LEICA M4
Introduced in 1967 (with serial number 1175001238), the Leica M4 combines the best features of the Leica M2 and Leica M3 models, incorporating the parallax-compensated frames for 35mm, 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm lenses360. While its design is primarily based on the Leica M2, the Leica M4 includes several innovative features360:
1. The most noticeable difference between the Leica M4 and the Leica M2 is the angled rewind lever, which is designed to clear the main rangefinder unit360. The Leica M4 was the first production Leica to feature this design, showcasing that Leitz was hesitant to introduce this idea until after other manufacturers successfully implemented it360. In fact, Leitz engineers considered the cranked rewind lever as early as 1936, and there is a Leica IIIa Model G fitted with such a lever in the Leitz Museum360.
2. It features an improved rapid loading system360. This incorporates a fixed three-prong film take-up mechanism, similar to what was initially provided in the Leica M2R cameras that were made for the U.S. military but later sold to the general public238.
3. It has a self-resetting frame counter360.
4. The delayed action, frame selector, and wind-on levers are all fitted with plastic tips360.
5. It includes a parallax-corrected field for 35mm, 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm lenses360. The rangefinder provides accurate measurements from infinity to 28 inches, similar to the Leica M2 (the Leica M3 rangefinder can focus to 1 meter)360. The focused image is 0.7 times that of the Leica M2, while the Leica M3's image is 0.9 times greater, making it more precise for close-focus work360. Unlike the Leica M2 and later Leica M3 models, there is no depth of field indicator360.
The synchro outlets of Leica Leica M4 have been redesigned for196 to feature the standard 3mm coaxial PC sockets for flash synchronization making the camera more compatible with standard flash attachments and fittings238.
Shortly after its introduction and increased use by new Leica M4 owners, a problem emerged: film scratches. The issue stemmed from a small black cover on the sprocket found in early Leica M4 models. This component was redesigned and implemented in all new Leica M4 cameras around 1969. To this day, competent Leica repair facilities can silently replace this improved part. Fortunately, this modification can be carried out easily from the rear of the camera without needing to disassemble it. However, it does require a special lubricant to ensure proper functioning196.
Based on existing records and our observations of Leica M4 cameras from the 1974-1975 time frame, it seems that 2355238 of 57000238 Leica M4 cameras were assembled in Canada using parts supplied by Wetzlar. This group included 350 of the 1750 50th Anniversary black chrome M4s, which, according to Jim Lager, caused discontent among some buyers. These buyers preferred the Wetzlar version with its legendary "L" seal over the Canadian models featuring the "C" seal. It is important to note that some of the last black chrome Leica M4 cameras produced, however, came from the renowned Wetzlar factory in 1974 and 1975238.
Finishes
The Leica M4 was produced in three finishes: silver chrome, black chrome and black lacquer238. Early models of the Leica M4 were finished in chrome, while later versions were available in black enamel, and from 1974, in black chrome360. Between 1968 and 1971, approximately 4889311 black lacquered Leica M4 cameras were manufactured in Wetzlar. Interestingly, the first batch of black lacquer Leica M4 cameras had serial numbers in the range of 1181XXX but were not officially listed as "black" (black lacquer) on any serial number records238. Approximately 4070 black chrome Leica M4 cameras were made in Wetzlar between 1974 and 1975, along with an additional 2355 produced in Canada, which included around 500 KE-7A models238. Some of the black chrome cameras featured Canadian engravings and were among the last Leica M4 cameras produced238.
Height and Weight
It has a height of 77 mm, a length of 138 mm, and a width of 36 mm. The viewfinder magnification is 0.72x, and the rangefinder base length is 48.5 mm. The weight is 600 g191
Prototypes of Leica M4
At least two prototypes of the Leica M4 camera exist, and they are notable because they not only include the distinguished feature of the Leica M4—the 35/50/90/135mm viewfinder—but also a through-the-lens exposure meter360. However, this exposure meter did not appear in a production Leica until the Leica M5 was launched in 1971, nearly five years after the Leica M4's introduction360.
The two illustrated prototypes of the Leica M4 differ from each other and, in terms of external appearance, do not resemble the production Leica M4, sharing more similarities with the Leica M5 instead360. It can be speculated that since the introduction of the Leica M2, Leitz designers were actively working on developing a flip-up through-the-lens exposure meter360. After combining the viewfinders of the Leica M3 and Leica M2 in the prototypes intended for the Leica M4, it was ultimately decided to abandon the metering system until it could be perfected360. Instead, Leitz opted to boost sales by launching the Leica M4 model360. If time had allowed, the Leica M4 would have been based on its intended prototypes360.
