Tim Gray
Well-known
I think that is actually pretty similar in the grand scheme of things
With the exception of just a handful of cameras (M2, M3, M4, M6), the closest thing to an M7 is an MP. Out of curiosity, what kind of battery life do you get? I get about 75-80 rolls out of mine. That seemed plenty decent to me.
kshapero
South Florida Man
I haven't kept track but lot less then all the other cameras I have that seem to "never" need a battery change.I think that is actually pretty similar in the grand scheme of things
Out of curiosity, what kind of battery life do you get? I get about 75-80 rolls out of mine. That seemed plenty decent to me.
Benjamin Marks
Veteran
I had an M7 and I found that I more or less used it like my M6's -- that is, I didn't use the AE that much. When I was trying to raise funds for a FF DSLR, the M7 was where I could get most of the value back on a used sale. So I had in front of me 2 M6's and an M7 and I used them all the same way, more or less. Since I did not value the AE (the signal difference between the cameras) in actual use, it seemed silly to hang on to the M7. Now if I were to buy another M body, and had to choose between the MP and the M7 I think that I would choose the MP, even given the price difference between the models on the used market. I view the MP as a modestly upgraded M6 and I have been very happy with that older model of camera. BTW, never had a battery life issue with my M7, but it did have to go to NJ to have a metering problem looked at. Functioned fine after that.
Ben Marks
Ben Marks
Tim Gray
Well-known
Hmm. It lasts a lot longer than my other battery powered cameras, but I'm sure it depends on the camera. My point of references are a Canon Elan 7, a Canon 1V (25ish rolls), and a Ricoh GR1 (5ish rolls), all of which are much more automated/electronic than an M7.
The M6 batteries last longer (when I don't run them down in the bag), but then again, the camera doesn't need batteries, just the meter, so I guess that's justified.
If you are getting significantly less than 70 roll per set of batteries, you might have an issue with your camera.
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notraces
Bob Smith
I have both -- I almost sold the M7 - but after a trip back to Leica service in Germany, it's working great. Still, I will be buried with my MP. For me, the MP is the best Leica M I've ever used. I have one of the originals - mine was #300 off the line - I've run several hundred rolls through it with nary a problem. It's like a modernized M3 (my favorite vintage M) -- just damn fun to use - and really pretty to look at in black paint.
kshapero
South Florida Man
Probably I get 60-70 rolls. I am just used to 3 years or so on say a Nikon FM, etc.
Tim Gray
Well-known
Ahh I see. Makes sense. The FM doesn't have auto exposure though; it's more of an MP/M6 analogue, right?
kshapero
South Florida Man
yes, cameras like that use much less battery charge.
arseniii
Well-known
MP is "pleasure to work with" and M7 is "work with pleasure" If you know what I mean. M7 doesn't do it for me, MP makes my heart beat faster when I wind the film (no cardiovascular problems yet )
)
peter_n
Veteran
"the pricing premium was not justified" He found a great M6TTL with the upgraded finder and probably spent the difference on glass. I would have done the same.
I've gone through the same set of bodies as hunghang; M6TTL, M7, MP. In terms of ergonomics and usability, I really don't have a favorite except for the film rewind design, I could never come to terms with the tiny little knob on the angled crank on the M6TTL/M7. Besides which I think that angled design might be an accident waiting to happen. So I'm currently using MPs and I'll probably stick with them, I'm tired of changing round my equipment.
alun severn
Established
In the UK used MP prices seem to be about GBP 300.00-500.00 more than a used M7 -- that's for a standard 'user' MP with the 0.72 finder. A 'like new' boxed demo MP will probably be up to the 2K mark.
I don't think any of this reflects function, quality or build -- it's pure supply and demand and the price the market will stand. There are relatively more M7s around and more of them enter the secondhand trade. MPs demand a higher price because there are relatively fewer andthe market will pay more.
Interestingly, however, one still sees some of the various 'collectable' kits -- the anthracite with Leicavit, for instance -- at used prices that are barely more than 'bog standard' versions, suggesting that some of Leica's collectables (a) haven't fully sold out and (b) don't appreciate in value.
I don't think any of this reflects function, quality or build -- it's pure supply and demand and the price the market will stand. There are relatively more M7s around and more of them enter the secondhand trade. MPs demand a higher price because there are relatively fewer andthe market will pay more.
Interestingly, however, one still sees some of the various 'collectable' kits -- the anthracite with Leicavit, for instance -- at used prices that are barely more than 'bog standard' versions, suggesting that some of Leica's collectables (a) haven't fully sold out and (b) don't appreciate in value.
coelacanth
Ride, dive, shoot.
I think this is because there are more people with MP planning to be buried with it.
I'm one of them, but I'll shoot with it as much as I can before that happens.
srichmond
Established
During the summer I had the choice between a mint MP or M7 (I had an M6 already). Both in the shop; both same price. Was a difficult choice as the MP offers exactly the same functionality as the M6.
I opted for the MP, because I knew it's something I'd keep for ever. I am also comfortable using the M6, so AE wasn't something I really needed.
I opted for the MP, because I knew it's something I'd keep for ever. I am also comfortable using the M6, so AE wasn't something I really needed.
sepiareverb
genius and moron
Likely volume is part of the pricing as well, I see far more used M7's available than MP's.
__hh
Well-known
The M6TTL w/ MP finder upgrade was a compromise because it was nearly as good as the MP, but at a savings of over $1000 my head won over my heart.
barefoot
talented, but lazy
Thanks for the comments, everyone - this has helped me get my bearings in Leica-land.
35mmdelux
Veni, vidi, vici
After the emotion withers and you get into shooting you'll find these are basically different cameras. One functions electronically and the other doesnt. Your choice.
I never thought Id like the M7 as much as I do. Switch it on, point and shoot Leica style. With the manuals I got tired of having to set/change/adjust the shutter speed. Of course on special shoot or tricky lighting I'll shoot manual.
The nice thing is that you can get an M7 with all the bells and whistles (MP finder, variable magnification, DX reader) for 60-75% the cost of an MP.
I never thought Id like the M7 as much as I do. Switch it on, point and shoot Leica style. With the manuals I got tired of having to set/change/adjust the shutter speed. Of course on special shoot or tricky lighting I'll shoot manual.
The nice thing is that you can get an M7 with all the bells and whistles (MP finder, variable magnification, DX reader) for 60-75% the cost of an MP.
steveyork
Well-known
In the history of used camera prices, almost always a more mechanical camera will hold its' value better than its' more electronic brothers and sisters. Nikon Fs and Leica Ms are good examples of this. Electronics can always be improved -- metered to AE to autofocus to digital -- but a mechanical camera generally can't. And there is a perception that mechanical cameras are more robust. As a theoretical matter, this is true, because there are less electronics to go wrong, but I've had mechanical cameras go bad in my hands too.