5 frames with a Leica M4-2, Seagull M 35mm f1.7 and Kentmere Pan 400

The trouble with having an analogue Leica M – or any other film camera really – is that you need two. After all, what if you wake up and it’s a glorious spring day, full of colour, and you’ve got black and white film loaded? Exactly. Glad you’re coming with me on this.

So I needed a backup to my M4-P (just ignore the Canon rangefinders I mentioned in my last post, it’s easier if you just humour me). I actually acquired an M10 first, in beautiful condition – honestly, it could’ve been brand new, it was still boxed, with all accessories, spare battery etc…. but I didn’t like it. Sold it two weeks later. Instead I bought an M4-2, which (like the -P) I immediately covered in black tape so now I can’t tell them apart. Genius.

I’d also recently decided I needed a faster 35 than my Voigtländer Color Skopar, so having seen at Leica Rumours that Seagull and 7Artisans were teaming up to do a very limited (500 pieces) M-mount 35mm f1.7 for a frankly giveaway price, I figured it had to be worth a punt…

Leitz Camera Action

I’ve been wanting to do that pun for ages. I’m not even sorry….

Anyway, when the M4-2 arrived it seemed the perfect excuse to properly test both, in particular the camera to make sure there were no leaks, pinholes or capping etc. So I loaded up with the cheapest film I had and set off for a wander around the cultural wonderland that is Luton.

Spoiler alert: it is, in fact, capping. As my mate Kev used to say – bugger tits bum poo piss, and a bear’s arse. I don’t know why he said that but it feels appropriate nonetheless. Luckily I got some money back from the seller so I’ll get it CLA’d shortly.

Here’s the 5 frames. Enjoy!

Thanks for reading! Find me on Foto or Bluesky

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