Leica M4 🔴 Is this the best rangefinder camera for film photographers?

Is a vintage Leica M4 rangefinder camera the ultimate 35mm film camera for most Leica fans? After reviewing almost all M cameras I have to say I’m really impressed with the Leica M4.  Let me tell you everything you need to know about this awesome camera including sample photos and YouTube videos.

• Leica M Film Camera Buyer’s Guide – All Versions

First time here? Get your Perks!

Buying a Leica M4 

One camera I’ve always wanted to try (and own) is a Leica M4.  When I first started out with Leica cameras I got the Leica M2, M3, M4-P and M6. Older cameras felt nicer made yet later cameras had extra ‘mod cons’ making them more functional for specific tasks.  

Black Leica M4 – Happy accident 

I was browsing websites late on night as I do researching for a YouTube video and accidentally spotted a UK listing for a black M4. I knew that black M4 cost more than silver M4 but the look of the camera just grabbed me and pulled me in.  It just seemed too good to be true so I waited until the shop opened to call them.

Like an excited teenager 

After a sleepless night I rang the shop as soon as it opened to check a few details.  I was suffering from FOMO (fear of missing out) and my little brain was like quick act before someone else buys it. After checking with the store, everything seemed legit so I bought it.  (I thought worst case I can sell it in 12 months and not loose any money.  This is the beauty of buying used Leica film cameras). 

Leica Manchester used cameras 

A special thanks to Ben at the Leica Manchester store. If you’re looking for new or used Leica gear it’s always worth checking their website. I’ve always found the Manchester prices to be fair and sometimes you can find real gems as I did.  (I bought my used Leica SL 601 from them too).  Awesome guys and service.  Be sure to visit their site for the latest listings.   I’ll add a link to the my gear tab for ease as they have new kit coming in every week. 

Leica M4 first impressions 

When my black Leica M4 camera arrived my first impressions were, wow this is silly beautiful! (Big thanks to Leica Manchester for sending the camera via DHL for free next day delivery)  I loved the white writing on the black chrome finish, similar to my converted Leica M10-P.  Overall the camera felt similar to say my silver Leica M2 but just looked a lot more special purely because it was black.  

Are black Leica M4 cameras rare?

Before we get into the details about Leica M4 cameras let me quickly cover the fact that my camera is black not the usual silver.  The Leica M4 came in 3 finishes –

• Silver chrome – Many were made so silver cameras are cheaper and more common
• Black chrome – Only 2 batches made. Price usually 2x higher than silver version
• Black paint – The most desirable and least common.  Prices are 8x more than silver

What makes the Leica M4 special?

Before we compare the Leica M4 to other Leica M film cameras let’s quickly recap the history.  The Leica M4 followed the Leica M2 and Leica M3. Most Leica fans agree that the M4 was the last great film M before Leica changed their manufacturing processes.

Brass is better

Unlike many of the Leica M film cameras that followed, the Leica M4 was engineered using brass components and brass top plate and bottom plate. This is the same as the Leica M3 and M2.

Later camera models such as the Leica M4-2, Leica M4-P and others were subject to cost cutting.  Brass gears were replaced with steel gear to be used with film winders and motor drives. Brass top and bottom plates started to be replaced with lighter zinc plates. (My Leica M4-P is an earlier version with the indented viewfinder window confirming it has a brass top plate. Later Leica M4-P with flush viewfinder windows have zinc top plates).

Leica M4 vs Leica M3 similarities 

The Leica M4 was released over a decade after the Leica M3 so the M4 design includes multiple “upgrades” to make it faster to use and more versatile.  The good news is, the build quality is almost as good as the M3 so that’s already a win. Modifications include –

• Rapid film loading (no spool)
• Film rewind crank (much faster)
• 35mm frameline added (35/50/90/135mm)
• PC sync port (no adapter needed)

Leica M4 cameras include the Leica M3 automated frame counter that was dropped for the M2.  M4 cameras like the M2 and M3 have a self timer that was later dropped for later cameras. 

Drawbacks of Leica M4 vs M3

It’s not all good (depending on who you ask). For me I think the following changes are a downgrade on the M4 –

• Reduced magnification viewfinder  (from 0.91x to 0.72x)
• 2-piece film advance (plastic tip)
• Plastic frame selector + self timer levers
• Rapid film loader is less fool proof for newbies 

Overall though, the Leica M4 is similar to the M3 in many ways and now offers users 35mm frame lines rather than being limited to 50mm (widest) on the M3. 

Leica M4 vs Leica M2

How does the M4 compare to the Leica M2? Both cameras offer you 35/50/90mm framelines but the M4 adds 135mm. The biggest upgrade for me over the Leica M2 is the mentioned automated frame counter.  (The Leica M2 was designed as a cheap alternative to the earlier M3 so was fitted with a manual frame counter (similar to Leica iii cameras).

Benefits of the Leica M2 vs Leica M4

Some users might prefer the Leica M2 over the Leica M4 for the following reasons –

• Single frame lines (35mm is not paired with 135mm)
• All metal single piece film advance lever
• Classic knurled film rewind knob
• Foolproof film loading with take-up spool

Cameras that followed

After the Leica M4 came the Leica M4-2, M4-P, M5 and then M6. (See my Leica M film cameras buyers guide for the full list).  If we take the Leica M4-P as an example, what changed in later cameras?

