What is the Leica M4-P?

The Leica M4-P is a 35mm rangefinder film camera produced by Leica from 1980 to 1986. It is part of the Leica M series and is known for its compact size and high-quality construction.

What is the design and build quality of the Leica M4-P?

The Leica M4-P features a classic and iconic design, with a durable all-metal construction. It has a compact and lightweight body, making it ideal for street and documentary photography. The camera is built to high standards of precision and craftsmanship, ensuring reliable performance and longevity.

What type of film does the Leica M4-P use?

The Leica M4-P uses 35mm film, which is a popular film format for both amateur and professional photographers. It allows for easy film loading and provides a good balance between image quality and portability.

What is the lens mount of the Leica M4-P?

The Leica M4-P uses the Leica M bayonet mount, which is a standard lens mount used by Leica rangefinder cameras. This mount allows for a wide range of Leica M lenses to be used with the camera.

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

No, the Leica M4-P does not have a built-in light meter. It is a fully mechanical camera that requires the use of an external light meter or manual exposure estimation. This can be beneficial for photographers who prefer to rely on their own judgment and experience.

What are the main features of the Leica M4-P?

The Leica M4-P offers a range of features that enhance the shooting experience. Some of the main features include: a bright and clear viewfinder with a 0.72x magnification, a precise and smooth rangefinder mechanism, a horizontal cloth focal plane shutter with speeds from 1s to 1/1000s, and a film advance lever for quick and easy film winding.

Is the Leica M4-P suitable for beginners?

The Leica M4-P is a manual focus film camera that requires a good understanding of photography fundamentals. While it can be used by beginners who are willing to learn and experiment, it is more commonly used by experienced photographers who appreciate the manual control and the high-quality results it can produce.

Is the Leica M4-P a reliable camera?

Yes, the Leica M4-P is known for its reliability and durability. It is built to withstand regular use and is often considered a lifetime investment by photographers. However, like any mechanical camera, it is important to properly maintain and care for the camera to ensure its longevity.

Is the Leica M4-P compatible with digital conversion?

Yes, the Leica M4-P can be converted for digital use by replacing the film back with a digital sensor. This allows photographers to use their existing Leica M lenses and take advantage of the camera's manual controls while capturing digital images. However, it is important to note that the conversion process requires professional modification and can be quite expensive.

What are some alternatives to the Leica M4-P?

Some alternatives to the Leica M4-P include other models in the Leica M series, such as the Leica M6 and Leica M7. These cameras offer similar features and build quality. Other alternatives from different brands include the Nikon FM2, Contax G2, and Olympus OM-4. Each camera has its own strengths and characteristics, so it is important to consider personal preferences and shooting style when choosing an alternative.

Join the Filmtypes community

Leica M4-P

Name: Leica M4-P
Brand: Leica
Rating: 3.7 (6 reviews)

Rangefinder

35MM

Leica

Germany

Size & Weight

Camera Size for Leica M4-P138 x 77 x 33.5 mm
Camera Weight for Leica M4-P560g
Camera Build Material for Leica M4-PMetal

Focus

Camera Focus Mode for Leica M4-PManual Focus
Camera Focus Type for Leica M4-PRangefinder

Exposure

Camera Shutter Speed Range for Leica M4-P1s – 1/1000s
Camera ISO Speed Range for Leica M4-P12 ISO – 3200 ISO
Camera Exposure Modes for Leica M4-PManual
Camera Exposure Meter for Leica M4-PNone
Camera Viewfinder for Leica M4-P0.72x magnification rangefinder

Lens & Accessories

Camera Lens Type for Leica M4-PInterchangeable Lens
Camera Lens Mount for Leica M4-PLeica M Mount
Common Camera Lenses for Leica M4-P Leica Summicron-M 50mm f/2 Leica Summilux-M 35mm f/1.4 ASPH
Camera Flash for Leica M4-P No Built-In Flash
Camera Common Accessories for Leica M4-P Leica M Motor Drive Leica M Handgrip Leica Soft Release Button

Battery

Camera Battery Type for Leica M4-PNone
Battery Life for Leica M4-PN/A

Manual

Camera Manual for Leica M4-PShow Manual

Use Cases

Camera Use Cases for Leica M4-P
🚶‍♂️
Street Photography
👤
Portrait Photography
🌍
Travel Photography

Description for Leica M4-P

The Leica M4-P is a 35mm rangefinder camera that was introduced by Leica in 1980. It is an improved version of the Leica M4-2, with added features and enhancements. The M4-P is known for its exceptional build quality and precision engineering, making it a favorite among professional photographers and enthusiasts. It features a bright and accurate viewfinder, which allows for precise focusing and composition. The camera also has a built-in light meter, which helps in getting the correct exposure settings. The M4-P has a durable and robust construction, with a brass top plate and bottom plate. It has a manual film advance lever and a rewind crank, making it easy to load and unload film. The camera is compatible with Leica M-mount lenses, which are renowned for their optical quality. Overall, the Leica M4-P is a reliable and versatile camera that delivers excellent image quality and is a joy to use.

✺ Even more info for you

The Leica M4-P is often considered one of the best film cameras ever made. It offers a range of features that make it a versatile tool for photographers, including interchangeable viewfinders, motorized film advance, and a wide range of available accessories. The camera is compatible with a wide range of Leica M-mount lenses, which are known for their exceptional image quality and sharpness. The M4-P is also compatible with Leica's Visoflex system, which allows for the use of SLR-like reflex viewing. The camera's build quality and reliability make it a popular choice among professionals and collectors alike.

Example Photos for Leica M4-P

📷 Brendan Lynch |

📷 Lars-Göran Hedström |

📷 joel kabahit |

Some photos might not be accurate. We are working on it ✌

Pros and Cons for Leica M4-P

High-quality build and craftsmanship

Compact and lightweight design

Interchangeable lenses for versatility

Precise manual focusing

Expensive compared to other film cameras

No built-in light meter

How to Use the Camera Leica M4-P

How to Load Film Leica M4-P

Potential Problems and Fixes for Leica M4-P

Shutter Capping

Shutter capping is a common issue with the Leica M4-P, especially in older models. This can result in uneven exposure in your photos. Regular servicing by a professional is recommended to maintain the shutter mechanism.

Viewfinder Haze

Over time, the viewfinder in the Leica M4-P can develop a haze. This can affect the clarity when composing shots. It is advisable to get the viewfinder cleaned by a professional if you notice this issue.

Light Leaks

Light leaks can occur in some Leica M4-P cameras, often due to deteriorating light seals. If you notice unexpected bright spots or streaks in your photos, this could be the cause. Replacing the light seals can usually fix this problem.

Frequently Asked Questions for Leica M4-P

Share Photos •Browse Photos •Collect Film Stocks •Collect Cameras •Achievements

Screw Instagram.

We are building a social network exclusively for film photographers.

Yes, for you.

Join our exlusive waitlist. Will be available for Web, iOS and Android.

Join our grainy newsletter to get the latest updates on new film stocks, cameras, and our new app.