What is the Leica M4?

The Leica M4 is a 35mm rangefinder camera produced by Leica from 1967 to 1975. It is a highly regarded camera among photographers for its compact size, precision engineering, and exceptional image quality.

What film format does the Leica M4 use?

The Leica M4 uses standard 35mm film, also known as 135 film. This format is widely available and allows for 36 exposures per roll.

What is the lens mount of the Leica M4?

The Leica M4 features the Leica M bayonet mount, which is compatible with a wide range of Leica M lenses. This mount has a short flange focal distance, allowing for compact lens designs.

Does the Leica M4 have a built-in light meter?

No, the Leica M4 does not have a built-in light meter. Photographers using this camera rely on external light meters or their experience to determine the correct exposure settings.

What is the shutter speed range of the Leica M4?

The Leica M4 has a shutter speed range from 1/1000th of a second to 1 second, plus a Bulb mode for long exposures. The shutter speeds are set using a dial on the top plate of the camera.

Is the Leica M4 compatible with motor drives?

No, the Leica M4 is not compatible with motor drives. It is a purely mechanical camera that requires manual winding of the film between shots.

Does the Leica M4 have a self-timer?

No, the Leica M4 does not have a built-in self-timer. If a self-timer function is needed, an external self-timer accessory can be used.

What is the viewfinder magnification of the Leica M4?

The Leica M4 has a viewfinder magnification of 0.72x, providing a bright and clear view of the scene. The viewfinder also features frame lines for different focal lengths.

Is the Leica M4 compatible with flash photography?

Yes, the Leica M4 has a hot shoe on the top plate for attaching an external flash. Flash synchronization is available at all shutter speeds up to 1/50th of a second.

What are the dimensions and weight of the Leica M4?

The Leica M4 measures approximately 138mm x 77mm x 38mm (5.4in x 3in x 1.5in) and weighs around 590g (1.3lbs) without a lens.

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Leica M4

Name: Leica M4
Brand: Leica
Rating: 3.5 (8 reviews)

Rangefinder

35MM

Leica

Germany

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Size & Weight

Camera Size for Leica M4138 x 77 x 36 mm
Camera Weight for Leica M4560 g
Camera Build Material for Leica M4Metal

Focus

Camera Focus Mode for Leica M4Manual Focus
Camera Focus Type for Leica M4Rangefinder

Exposure

Camera Shutter Speed Range for Leica M41 sec – 1/1000 sec
Camera ISO Speed Range for Leica M412 ISO – 3200 ISO
Camera Exposure Modes for Leica M4Manual
Camera Exposure Meter for Leica M4None
Camera Viewfinder for Leica M40.72x magnification rangefinder

Lens & Accessories

Camera Lens Type for Leica M4Interchangeable Lens
Camera Lens Mount for Leica M4Leica M mount
Common Camera Lenses for Leica M4 Leica 50mm f/2.0 Summicron-M Leica 35mm f/2.0 Summicron-M
Camera Flash for Leica M4 No Built-In Flash
Camera Common Accessories for Leica M4 Leica M Motor Drive Leica Flash

Battery

Camera Battery Type for Leica M4None
Battery Life for Leica M4N/A

Manual

Camera Manual for Leica M4Show Manual

Use Cases

Camera Use Cases for Leica M4
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Street Photography
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Portrait Photography
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Travel Photography

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Description for Leica M4

The Leica M4 is a legendary 35mm rangefinder camera that was produced by Leica from 1966 to 1975. It is considered one of the best cameras ever made and is highly sought after by collectors and photographers alike. The M4 features a compact and robust design, with a top plate made of brass and a body covered in vulcanite. It has a bright and clear viewfinder, allowing for precise focusing and composition. The camera uses interchangeable lenses, giving photographers the flexibility to choose the perfect lens for each shot. The M4 also has a reliable and accurate light meter, making it easier to achieve proper exposure. Overall, the Leica M4 is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and engineering, offering exceptional image quality and a timeless design.

✺ Even more info for you

It is worth noting that the Leica M4 does not have a built-in light meter, so photographers will need to use a handheld light meter or rely on their experience to determine the correct exposure settings. Additionally, the M4 uses a manual film advance lever, which some photographers may prefer over the motorized advance found in later models. The camera is compatible with Leica M-mount lenses, which are known for their superb optical quality. The Leica M4 is a highly collectible camera, and prices can vary depending on the condition and specific features of the individual camera.

Example Photos for Leica M4

📷 Daniel Pietzsch |

📷 Brendan Lynch |

📷 Nokton |

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Pros and Cons for Leica M4

Compact and lightweight design

High-quality build and craftsmanship

Full manual control for precise settings

Bright and clear viewfinder

Compatible with a wide range of Leica M-mount lenses

No built-in light meter

Expensive compared to other film cameras

Manual film loading and rewinding

How to Use the Camera Leica M4

How to Load Film Leica M4

Potential Problems and Fixes for Leica M4

Shutter Speed Inaccuracy

With older cameras like the Leica M4, the shutter speed can become inaccurate over time. Regular maintenance and checks by a professional can help keep this in check.

Viewfinder Haze

Haze can develop in the viewfinder of the Leica M4 due to age and environmental factors. This can be cleaned professionally, but it's important to avoid touching the viewfinder directly to prevent scratches.

Film Loading Difficulty

The Leica M4 has a unique film loading mechanism that can be challenging for new users. Practice loading film in a low-pressure environment before heading out for a shoot.

Frequently Asked Questions for Leica M4

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