Benefits of the Leica M4 vs M4-P

You might prefer the Leica M4 for the premium build quality feel that is only found in the Leica M2, M3, M4. Modern Leica film cameras are very nice too they just feel different as they don’t have brass gears inside. If you want more features then upgrading to the later Leica M4-P ticks quite a few boxes.

Advantages of the Leica M4-P vs Leica M4

8-10 years ago the Leica M4-P was one of the cheapest Leica M film cameras you could get. When photographers later realised it’s basically just the popular Leica M6 Classic less the light meter, prices shot up. Reasons you might want to get a Leica M4-P instead of the classic M4 include –

• Addition of 28mm + 75mm frame lines (28/35/50/75/90/135)
• Hotshoe let’s you use modern flash triggers and flash units
• Slightly lighter to carry (517g vs 536g)
• Black chrome and silver chrome cameras are a similar price
• Some versions now have the famous Leica red dot (if you want that)

How does the Leica M4 compare to modern Leica Film cameras.

Leica still sells 3 Leica M film cameras in 2025 so how do those modern film cameras compare to the Leica M4 that was designed 50 years earlier?  The Leica MP, Leica M-A and Leica M6 share many similar features so let’s take the Leica M-A as an example to compare to the Leica M4.  The M-A is the most comparable as it has no light meter.

Leica M-A vs Leica M4

It’s interesting. When I bought my black chrome Leica M-A last year I looked at a black chrome Leica M4 back then. The price for a vintage black M4 was almost £1K more than a nearly new Leica M-A so of course I went for a mint Leica M-A. 

Leica M4 vs M-A similarities

Both the Leica M4 and Leica M-A are full mechanical cameras with no electronics. Both cameras use the rapid film load system and have automated frame counters.

Leica M-A vs M4 differences

Where these cameras differ, the Leica M-A is a hybrid of vintage inspired design elements plus modern upgrades.

• Leica M-A has rewind knob (vs crank)
• M-A has single piece film advance (vs 2 piece)
• M4 lacks M-A 28mm & 75mm framelines
• M-A has no self timer unlike M4
• M4 has brass gears, M-A has steel gears
• M-A has a hotshoe, M4 has a cold shoe

For black chrome cameras specifically the Leica M4 top plate is engraved, the Leica M-A isn’t. See my video where I take my Leica M-A to Leica Wetzlar to get engraved. In contrast, both the silver chrome Leica M-A and silver Leica M4 cameras are engraved. 

What about a Leica MP?

The Leica MP shares most of the features found in the Leica M-A listed above with an added battery powered light meter.

Leica M6 reissue vs Leica M4

When looking at the Leica M6 re-issue, this is basically a Leica MP with a red dot. Two similarities of the Leica M4 and Leica M6 are both cameras feature a film rewind crank and two piece film advance lever. This makes them both faster to load and rewind vs the earliest and latest Leica M film cameras. 

Returning my black Leica M4

When I received my black Leica M4 I shot a test roll and noticed the calibration was way off. I’d bought the camera ahead of a trip so I was quite disappointed. 

I spoke to Leica Manchester who said they were happy to give me a refund (as I was buying the camera to use rather than as a collector). I made a quick YouTube video to show the Leica M4 on the channel while I had it. Sadly when making the video I fell in love with the concept of owning a Leica M4 so I searched online for a replacement.

Buying a silver Leica M4

After some searching I spotted a clean looking Leica M4 on eBay. I chatted to the owner and it seemed like a good copy that was calibrated and ready to use so I bought it. 

Rare Leica M4 Italian import

Now I’m not sure if my camera is one of thousands but my specific silver chrome Leica M4 is an Italian import with logo on the front. The importer logo on the front of the camera (under the frame selector switch) is small so it doesn’t detract from its beauty. My Leica M4 even came with the original Leica M4 red box. (I love helping to preserve bits of history like this. A 1969 camera still going strong 56 years later!)

Leica M4 test roll – London

One of my US students was in London so I met her for the day in Chelsea (London) to run a workshop.  This was a great excuse to test my silver M4 ahead of my trip. Here are some of the test photos. 

Exploring Poland with my M4

One of my passion projects is to document the redevelopment of Gdansk in Poland, specifically the dockland area. I’ve been visiting for over a decade taking pictures so I was keen to use the Leica M4 to get some new shots. I won’t bore you with all of them but here are a few.

Leica M4 sample photos 

Poland photoshoots

As a model photographer I was also keen to use the Leica M4 for portraits.  I arranged 3 models for day 2 in Poland and shot my usual mix of film and digital.

Leica M4 portraits

Here are a few samples. I’ll post more on Flickr as I get time. The focus looks slightly off on some of these. I talked about the topic of calibrated camera + lens combinations in this YouTube video. There is no point arranging nice models if all your photos are slightly out of focus (as seen here).

