Black Leica M4-2 film camera with textured grip and lens cap attached, placed against a white background.

Leica M4-2

Wild, a Swiss optical equipment manufacturer, had previously owned 25% of Leitz's shares acquired an additional 26% of shares, gaining a majority stake and complete control of the company in 1974581. This acquisition marked the end of the Leitz family ownership581.

The new manager, sent from Wild—a company that had previously partnered with Leitz in the optical equipment division and provided management support—lacked enthusiasm for the struggling camera division581. He believed that reinforcing the industrial and scientific optical equipment division was essential for the company's recovery, and he planned to implement significant restructuring in the camera division581.

Leica discontinued the production of rangefinder cameras and the Leicaflex, laid off staff at the Wetzlar factory, and implemented measures such as moving the production of low-cost SLR cameras overseas581. This included the Leica R-type camera, which was produced in Portugal using Minolta components581. These changes seemed to signal the end of the M-type cameras581. Walter Kluck, who was the president of Leitz Canada, believed that there would always be a strong demand for rangefinder cameras581.

According to a story shared by President Kluck during a Leica Historical Society (LHSA) lecture prior to 2001, the idea of manufacturing the Leica M4 in Canada had been developing for quite some time581. Since its inception, Leitz Canada had been supplying camera lenses to Wetzlar while also expanding its production of military optical equipment and lenses for the United States, Canada, and other countries, in addition to various industrial lenses581. Although the company performed well, it was fundamentally dependent on a limited number of customers, which posed a risk to its performance581. If the sales of Leica's lenses and cameras declined, both the company and its products would be adversely affected581. He was concerned that the discontinuation of camera production would lead to a decline in sales of M-type lenses, which were a major source of revenue for the Midland factory581. To address this issue, he urged Wetzlar, under the control of Wild, to continue the production of rangefinder cameras by relocating it to Canada581. Leitz New York, which was Leica's largest distributor, was also closely involved in this initiative581.

Midland's desire to build their own cameras was initially blocked by Wetzlar581. However, in 1971, when Wetzlar released the M5 and ceased production of the Leica M4, Midland's wish became a reality581. In 1972, Midland's request for moving production of Leica M4 to Canada was fulfilled with the introduction of the Leica KE-7A581. The collapse of production in Wetzlar created a significant opportunity, allowing for production to shift to Midland581. With Wetzlar's assurance that an annual production of over 4,000 units was acceptable, Kluck calculated the general specifications and manufacturing costs for the new Leica M4 (later known as Leica M4-2)581. He then promoted the model vigorously to dealerships in various regions581. As a result, he secured orders for more than 9,000 units from major markets, including the United States and Japan581. In 1976, Wetzlar's facilities and equipment were relocated to Midland, and full-scale design and prototyping of the new Leica M4 (later renamed Leica M4-2) began581.

In contrast to Wetzlar, which is struggling with the challenges of restructuring, the Midland factory has shown strong performance, despite changes in its parent company581. With the addition of Leica M4-2 production, the factory has become very active581. The workforce has been increased, and many supervisors from Wetzlar have been brought in to provide guidance and training581. As a result, the Leica M4-2 sample was ready for the 1976 Photokina exhibition, and the first batch of 100 units was shipped by the end of that year581.

According to List 110-108 from November 1976, the Leica M4-2 was expected to be available starting in Spring of 1977534. 


Technical Specifications

The Leica M4-2 was essentially an upgraded version of the Leica M4, sharing the same black chrome finish and many design elements581. Leica M4-2's most distinctive features included the capability to attach the new motor winder (Leica Winder M4-2) and the addition of an X-sync contact on the accessory shoe581. 

Several changes had been made, including the removal of the self-timer, the simplification of the film indicator on the back cover, and improvements to the viewfinder (which had been necessary due to performance issues)581. The serial number engraving had been relocated from the top plate to the accessory shoe581. Additionally, there were minor design adjustments: the winding lever had become narrower, the rewind direction arrow had been omitted from the rewind knob, the company name (Leitz) had been stamped on the top plate, and a large model name had been added to the front581.