In both prototypes, the shutter speed dial lacks click stops between the 1/2 second and 1/50 second marks, allowing for infinitely variable slow speeds360. However, it is essential to have a click stop at 1/50 second as it is the flash synchronization speed360. The location of the accessory shoe differs between the prototypes; neither features a hot shoe, but the location in the second prototype was ultimately retained in the production copy of Leica M4360. Additionally, the placement of the wind crank and synchronization contacts in both prototypes is unorthodox and was not carried over to the production model360. In both prototypes, standard Leica positions were allocated for the synchronization spots, near the eyepiece, and the rewind crank was integrated into the baseplate360.
Special variants
Leica M4 "50 Jahre"
To celebrate 50 years of Leica, a limited number of Leica M4 cameras were available featuring the "50 JAHRE" crest55 . A total of 1750 units were produced355: 350 each for the letters L, E, I, C, A76
Leica M4 with Leicavit MP
About 20 of the original Leica M4 models were modified to allow the addition of a Leicavit MP to the base of the camera98
Leica M4-M/M4-MOT ("Micro Switch Motor")
Leica M4 cameras that could accept the Ernst Leitz, New York motor were designated as M4M, with later models known as M4 MOT. Approximately 905 of these motor-capable Leica M4 cameras were manufactured at the Wetzlar factory238 between 1968 and 1971357. This camera, combined with electric motor (made by Ernst Leitz, New York), was produced especially for North American market. It was targeted for professional photo reporters. The cameras were able to take up to three pictures per second357.
Closing Remarks
The production of Leica M4 was halted in 1972 due to a lack of interest in the M5311. However, the disappointing reception of the Leica M5 led Leica to resume Leica M4 production. Subsequently, manufacturing was moved to the Ernst Leitz Canada plant located in Midland, Ontario311. Leica M4 was discontinued in 1975 (with the serial number 1443170238) and replaced by the Leica M4-2, produced in Midland, Ontario360. Special editions of the Leica M4 were produced after official production ended98.
Military
The Armed Forces of Britain also utilized military olive-drab colored Leica M4 cameras53
Leica M4 "Bundeswehr" (German Armed Forces) cameras were produced in 1970. The cameras were painted olive green and were made to order for the German Armed Forces. Most of these cameras had "Bundeswehr" engraved on the back of the top plate357.
Leica KE-7A
A military version of the Leica M4, known as the KE-7A, was designed for the United States Army and released in 1970360. This camera was a successor of KS-15(4)199. The black chrome Leica KE-7A differs from the standard Leica M4 in that the shutter has been "winterized," and the body is sealed against dust and dirt360. The KE-7A was designed to function effectively in Arctic conditions, such as in Alaska, at temperatures as low as -23°C, thanks to a special low-temperature treatment. It could even be stored at temperatures as low as -72°C. Additionally, the camera was engineered to perform well in desert environments, operating effectively at temperatures up to +50°C and being capable of storage at temperatures as high as +70°C. Its specialized lubricant ensured proper functioning under these extreme temperature conditions200. Approximately produced in excess of military requirements, a few KE-7A cameras (with or without lenses) were sold to selected Leitz dealers360. Specifically, a total of 70 Leica KE-7A bodies and 59 4-element 50mm f/2 Elcan lens86 (developed exclusively for this camera357) were available for commercial distribution70. These cameras were not marked with a serial number and are commonly referred to as KE-7A CIVILIAN200.
On the back of the camera, you can find the following initials: FSN, which stands for Federal Stock Number; CONT, which indicates Contract Designation; and US, denoting the United States200.
The KE-7A cameras were supplied with a 50mm f/2 Elcan lens360. This lens lens had a distance scale marked only in feet. This lens had two fewer elements than the standard Summicron lens and had a differently designed aperture ring that rotated in the opposite direction. Additionally, the screws on the lens frame differed from those used in normal production cameras200.
The KE-7A cameras manufactured between 1970 and 1972 were marked with serial numbers ranging from 1293771 to 1293775, and then from 1294501 to 1295000.
Christie's auction statistics for 1994-1995 show that the highest price paid was £20,900 for a KE-7A model equipped with a 90mm f/1 Elcan lens197.