Blind Leica M4 (aka. Leica MDa)

Did you know that you can find a Leica M4 variant that has no viewfinder window? If you read my previous article you may remember that the Leica MDa camera is a stripped back Leica M4 camera. At first glance the two cameras may look similar but there are a few key differences.

• Leica MDa has no viewfinder or rangefinder
• MDa has no self timer
• Leica MD-a has no frame selector lever
• MDa has a M2/M3 style metal advance lever

I took both the Leica M4 and MD-a to Poland. The MDa is just fantastic as a lightweight bombproof travel camera if you are worried that your beloved Leica M4 could get knocked out of calibration on your next backpacking or bike packing adventure. I use the MDa to zone focus wide lenses or with the Leica Visoflex housing.

Advantages of the Leica MD-a vs M4

If you love zone focusing and shoot at f8 all day or are happy to use the Leica Visoflex system, the Leica MD-a is fantastic. Reasons you might love the Leica MD-a vs Leica M4 include –

• Same Leica M4 build quality (Brass made)
• Bombproof as no rangefinder to worry about
• Nicer single piece film advance lever from M2/M3
• Leica M4 film rewind crank (faster than rewind knob design)
• M4 style automatic frame counters (better than a Leica M2)
• Leica M4 quick film loading design (no film spool required)
• Same silver chrome finish (looks newer for longer)
• Identical Leica script engraved on the top plate
• Lightweight: MDa weight – 454g vs 536g for the M4

Perfect pairing 

The Leica M4 and Leica MDa were the perfect pair for me when exploring Poland. Yes I could have used just the Leica M4 but having a second film camera body let me use two difference B&W film stocks and meant I didn’t need to change lenses as frequently. I used the Leica MDa as my wide lens setup – 21mm, 28mm and some 35mm. The Leica M4 was mostly 50mm with some 35mm and 90mm.

Leica M4 upgrades 

As someone that shoots portraits my first upgrade to any Leica M film camera is a Light Lens Lab 1.4x diopter/ viewfinder magnifier. 

Best camera bag for Leica M4

Personally I love the bags from Wotancraft. For my Poland trip I was expecting rain so I took a black Wotancraft 3.5L Pilot bag.

For a one camera one small lens setup my goto choice is the compact Wontancraft accessory pouch. For 2 bodies and a few lenses I use either the Pilot bags or EDC Canteener bag from Wotancraft. Both offer the 3.5L size option.  Read my camera bag article for more info. 

Best lens for the Leica M4?

Personally I enjoy using compact lightweight 35mm lenses on my Leica M4. If you are on a budget check out some of the more affordable Chinese lenses for Leica M mount. For portraits I have been using mostly 50mm lenses paired with the Light Lens Lab 1.4x viewfinder diopter/ magnifier. 90mm can be nice for travel (and portraits) for added compression.

If I want to use a small 28mm lens on my Leica M4 I just use the entire viewfinder area to approximate my composition. You could approximate 75mm lens frame lines too but I tend to use a camera with dedicated 75mm frame lines in those instances.

If you appreciate these reviews please support me on Patreon

Is the Leica M4 for you?

To see an overview of most of the mentioned cameras watch this YouTube video. All Leica M cameras do the same job, Ie. Hold a lens in front of your chosen film so you can make photos.

 The perfect camera for you will come down to the finer details –

Characteristics to consider 

• Required framelines?
• Need faster film rewind?
• Secure film loading or faster?
• Single or 2-piece advance?
• Need a self-timer?
• Do you need a Leica meter?
• Need a hotshoe for flash?
• Leica red dot (or not)?
• Silver, black chrome or paint?
• Prefer to buy new or used?
• Brass built or not?

By answering the above questions you can quickly narrow down the perfect Leica M film cameras for you. Still not sure? Read my Leica M film camera buyers guide (with answers to the above questions and more. 

Leica M4 travel photos – Budapest

A few weeks after Poland I was back in Budapest so I took the Leica M4 as my walkabout travel camera. So good paired with a small lightweight 35mm lens such as the Voigtlander Color Skopar 35mm f3.5 or Funleader Artizlab 35mm f1.4.

Leica M4 final verdict?

If you love the idea of a Leica M3 but want 35mm framelines AND you’d like fast film loading and rewind, the Leica M4 is for you.  If you don’t mind cheaper build quality then look at cameras like the Leica M4-2, M4-P, M5 and M6 cameras. 

Bye-bye Leica M2

My Leica M4 will replace my trusty Leica M2 that I’ve had since the beginning (early 2014).  The Leica M2 was my first Leica film camera that I bought purely because it was cheaper than the Leica M3. I think I gave it a good life during the years I owned it but I used it much less than the Leica M3 and M4-P that followed.

Watch the Leica M4 vs M2 YouTube video

For a better visual check out the silver Leica M4 on YouTube –

Stay up to date on the latest Leica news

Add your email to receive my free Leica newsletter and follow on YouTube for videos.

If you’re still confused as to whether the Leica M4 is the best camera for you, book me for a 1:1 zoom call. To support my work please consider joining Patreon and if you’d like to check out a Leica M4 in person you can meet me for a Leica workshop.