superior in Every way and with the M2 being an even more "pure" version of the M3. But I'm curious to know why would one objectively consider an M2 "nicer" than an MP? Build quality? It can't be. Design? They look closer than any other M compared. Maybe because one is vintage and the other is "too nice" to use? Genuinely wondering what could possibly be the objective reason.

[@aag24]

I have an even more beat up M4-P (with missing leatherette) and it’s kind of good that after having a fancier Leica you think the M4-P is as good. I was forced into buying it out of a lack of money. I just couldn’t afford anything better. I really hoped I’d be able to afford an M6 or M7 by this stage in life.

[@aag24]

I bought the M4-P maybe 10 years ago.

[@PeterMBohm]

he should clean his nose before making a video....

[@acidsnow5915]

what an interesting choice! I own a few film Leicas and i believe they will never be fully replaced by digital ones! glad to see you continuing with film leicas thanks for sharing

[@dangerpowers123]

I really enjoyed this video... I've just got my first Leica ...an M2 in fairly used condition..so some of the upgrades you mention you had done by A.S I'm tempted to get done for my M2. The new coated glass viewfinder window and I hear he does an upgrade to brighten the frame lines.

[@HamishGill]

Yes, as does the new RF mask, though I can't remember if this is something he offers for the M2

[@dangerpowers123]

@@HamishGill I'll look into it... thanks....The previous owner has given me a potted history of my M2 ..since 1958 it's been used in Holland (it's the early button press rewind version) and had a service from time to time... But I'm very tempted to get it painted black and looking at the website when they paint them they do a service as part of the total price you pay as it's taken apart during the process anyway. I think it's about £450 ... I better start saving.

[@HamishGill]

@@dangerpowers123 Hah, yeah, it's not cheap, but it's worth it! He's actually not painting cameras at the moment as he got a little overwhelmed with work - he will be back doing them when he get's his backlog under control though ... so you can afford to take your time saving ;)

[@TopshelfJunior]

The amount of times we had to listen to you sniff your nose, and hear your throat swallow...good God ! lol.

[@illyaswan]

I was curious to hear your experiences on the rangefinder patch issues. I often experience those on my M6TTL when photographing backlit subjects.

[@temacck]

I have a m6 classic in mint condition, and I'm selling it for a similar reason because it's too mint, and I'll get a beaten up m2 or m4 instead.

[@nickycoe74]

I’m looking to buy a cheap Leica m film camera, been eyeing up M2’s, so I can also buy the color skopar 35mm 2.5 to go with. Will start to read up on M4-P’s too. I had a M6 once but didn’t like two thing about it. That was the obsession with the led’s of the light meter (getting correct exposure all the time) and the flare which mine seemed to suffer with a lot, it was hard to see the patch all the time outside. Anyway cool vid 👍

[@Topsyrm]

Just bought an M4-P hope I get on with film again.

[@baladino]

Bizarre decision. It’s startling how you arrived at this decision and I hope you’re happier now compared to when you had it. The MA is the film camera one needs. A matter of choice really.

[@HamishGill]

Very much so thank you. I'm also in the process of selling my modified M3. The M4-P remains all the Leica I will ever need.

[@anthony87fiorillo]

Thanks for sharing this! In the video you talk about getting the finder replaced with coated glass and getting the advance lever changed out. Who did you have do that for you? I’d love to do that to my m4-p. Thanks man!

[@HamishGill]

Anthony Fiorillo Alan Starkie from Cameraworks UK

[@expatriatechronicles6915]

Totally agree. Wandering around with a $7000 camera and lens combo in a poor neighborhood or risking it doing some outdoors activity seems absurd. Better just get a good quality camera and lens that is less expensive.

[@eddiegoldsack4339]

Pushing the price up for the M4's ;)

[@akivashapero8410]

Take some Vitamin C, dude. Cure your sniffles.

[@MrOshimaida]

Just picked up a M4-P anniversary.

[@film35guy]

Just picked up an m4-p and I love it! Could you tell me what exact film advance lever you have had fitted? I’m hearing lots of people putting the wrong one on and having to double cock it to take shots. I only want to do the upgrade with the one cock arm and online there seems a lot of confusion at which this one is. Any help will be much appreciated!

[@HamishGill]

Honestly, I'm not sure - it was just one off eBay. I didn't realise there were different ones...? Where did you hear this?

[@film35guy]

@@HamishGill few Leica forums online were saying there are two types of arms, both from the M3 I think. One is slightly shorter and needs double cocking but the long one is just a single stroke. And as you know these are not cheap so kinda want to get it right first time lol

[@HamishGill]

@@film35guy Oh I see. Well, you want the single stroke one. Mine is a knockoff though - I found it on ebay from china I think. It was cheap, but looks the same is the Leica ones so 🤷‍♂

[@TheSololobo]

Did the M-A give you any issues? I was really considering getting one but I've been hearing about some issues with the advance lever on some of them.

[@HamishGill]

My first one went back with some dust in the viewfinder at one point - mechanically it was perfect though

[@thiagodezan333]

haha this video is such a therapy. is funny to see someone else saying out loud things that passes by the head of everyone of us that shoots film/ leicas. hope you had luck on your sale

[@antoniorussell9893]

I am interested in buying it? Where is it for sale?

[@HamishGill]

Here: 35mmc.com/shop/product/used-leica-m-a-boxed/

[@256k_]

oh the good times of "affordable" leica bodies....

[@badboyboogiez]

Don’t do it man. You look so sad

[@HamishGill]

badboyboogiez I think I had a cold

[@linjicakonikon7666]

C'mon man. Buy a damn camera, put some film in it and get on with your life. Maybe you dont deserve a Leica. Sell the thing or dont sell it. Just MOVE ON. Next thing you know you'll be waffling between film and digital, or the whole parade of lenses. Be a man and choose. NO REGRETS. No hemming and Hawing about whether you did the right thing. Just get the camera you want and then commit to it. Jeez.

[@illitrait]

...what boring drivel - should have done all this agonising *before* buying the M-A. Pfff.