Which Leica M?

[sinetsin]

Christmas GAS is here!!😀 (how don't have gas attacks in christmas time?)
So I'm looking for a Leica M....but which one?
M6, M6TTL, M4, M4-2, M4-P, M3, M2...??
I don't have a lot of money..only near 850$ (600€)..which is the best option for this amount?
Many thanks for your help!
Saludos!

 

[Roger Hicks]

Everyone will recommend what they have. I'd back a good M2, unless you want a meter, in which case, an M6 (not ttl because the shutter speed dial goes backwards). I have 2x M2, M4-P, MP and have had M3 and most screw models, as well as borrowing other Ms.

Cheers,

R.

 

[sinetsin]

Hi Erik!
I really like the meter option...but i don't know if i can afford one..😕

My lens are:
25, 35, 40, 50 & 90...maybe i have to take a 135 if i take the M3 option..🙂

 

[maddoc]

25 mm ? -> M4-P ! If you don't need 25mm, go for an M4-2 or M2. Which camera did you use so far ?

 

[sinetsin]

Bessa R, T & a Leica CL

 

[Uwe_Nds]

This one is from a dealer in Germany with one month return policy @ 693 €: 270197172792

No relations.

Best regards,
Uwe

 

[ernstk]

If you want 'classic' Leica feel and build quality (ie, brass construction, hand fitted parts, engraved top plate) then with your lens selection, I'd go for an M2 or an M4. M2 s are slightly cheaper and don't have the 135mm framelines (they have 35, 50 and 90). you should be able to find a good one for $6-700.

Ernst

 

[oscroft]

Disclaimer: I have an M6

If you want a meter, the M6 is really the only option (I wouldn't go for an M6TTL unless you need TTL flash - they generally cost more, and the shutter speed dial turns the wrong way). So that's why I got an M6 - I've always relied on cameras with meters, and as I can't afford a new MP, an M6 was my only choice.

If I was thinking of a meterless M (and at the back of my mind I've been harbouring the thought that I might like one to carry around with my M6), I'd go for either an M2 or an M4 - I'd want at least 35mm frames, so that would rule out an M3 for me (though if I'm ever wealthy enough to afford a *third* M body... hmm).

I'd like an M2 for its original smooth brass-everything Leica engineering, and its beautiful looks. But I'd like an M4 for its quicker film loading and M6-style viewfinder frames and rewind crank. The choice would be tricky, and I'd probably go for whichever of the two I could find first at a suitable price in good enough condition at the time.

As for the price of an M6, I think you would stand a good chance of getting one for around your $850 from eBay if you're patient (though I guess you'd run the risk of it needing a CLA and blowing your budget). I was lucky to get a near-mint M6 (from an RFF member) a while ago for approx $1200, so if you're not too worried about cosmetic appearance I'd have though a slightly worn one could be had for nearer your price.

Best of luck, whichever one you go for.

 

[JNewell]

It does not matter, truly. They are all great, just minor variations on a theme. And, whichever you buy is unlikely to be your last. Just make sure you buy from a reputable seller and have a warranty for a reasonable period of time.

 

[sinetsin]

Thanks all for the comments, it really help me!😉
I still having some doutbs..between M2, M4-P & M6...I have to scanner ebay!

Uwe, thanks for the link!! this one looks great!😉

Oscrof, i relied with meter cameras too...is the reason that i have doubts about non-meter cameras...

Thanks again!

 

[splitimageview]

I'll chime in with my usual M3 recommendation, due to the superb viewfinder. Then add one of those ultra tiny Voigtlander 28/35 minifinders. 🙂

 

[Mike Richards]

OK, I'm going to recommend one I've got. The Canadian built M4-2 is the smoothest operating M I have -- even smoother than my MP. Being of more recent vintage, it did not need a CLA as did my M2 and M3. And the used prices tend to be relatively low because it was not manufactured in Germany. I got a used Leica meter for it, and it makes a sweet package with my earlier generation 50mm Cron (also bought used) and a Luigi case.

 

[thomasw_]

does your 25 couple the rf? if so, then definitely get a M2 and a handheld incident meter, e.g., the gossen digisix. you'll be able to use all of your lenses with framelines, and the entire vf to approximate the 25 field of view. the M2 is an excellent camera, just get a bargain quality user and send it to youxin ye for a quick cla. you will have a reliable camera for the next 15 to 20 years.

don't get the M3 unless your wider 25/35 lenses are not able to be rf coupled; if so, you won't miss anything with the auxillary finders for the 25/35.

But given your lens selections, I'd go M2 ALL THE WAY🙂 If you could afford a ZI body, I'd look at that as an option, too.

merry christmas, thomas

 

[thafred]

I second Mike Richard´s recommendation for the M4-2. recently got one and it´s smooth as butter, much better than my M6 plus you get an all brass body 🙂
I like shooting without in camera meter better than having led´s in the FV..maybe you´ll like it too.
IMHO the M6 is out of your budged but an M4-2 (P) can be found on the German Bay for your target price. (M2 is cheapest recently on the Bay.de so maybe you can get one and have CLA later if even nessesary)

Good Luck!!
Fred

 

[Andrew3511]

I spent some time with both the M3 and M2 in a shop before opting eventually for the M2. The viewfinder was just as clear in my opinion, the ability to use the 35mm and the extra room round the 50mm frame more than compensated for the slightly decreased image size. I have the M4-P and M6 as well. The M4-P was cheap for a leica and I have had no problems with it of consequence but it is true that there is more of a problem with viewfinder flare than the early M's. But you need to have serious contre-jour lighting to pick this up. The M6 viewfinder is better for the 75mm than the M4-P as the frame is better defined. The meter in the M6 is a mixed blessing I have found. I have spent time fiddling with the camera controls to get the exposure right and the 2 little arrows just perfectly lit up whilst what I was trying to photograph disappeared. I am truly happier with the MR meter and the M2 and any other hand held meter would be the same. The 1st roll I put through the M2 I didn't have a meter and there was only one shot out of 38 that suffered from the loss. I have dropped the take-up spool on occasion on the M2 and it is more fiddly to load. M2's are ridiculously undervalued at present. M4-P's are still reasonable value and there are good numbers of both around. M6's are going to be beyond your budget and unless you NEED the meter or are using the 75mm a lot why pay the extra?

 

[maddoc]

The Canadian built M4-2 is the smoothest operating M I have -- even smoother than my MP.

M4-2 smoother than your MP !? I had an MP (sold) but found it to be smoother compared to my M4-P. Maybe yours has lots of film run through it, so the gear became smoother due to some wear ? M4-2 / M4-P are great cameras though !

 

[Paul C. Perkins MD]

If you don't want a built-in meter - an original M-4 . . . probably the apex of mechanical Leica M development. I have one as well as an M-2 (also an excellent choice if you don't anticipate ever using a 135mm lens.)

Paul

 

[Joop van Heijgen]

M4-2 smoother than your MP !? I had an MP (sold) but found it to be smoother compared to my M4-P. Maybe yours has lots of film run through it, so the gear became smoother due to some wear ? M4-2 / M4-P are great cameras though !

After the regular use of more than 200 films the M4-P begins to go 'smoother'....

In my M4-P you almost don't feel the transport of the film...

After the use of 20 years the sound of the M4-P shutter release becomes softer...


Leica should wanted to make their cameras 'second hand' said a Leica engineer once 🙂

 

[Rik]

my M4 in the classifieds here, ( 😉 )fits your budget and is real smooth. And who needs a meter? 🙂

 

[HuubL]

I second the M4! You can replace the plastic levers with the M2/3 style ones and get the best M in the most beautiful classic M outfit.