The Leica M4-2 was available in either chrome (rarer311) or anodized black finishes360. The top and bottom plates of the Leica M4-2 were made of brass, employing a deep draw process similar to that used in previous M cameras341.


Features of Leica Winder M4-2

Upon its release, the Leica Winder M4-2 had several issues, particularly concerning the synchronization between the camera and the motor winder, which often required adjustments581. The initial model gained a poor reputation due to these malfunctions581.  

It was discovered that the motor winder's problems stemmed from its coupling mechanism, which only featured one set of slots and claws, making it prone to misalignment581.  

To address these issues, the design was improved by increasing the camera's disc slot to two and enhancing the motor's claws to two as well581. This modification should have been implemented as a silent recall, even in the absence of consumer complaints581.


Catalogue Number

10410 - Leica M4-2, body only534.


Strap Lugs

The strap lugs were available in either bright steel or black chrome finishes534.


Height and Weight

It had a height of 77 mm, a length of 138 mm, and a width of 36 mm191. The viewfinder magnification was 0.72x, and the rangefinder base length was 48.0 mm191. The weight was 525 g191.


Types of Engraving

There were several combinations of markings from the beginning, and these were assembled randomly581. The hot shoes with serial numbers were also attached randomly, so it was thought that some inconsistencies occurred even within the same production lot581.

At least 14 types of variations based on finish and engraving existed:  

Type 1 had:

  • body in black chrome finish
  • silver strap eyelets
  • silver screw in the middle of the lens release button
  • red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo) (new line) WETZLAR"
  • no engraving in the area above accessory shoe
  • white tip of the frameline selector
  • rear of the top-plate (above the back door) engraved "MADE BY LEITZ CANADA"

Example(s) of cameras of Type 1: 1468010



Type 2 had:

  • body in black chrome finish
  • black strap eyelets
  • silver screw in the middle of the lens release button
  • red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo) (new line) WETZLAR"
  • area above accessory shoe engraved "MADE IN CANADA"
  • black tip of the frameline selector
  • rear of the top-plate (above the back door) engraved "MADE BY LEITZ CANADA"

Example(s) of cameras of Type 2: 1468059



Type 3 had:

  • body in black chrome finish
  • silver strap eyelets
  • silver screw in the middle of the lens release button
  • red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo)"
  • no engraving in the area above accessory shoe
  • black tip of the frameline selector
  • rear of the top-plate (above the back door) engraved "CANADA"

Example(s) of cameras of Type 3: 1468080



Type 4 had:

  • body in black chrome finish
  • silver strap eyelets
  • silver screw in the middle of the lens release button
  • red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo) (new line) WETZLAR"
  • area above accessory shoe engraved "MADE IN CANADA"
  • black tip of the frameline selector
  • no engraving on the rear of the top-plate (above the back door)

Example(s) of cameras of Type 4: 1468254



Type 5 had:

  • body in black chrome finish
  • black strap eyelets
  • silver screw in the middle of the lens release button
  • red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo) (new line) WETZLAR"
  • area above accessory shoe engraved "MADE IN CANADA"
  • black tip of the frameline selector
  • no engraving on the rear of the top-plate (above the back door)

Example(s) of cameras of Type 5: 1468272



Type 6 had:

  • body in black chrome finish
  • black strap eyelets
  • silver screw in the middle of the lens release button
  • without red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo)"
  • area above accessory shoe engraved "MADE IN CANADA"
  • black tip of the frameline selector
  • no engraving on the rear of the top-plate (above the back door)

Example(s) of cameras of Type 6: 1468386



Type 7 had:

  • body in black chrome finish
  • black strap eyelets
  • silver screw in the middle of the lens release button
  • without red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo) (new line) WETZLAR"
  • area above accessory shoe engraved "MADE IN CANADA"
  • black tip of the frameline selector
  • no engraving on the rear of the top-plate (above the back door)

Example(s) of cameras of Type 7: 1468511, 1468915, 1469224, 1480315



Type 8 had:

