Which M Leica?

L

Larky

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Hello everyone.

I know this has probably been asked before, but prices change, opinions alter, and we all like to chat about these things.

Let's say I want a Leica (I do) but am bewildered by the range available. I shoot street, candid, the usual RF stuff. I want quick to focus, silent, bright, reliable.

I want black if possible - but this isn't a really important part.

Which M would you suggest to me, somebody who has never owned a Leica? I've shot with a ton of different SLR's, have a SP35, Petri II (gotta love the film advance lever on this thing), Ricoh GX-100, will own the G1 set in a couple of days, about to buy the G2 because the G1 needs a bigger brother. But I want the red dot. I don't care about a timer, motor wind, metering through the lens etc, I want reliable silent perfection.

Now, let the war begin :)

A.
 
I am no expert but heard the M7 was the most quiet of the bunch if properly CLA'd. It is also the most aesthetically and ergonomically perfect of M bodies, I believe. And, it gives you AE when you want it. A gorgeous chrome M7 happens to be for sale in the Classifieds... :angel:;)
 
A Leica isn't silent. For that you want a leaf-shutter camera. Back on topic, truly you would probably be happy with any Leica body. I use both M7 and MP and like them both but lean toward the MP - a simpler display and mechanical reliability. I remain to be convinced about Leica's expertise in electronics. The classic old M3 and M2 bodies are well loved on this forum but I have always stayed away from them because I think they're higher maintenance than the modern bodies. If you literally want a red dot the M7 has one and the MP doesn't. :)
 
Mine is an M3, but I like 50mm lenses. For street, most folks would probably prefer a 35mm lens. So since you want black, I would think an M6 would be the best choice. Now, which viewfinder and metering system? That I don't know, Probably .72. I don't like using a meter when shooting outdoors, as it really slows everything down. So for me, the meter sys wouldn't matter. As much fun as the bodies are to shoot with, the lenses are just a WHOLE new experience! I have had not a second's trouble with my 50-year-old M3, so I couldn't agree that the old cameras are high maintenance.
Enjoy whichever you choose, and as you say, "Let the games begin!"
Vic
 
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You don't give any indication of your budget? There is a huge range from £300 to £2200. Which range of lenses do you plan to use?

Why do you want the red dot, can you clarify?

Regards
Ernst
 
From the parameters you state: they are all equally easy to focus, although the M3 and the M6/P's with 0.85 finders are easier to use with longer than 50mm lenses; the most silent is the M7 (in the slower speeds); they are all very bright, best viewfinder/rangefinder patch is to be found in a good condition M3, later M's are also very good because they are newer; they are all reliable, older ones have better reputation, you can't go wrong with any though. Black can be found cheaper from M5 onwards. Black M2/3/4 carry a premium.

M's are very, very similar cameras, they carry the same DNA and that's why transplants from one to another are possible. We all have ultimately to make a decision on which one is the right for us - a matter of preference, a matter of budget. A personal matter.
 
If you don't want a meter, an M4 sounds like the best bet. If you want a meter, get an M6. If you want AE, get an M7. If you want the best looking camera, get an MP.
 
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Thanks for the comments, the M6 or MP seems to be winning here, and to be honest I had those in mind myself. Nice to see my reading is taking me in the correct direction. I had the chance to play with an M6 recently, it was so quiet (no not silent but it whispered) and bright, it was like taking a picture by blinking.

Budget, right now I'm not sure. I wont be buying for 6 months at least, I want to get 500 or more rolls of film through my bathroom first and get my exhibition out of the way. As the cost of the body plus some lenses will probably reach the four grand mark I'm going to take my time with this decision.

As for the reason to own the red dot, I just want one. Nothing clever about my reason, I want one and I'm a child so I have to have it (stomping feet now). :)

That MP is bloody gorgeous.

A.
 
I agree that the MP looks best. I also appreciate that it is likely to have the best viewfinder (marginally) of the recent M's. I even take my hat off to its ability to function shutter speeds without batteries in an emergency.

So it's an easy call for me - the M7 gets my vote as a primary camera, every time!

I just would not wish to be without the AE option on my main camera and the M7 is the only Leica M with it.

I shot a roll yesterday and the handling was marvellous.

Peter
 
Sorry, don't like a Leica covered in Lipstick! Think the M7 is winning the race so far. I'm going to go to London in a couple of weeks and play.
 
telenous said:
M's are very, very similar cameras, they carry the same DNA and that's why transplants from one to another are possible. We all have ultimately to make a decision on which one is the right for us - a matter of preference, a matter of budget. A personal matter.
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Well said!
 
Red dots are available as Staples, a couple of bucks for a whole package of them. And you get blue, green, yellow and white dots in the same package.
 
As Alkis stated so wisely, the choice will be a very personal matter.

It being personal, then, my choice would be to get either a M2 or a MP, depending upon whether a meter in the camera is important and if you want a new body with a warranty, etc.


With your budget, the M2 and some lenses would likely get you the most functionality for your money. However, 4 grand will not buy a new MP and a few new L lenses. You could buy used gear for that, though. Say ~2500 for a good used MP and ~1500 for an older Lux. That would be a versatile kit.
 
I always find for shooting street, i don't even use the viewfinder and just hyper focus 8-10ft and shoot everything at f8 or f5.6 and use sunny 16 as my reference. I like a light, small shooting package. for me it's the CL with the 35mm f2.5 PII as standard, 21 f4 P for ultra wide, and 40 f1.4 nokton for low light. everything cost about $1500 even including the domke f5xA bag.
 
I own a non TTL M6 and must say that i miss an aperture priority mode that you find in the M7. When i can afford it, i will probably upgrade to the M7.
 
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