Newest M models: M7 or MP?

[zerobuttons]

After being convinced for a while that my new equipment acquisition should be an M7, it seems that I have now fallen into love with the MP. Now I need some advice from you guys who have actually handled both.

I understand that the M7 have significantly less gear train noise at the lower shutter speeds than earlier M models. Has the MP also been modified with the same mechanical gears?

I may need the ability to photograph with flash at some point. I have considered the M7 with the Metz M54 and the proper SCA adapter. Is there something here that I can´t do with the MP, that I would be able to do with the M7?

I hope you can help. Thanks in advance.

 

[aizan]

the m7 doesn't have a slow speed escapement because it has an electric shutter. the mp has a mechanical shutter, and the escapement will make an insignificant amount of noise. it doesn't have ttl flash, though.

 

[35mmdelux]

"I understand that the M7 have significantly less gear train noise at the lower shutter speeds "


huh? Both these cams are extremely quiet and Ive owned and used both. However, if you're into flash photography the MP/M7 are about equal since they sync at 1/50.

 

[Freakscene]

>huh? Both these cams are extremely quiet and Ive owned and used both.

The electronic shutter on the M7 is significantly quieter both in terms of absolute noise level, sharpness of pitch change and duration of sound than the shutter in mechanical Leica M cameras, including the MP.

 

[phc]

Does the MP have a shutter lock? I've never used an MP but the lock on the shutter release is a major advantage on the M7 as far as I'm concerned. Also the shutter speed dial that protrudes slightly over the front of the camera body, so you don't have to take the camera from your eye to change speeds, is very useful.

And the MP has the old re-wind knob instead of a crank. Yikes! How long does that take?

Cheers, Paul.

 

[kipkeston]

They are both mechanical shutters. One has electromagnets to time the curtains the other gears and cams.
The m7 is realy only quieter at slow speeds when you would otherwise hear the whirr in the MP.

You can also very easily turn all leica m shutter dials with one finger and without removing your eye from the vf.

 

[MCTuomey]

having the M7's ttl capability is a plus if you'll be using flash. i believe flash use with an MP is strictly manual.

 

[Turtle]

if flash is an issue it makes sense to go for TTL, so the M7. Is aperture priority important to you? Noise is not an issue - both are to all intents and purposes the same. MP feels wonderful, but do you care? I personally use the MP, but I dont use flash, dont need AP, love the feel and want the same ergonmics/shutter direction as older bodies.

 

[zerobuttons]

Thank you for all the answers so far. A couple of points up again for the M7, I guess. I haven´t quite decided yet.

 

[peter_n]

I've gone from M6TTL to M7 to MP. I still use an M7 and if you need either/or flash/AE or you shoot slides get the M7. Make sure it has the MP viewfinder and the optical DX reader. Otherwise get the MP. Both are fantastic bodies and it comes down to personal preference.

 

[zerobuttons]

.....if you need either/or flash/AE or you shoot slides get the M7.....

Could you elaborate on the comment regarding slide film, please?

 

[asianhombre]

For me the Leica is about purely mechanical functions. I wasn't keen on being limited to 1/60th and 1/125th without batteries. The M7 is a fantastic camera but I don't really find myself ever using aperture/shutter priority modes either, and as for a flash, even with my Nikon D300 (sacrilege to mention here perhaps) I rarely if ever use one. Not that I discourage their usage but I seem to never find the need.

For those reasons only, I bought my M6 and a lens instead of a M7 body only, which would have equaled out price wise...but something tells me I will most likely upgrade to an MP in the future. If for nothing else, then the allure of a black paint body, and earning my own brassing over time...

 

[johnwnyc]

I went from an M7 to an MP. They're both great but in the end I decided that i wanted my last film camera to have complete freedom from batteries.

 

[Tim Gray]

I bought an M7. My favorite camera. I was going to sell the M6 (non-TTL) it replaced but decided to keep it as a 'backup'. I actually make use of it too. To me, all the MP superiority over the M6/M7 is kind of hype. The MP is a great camera. If I wanted a new M camera and would never use the AE, I'd buy one. Personally, I'd rather get a used M6 for less than half the cost. If you like the MP, that's great, but having the option of AE for me (which I rarely use, but has come in handy) is really nice. I actually normally shoot with a handheld meter, but again, the built in meter is useful sometimes.

The M7 just barely sips on batteries and they are tiny. I've used the same (used) set that came with the camera when I bought it 6 months ago and have shot about 50 rolls on them. I have 4 spare sets in a 35mm container that travel along with me (and my film). If the unspeakable happened and I ran out of batteries AND 1/60 or 1/125 didn't work, I'd just use my M6. I find having the right amount of film on hand is much more of a limitation than carrying some spare batteries.