  • body in black chrome finish
  • black strap eyelets
  • silver screw in the middle of the lens release button
  • without red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo) (new line) WETZLAR"
  • no engraving in the area above accessory shoe
  • black tip of the frameline selector
  • rear of the top-plate (above the back door) engraved "CANADA"

Example(s) of cameras of Type 8: 1469821, 1469961



Type 9 had:

  • body in silver chrome finish
  • silver strap eyelets
  • silver screw in the middle of the lens release button
  • without red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo)"
  • no engraving in the area above accessory shoe
  • black tip of the frameline selector
  • rear of the top-plate (above the back door) engraved "CANADA"

Example(s) of cameras of Type 9: 1503291, 1531363



Type 10 had:

  • body in black chrome finish
  • silver strap eyelets
  • silver screw in the middle of the lens release button
  • without red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo)"
  • no engraving in the area above accessory shoe
  • black tip of the frameline selector
  • rear of the top-plate (above the back door) engraved "CANADA"

Example(s) of cameras of Type 10: 1503595, 1504044, 1504902, 1504917, 1505580, 1505940, 1506604, 1506951, 1507120, 1507173, 1507247


Type 11 had:

  • body in black chrome finish
  • silver strap eyelets
  • red dot in the middle of the lens release button
  • without red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo)"
  • no engraving in the area above accessory shoe
  • black tip of the frameline selector
  • rear of the top-plate (above the back door) engraved "CANADA"

Example(s) of cameras of Type 11: 1503781, 1525657, 1526068, 1526321, 1528118, 1530816, 1531361, 1531420



Type 12 had:

  • body in black chrome finish
  • silver strap eyelets
  • silver screw in the middle of the lens release button
  • without red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo) (new line) WETZLAR"
  • no engraving in the area above accessory shoe
  • black tip of the frameline selector
  • rear of the top-plate (above the back door) engraved "CANADA"

Example(s) of cameras of Type 12: 1504775



Type 13 had:

  • body in silver chrome finish
  • silver strap eyelets
  • red dot in the middle of the lens release button
  • without red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo) (new line) WETZLAR"
  • no engraving in the area above accessory shoe
  • white tip of the frameline selector
  • rear of the top-plate (above the back door) engraved "CANADA"

Example(s) of cameras of Type 13: 1507836



Type 14 had:

  • body in silver chrome finish
  • silver strap eyelets
  • red dot in the middle of the lens release button
  • without red "Leitz" circular logo on the front, located to the left of the lens release button
  • left top (looking from above) of the top-plate engraved "Leitz (logo)"
  • no engraving in the area above accessory shoe
  • black tip of the frameline selector
  • rear of the top-plate (above the back door) engraved "CANADA"

Example(s) of cameras of Type 14: 1526186


Variants

Early cameras

The Leica M4-2 was pilot-produced with serial numbers ranging from 1468001 to 1480000, and mass production commenced starting from 1480000581. Many more units were produced beyond 1480000581. It was also important to note that these serial numbers may have overlapped with those of the Leica R3 produced at the Portuguese factory581. Consequently, some collectors may have had the opportunity to acquire two different Leica cameras that shared the same serial number581. 

The first production cameras, numbered 1468001 to 1468091, and possibly 5 or 6 additional units, featured the red Leitz disc logo on the front (except for 1468084, to say the very least (author's note)), located to the left of the lens release button534.  


'Oskar Barnack' edition in gold-plated finish

A special edition camera was released to celebrate the centenary of Oskar Barnack's birth534 in 197992. These cameras were gold-plated, covered in black reptile skin, and came in a fitted mahogany case534. Each one was engraved with a facsimile of Barnack's signature and the years "1879 — 1979" on the top plate534, along with unique serial numbers92,355,357. The unique numbering on the top plate included the number 100 followed by a four-digit sequence92,355,357. Each camera came with a Certificate of Authenticity92,355,357.

Initially, the plan was to issue 500 cameras, numbered from 1527201 to 1527700534. However, due to high demand, an additional 500 cameras were produced, numbered from 1528151 to 1528650534. The lens included with these cameras was a gold-plated 50mm f/1.4 Summilux534.


