Leica M Book?

[JeremyLangford]

How do I learn about all the different Leica M models and their differences so that I can have an idea about which one I would be most interested in buying? Do most of you have a book that goes through all of them? I looked at my Downtown Library yesterday but the only book about Leicas was a repair guide book. I have also tryed searching the internet, but nothing seems detailed enough for me to base a possible $1000 or more purchase from.

Thanks

 

[Steve Bellayr]

try www.abebooks.com type in Leica M. There is the title Leica M Compendium among others...all for less than 1k

 

[tom_uk]

There is a problem in that most of the standard books are now a few years old, and therefore miss out the most recent developments. As there have been more developments in the last 6 year or so than in the preceding 16, that's a pity. However, i would suggest having a look at one of the following:-

First two from the 1990's:
a) The Leica M Compendium, Jonathan Eastland - dates from 1994, thus goes as far as the M6, but obviously nothing later. Nearly 200 pages, and gets into 'Leica philosophy' as well as just the facts;

b) Leica M Photography, Brian Bower - dates from 1995 so the same time-frame as the Eastland book. I prefer this one; it was my first Leica 'read'. It's short than the Eastland book but (IMHO) is better illustrated. In colour, too.

Now two from the early noughties:
c) Leica M Advanced Photo School, Gunter Osterloh - dates from 2005 so is the most up-to-date. It's comprehensive & recent; the only trouble is that it's really a tutorial about photography with a Leica (as it's title suggests) and the overview information about hardware is a bit sparse. I suspect that it's really intended for an audience that already knows it.

d) Rangefinder - equipment, history, techniques. Dates from 2003 and is written by Roger Hicks and Frances Schultz. Roger posts here quite frequently. It's a good overview of the whole rangefinder scene, and as such goes much wider that simply Leica.

My personal preference would be b) and d) as introductions, then perhaps a) and finally c). But that's just my opinion, of course.

 

[crawdiddy]

There is a problem in that most of the standard books are now a few years old, and therefore miss out the most recent developments. As there have been more developments in the last 6 year or so than in the preceding 16, that's a pity.

The only Leicas newer than 6 years would be M7s or M8s, and either of those would cost much more than $1k.

 

[johnastovall]

This is the Leica reference.

Leica Collectors Guide: 2nd Edition
by Dennis Laney

Covers everything through the M7 and the MP.

I find it invaluable when considering Leica equipment.

 

[35mmdelux]

Leica Pocket Guide, by Hove books. Breaks down all but the newest cameras/lenses. Also provides serial numbers for aging, quantity produced. Must have guide.

Edit: http://www.amazon.com/Leica-Pocket-Book-Collectors-Books/dp/1874707340/ref=pd_sim_b_2

 

[JRG]

"The only Leicas newer than 6 years would be M7s or M8s ..."

The M7 appeared in 2002, and the MP in 2003 so I'd have thought that the MP counts too?

 

[JRG]

" c) Leica M Advanced Photo School, Gunter Osterloh - dates from 2005 so is the most up-to-date. It's comprehensive & recent"

For the record, my copy of this book does not mention the MP (which appeared in 2003). Also not the M8, of course.

Still, a very good book.

 

[rover]

A lost soul at such a tender age.

Well, good for you.

Stephen of course has lots of stuff to read, I am sure you have scrolled through his titles.

http://www.cameraquest.com/classics.htm

Here is a list and then some opinions

http://www.cameraquest.com/leicaMcameraList.htm
http://www.cameraquest.com/mguide.htm

 

[Al Kaplan]

Don't forget to check used book stores, thrift shops, and flea markets. I guess from the 1930's through the 1960's nearly every year saw an updated thick hardcover book called The Leica Manual, really a complete course in photography as well as everything you wanted to know about Leica equipment. I think the last one was published about 1972. There were a number of other hardcover books dedicated to Leica and Leicaflex cameras.

There is a lot of information in these older books that doesn't seem to be covered anymore in recent texts.

 

[Tom A]

Of course, the ultimate "Leica" book(s) are Jim Lagers Triology. Almost 1100 pages with information ranging from the well known to the most obscure. Three volumes "The Cameras" - "The Lenses" and "Accessories".
Combined with Laney's book - everything you ever wanted to know. It is a bit risky choice as it can turn you in to a "collector" - and it is not cheap by any means. Great night time reading - but severe damage if you fall asleep and one of these volumes fall on your face.

 

[johnastovall]

Here's a source for all the Leica books you might want.

 

[crawdiddy]

"The only Leicas newer than 6 years would be M7s or M8s ..."

The M7 appeared in 2002, and the MP in 2003 so I'd have thought that the MP counts too?

Do you have an MP to sell for $1k ???