Leica M4 Black Paint camera 徕卡黑漆版M4

The Leica M3 was originally released in 1954, with the M2 following in 1958. The Leica M2 was designed as a cut cost, more accessible and slightly more versatile version of M3. Production of the Leica M4 started in 1967 after the M3 ceased production in 66 and the M2 in 67. It took the best features of both M3 and M2 cameras and combined them with new advancements of its own to create what, as mentioned, some view as the ultimate classic Leica. As the direct successor of the M3 Camera and M2, featuring framelines for 35 mm, 50 mm, 90 mm and 135 mm lenses in a 0.72 magnification viewfinder. It has the frame counter of the M3, with automatic reset after reloading. It was produced till 1975. 

The black painted version of the Leica M4 camera body was offered from 1968 to 1971 in parallel with the usual silver chrome version. During this period, only about 4,892 cameras with black painted body were produced. These were followed by the change to the black chrome surface for the late series of the Leica M4. 

A quick summary on the major improvements for the M4 versus M2, M3 are:
1. The Quick loading of film & 
2. Quick rewind mechanism
3. Having 4 sets of frame lines: 35mm, 50mm, 90mm and 135mm 

This black paint M4 was produced in 1969. Characteristic of the black lacquered M4 versions is the mix between black-painted and black-chrome-plated parts. It is common that the shutter speed dial and the rewind crank are black chrome, the quick release lever, rewind button and the lever of the self-timer and frame selector are black painted.

As such, the Leica M4 is considered "semi black paint" camera, while the body and many knobs are black paint, there are also many black chrome parts (such as shutter speed dial) and some silver chrome parts (Such as the plate under the shutter release button).The strap lug of over 99% of M4 black paint should be silver in colour. The later M4 black models are in black chrome. Leica M4 also has its trump card of having been made in Germany, in the original method of construction. 

I like this quote from B&H. The history of photography has been greatly influenced by photographers using Leica cameras. Photography with the rangefinder Leica always puts human skills foremost: the human capacity of feeling and artistic expression. The Leica M4 also fascinates because of its exceptional quality, attention to detail and its concentration on essentials. The M4 is a mechanical camera,without an internal light meter. Technical gadgetry is purposely limited to those features that truly contribute towards creating a better picture.

I have decided to get this M4 for Keith and give it to him later on as the price for this is still reasonable for a Black Paint plus it holds its values nicely.

An interesting article on M4:

 https://www.japancamerahunter.com/2012/10/a-super-special-leica-m4/

For those who is keen to get one can visit:

https://www.meister-camera.com/en/second-hand/8011/leica-m4-black-paint