More Gold Finished Cameras

Two more Leica M4-2 cameras in gold finish, 1932001 and 1932002 were assembled in 1993534.


Leica M4-2 Cameras with Midland markings

Approximately 20 Leica M4-2 cameras with Midland markings were produced581. The top plate of these cameras was engraved with the official name of Leitz Canada: Ernst Leitz Canada Limited, Midland, Ontario581. Additionally, each camera featured a special serial number engraved on the top plate581. Notably, some of these cameras did not have a serial number present and had an unexplainable white line on the hot shoe581. 

Some sources believed that these 20 cameras were intended as a commemorative gift for long-serving employees to celebrate Leitz Canada's 25th anniversary581.


Leica M4-2 Nr. 008, Nr. 014 and Nr. 015

Leica M4-2 Nr. 008 was auctioned off at the Wetzlar Camera Auctions in October 2023. A plate, marked with "ERNST LEITZ CANADA LTD. (new line) SERIAL No. 008 (new line) MADE IN CANADA", was visible when one removed the baseplate. The camera came from Allen Collection, according to the auction lot description.

There were several other cameras with similar plates:

  • marked with "ERNST LEITZ CANADA LTD. (new line) SERIAL No. 001 (new line) MADE IN CANADA", was visible when one removed the baseplate of Leica MD-22 Betriebsk. HF-001 that was auctioned off Auction Team Breker on September 26, 2008
  • marked with "ERNST LEITZ CANADA LTD. (new line) SERIAL No. 004 (new line) MADE IN CANADA", was visible when one removed the baseplate of Leica MD-22 Betriebsk. HF-004 that was auctioned off at the 42th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 10, 2023381
  • marked with "ERNST LEITZ CANADA LTD. (new line) SERIAL No. 009 (new line) MADE IN CANADA", was visible when one removed the baseplate of Leica MD-22 Betriebsk. HF-009 illustrated in "Leitz Anniversary" article by Giuseppe Ciccarella (source).


Leica M4-2 Nr. 014 was illustrated on the page 27 of Camera Review No. 58 (Leica-Book '01), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo)581. Interestingly, the top plate was engraved with the company's full official name in large letters581. The white line on the hot shoe appeared to have no significance, which was peculiar581.

Leica M4-2 Nr. 015 was illustrated on the page 102 of Camera Review No. 50 (Leica-Book '99), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo)581. In the article that described the camera, the editors mentioned that when the baseplate was removed, a special plate with "ERNST LEITZ CANADA LTD. (new line) SERIAL No. 015 (new line) MADE IN CANADA" was visible. According to the owner of the camera, it was one of the units prepared for Photokina 1976, held in the fall of that year. There was a demo camera displayed at the Photokina which had a red Leitz logo in the front, but the camera Nr. 015 didn't have it. 



Midland 25th Anniversary Leica M4-2 Camera

A very limited number of special camera sets were produced to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Leitz Canada581. Each set included three cameras in gold, chrome, and black chrome, all featuring the same unique serial number581. 

The top plates of all three cameras had581: 

  • "Leitz" logo on the top left of the top plate looking from above
  • "CANADA" under "Leitz" logo
  • "Midland, Ontario" under "CANADA"
  • the Canadian symbol of a maple leaf above hot shoe
  • the inscription "25 JAHRE" (interestingly, in German language) under the maple leaf

The gold Leica M4-2 came with a matching gold motor winder, which was engraved with "Midland, Ontario" on the front and "25 JAHRE" on the back581.

One of these sets (Nr. 002) was illustrated on the page 25 of Camera Review No. 58 (Leica-Book '01), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo)581. The set was later auctioned off at an American auction in 2019.

Silver chrome Nr. 005 from this series was illustrated in Leitz Anniversary article by Giuseppe Ciccarella (source). More photographs of this camera were published by a Portuguese collector in August of 2023 (author's note).


Leica M4-2 Cameras with "M-2000" 25-005 Engraving

This camera was illustrated on the page 27 of Camera Review No. 58 (Leica-Book '01), published by Asahi Sonorama (Tokyo)581. The main body of the camera was finished in chrome and was a Leica M4-2581. In contrast, smaller components like the winding lever and rewind knob were made from the usual black chrome, giving it a similar appearance to the later Panda Leica M6, which featured the same black and white parts581. 