The M7 is a bit quieter than the M6. Really on the lower speeds. They are both quiet enough though that it doesn't really make a difference. I really like the on/off switch on the M7 - I don't have to remember to put it on B like the M6 to keep my batteries from running down.

I should note that I actually like the black chrome more than the black paint and I like the new style rewind knob more than the old style one. If these are two things that you are a stickler about, I can see why you'd prefer the MP. The black chrome and new style rewind knob are much more functional in my mind.

 

[Rob-F]

After being convinced for a while that my new equipment acquisition should be an M7, it seems that I have now fallen into love with the MP. Now I need some advice from you guys who have actually handled both.

Several years ago in an interview a Leica exec said that the M7 is the "camera for the head," while the MP is "the camera for the heart." It sounds like that is where you are: "convinced" (head) that you should have an M7; but "fallen in love" (heart) with the MP.

Sounds like you won't be happy until you have both. I wasn't. But: start with the M7, as it is the more versatile camera. Don't worry about batteries; just carry spares. And remember to turn it off before putting it in the bag.

 

[peter_n]

Could you elaborate on the comment regarding slide film, please?

The M7 interpolates between the normal shutter speeds so you get a very accurate exposure.

 

[marke]

I can see where the shutter lock might be an advantage, in theory...or if you used a softie on the shutter button. My I have never had a problem with an accidental shutter release with my MP or my M6 TTL.

One reason I originally went with an M6 TTL, is because of the larger shutter speed dial. But in practice, again, I don't find it an issue. The traditional dial on my MP is very easy to adjust, and I never have to take my eye from the camera. The dial works smoothly yet with well-defined detents.

I think the style of rewind knob is more debatable. Because I've used the MP for a good year now, I've developed a quick technique to rewind the film, and I don't think it proves to be measurably slower than the crank on my M6 TTL. What I like about the old-style knob is that it is undoubtedly more robust than the newer crank style. There are times when I've been rewinding with the crank and have worried about breaking it off. I've heard of this happening to others (not often, but it does happen). I can be as aggressive and quick as I need to be with the old style knob, and I never have to be concerned with it breaking.

Does the MP have a shutter lock? I've never used an MP but the lock on the shutter release is a major advantage on the M7 as far as I'm concerned. Also the shutter speed dial that protrudes slightly over the front of the camera body, so you don't have to take the camera from your eye to change speeds, is very useful.

And the MP has the old re-wind knob instead of a crank. Yikes! How long does that take?

Cheers, Paul.

 

[Zenjitsuman]

:bang: This Ikon just swollow my post.

I don't understand the Battery Phobia. Just go to the drug store get a tiny pill box that can fit a couple of aspirin sized batteries and velco the box to your camera strap.

Batteries have a shelf life of years, they weigh next to nothing and if you shoot regularly they will get used long before they go bad.

Check them at least once a year, and when you have not used the camera for a while check to make sure you camera metering was not drawing power in your bag when you load your film or take your first shot. Just turn it on and take a meter reading.

Hey, I like no meter cameras too but , lets get real if you get 50 rolls to a battery that ain't a problem.

 

[marke]

I think the non-battery concern might be a modern day, over-reaction to the over-dependency spilled over from the digital world. At least that's the way it's been for me. I still shoot digital, but one of the several reasons I chose the MP was to allow myself the freedom from batteries if need be. Please don't tell me to just pull the batteries from my M6 TTL, because it's still not the same camera.

:bang: This Ikon just swollow my post.

I don't understand the Battery Phobia. Just go to the drug store get a tiny pill box that can fit a couple of aspirin sized batteries and velco the box to your camera strap.

Batteries have a shelf life of years, they weigh next to nothing and if you shoot regularly they will get used long before they go bad.

Check them at least once a year, and when you have not used the camera for a while check to make sure you camera metering was not drawing power in your bag when you load your film or take your first shot. Just turn it on and take a meter reading.

Hey, I like no meter cameras too but , lets get real if you get 50 rolls to a battery that ain't a problem.

 

[35mmdelux]

Both the M7 and MP are top notch. The MP has the special VF and tremendously smooth mechanics. The only downside of the MP is the retro film rewind knob, making it slower to rewind film.

The M7 AE mode makes shooting easier & faster. It has DX; just drop the film, switch it on, and shoot.

Either choice is a good one so I bought them both. Good luck.