The camera body was covered in the same lizard leather used for the Barnack Gold model581. 

The top plate had581: 

  • "Leitz" logo on the top left of the top plate looking from above
  • "Midland, Ontario" under "Leitz" logo 
  • the Canadian symbol of a maple leaf above hot shoe
  • "M-2000" engraved under maple leaf in a futuristic type of font
  • Hot shoe was marked with the number 25-005

The significance of "M-2000" remained unknown581.


Leica M4-2 Half-frame Cameras

One example, numbered 1503258 dated 1978, was expected to be auctioned off at the 8th Wetzlar Camera Auctions on October 10, 2026597.


Military

Some known military cameras were:

  • KS-4 (Military) Prototype with serial number 1443177 was manufactured in 1976399. The camera was sold for 6600 Euros including buyer's premium at the "100 years of Leica Camera" WestLicht Camera Auction on May 23, 2014399. The lot was described as "Engraved “SP.50-90-135 1443177” on top plate, “KS-4” on front, “5” on black paint back door; the base plate, rewind knob, speed dial, lever are also finished in black paint. Literature Illustrated in Jim Lager, vol. 1, p. 138 Lager (Volume 1 - Cameras page 138) describes this unique camera as a unusual M Leica with M4-2 top cover, early m3 body housing (double stroke), modified rewind and advance assemblies, old shutter speed sequence, pre-M4 synch. outlets, hot shoe, no rangefinder, but 50, 90 and 135 framelines of M3 viewfinder visible at once..."399.
  • Leica M4-2 "KE-7A" with serial number 1480538 was manufactured in 1978402. The camera was sold for 18000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 22nd WestLicht Camera Auction on November 24, 2012402. The lot was described as "unique M4-2 engraved 'CAMERA STILL PICTURE KE-7A' and 'ERNST LEITZ CANADA LTD. MIDLAND, CANADA' on top plate (possibly a test camera for a successor of the KE-7A), ..."402.
  • Olive paint Leica M4-2 with serial number 1527963 was sold for 19000 Euros including buyer's premium at the 7th Wetzlar Camera Auction on October 11, 2025429. 
  • Olive paint Leica M4-2 with serial number *1528073 is considered "Safari Prototype" dated 1977. The camera was sold for 11400 Euros including buyer's premium at the 14th WestLicht Camera Auction on November 30, 2008410. The lot was described as "Leitz projected the Safari version for both R3 and M4-2 models in 1977. A handful of prototypes of the Safari M4-2 were made in Canada, but finally Leitz decided to only follow up with a Safari version of the reflex model....A similar model with a 2/35 lens is illustrated in Nakamura page 90. According to this source the camera was produced as a sample for the Israeli Army..."410.
  • Olive paint Leica M4-2 with serial number 1529776 was manufactured in 1980377. It's an extremely rare camera377. Only a limited number of these cameras were produced for the Tank Division of the Israel Army377. Very few examples are known to exist, and most likely, none of them ever left the factory377. The camera was sold for 28800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 46th Leitz Photographica Auction on June 27, 2025377.
  • Olive paint Leica M4-2 with serial number 1530024 was manufactured in 1980. It's an extremely rare camera378. Only a limited number of these cameras were produced for the Tank Division of the Israel Army378. Very few examples are known to exist, and most likely, none of them ever left the factory.378 The camera was sold for 28800 Euros including buyer's premium at the 45th Leitz Photographica Auction on November 23, 2024378.
  • Dennis Laney mentioned existence of Leica M4-2K, No. K-4427 camera with a self-timer534. This camera was black, made in Canada, and featured a double winding chrome lever, a black enamel shutter speed dial, a chrome self-timer lever, a rewind release lever, and a frame selector534.


Closing Remarks

Leica M4-2 was manufactured between 1976439 and 1980439, and 2 more cameras were made in 1993534. The first Leica M4-2 was assigned the serial number 1468001, while the last one was the gold-finished 1932002534.