Everyday Leica??

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OntheRez

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Hi all, a newbie here. I'm trying to return to my rangefinder roots and stumbled upon this forum. My first camera was a IIIc with 3 lenses my uncle "brought back from the war." Took a lot of B&W pictures with it until I got drafted into yet another war. Upon on my return, the camera and all those pix were gone. I drifted into SLRs - a Konica was the first one, I think - and then out of photography for quite some time. A few years back I returned and now shoot semi-professionally with Canon pro bodies. Frankly I find DLSRs incredible and continue to be amazed at what I can do compared to what was possible 40 years ago.

I've found 2 things missing though. The first is that digital Black and White just doesn't measure up to my expectations. The second is that holding a 1 Kg computer up to my eye loses much of the immediacy I used to experience with my old Leica. So I've been looking around for another RF preferably a Leica.

Given the current economic comedy, I'm not able to buy new and I've been a bit stunned to find that people actually collect cameras and just put them on the shelf. Used prices even for 30 year old cameras have surprised me.

So here is where I need help. Just how old of a Leica can I expect to use on a daily basis? I'm reasonably careful with my gear but taking the picture is more important than treating the camera reverently. I know that the condition of a camera is the most important factor, but it seems that an M3 is quite old while an M6 or so just gets too spendy. I've been hoping to buy a decent functioning body in the $500 -$800 USD range. Is this too low? What models would you suggest? I've been mostly looking at the M5, M4, and maybe the M2 though they are now 40 years old. Also, my only real access is through ebay which makes it impossible to inspect the camera before purchase. Can anyone suggest other places to buy? I've also been looking at some of the Japanese variants like the Canon 7 as they are certainly more affordable.

Any suggestions or guidance will be greatly appreciated.

Robert
 
I don't use my Leica iii everyday, but it gets used regularly. Its from 1939. KEH is a good site to buy from, as is bhphotovideo, adorama and if you're in the uk mwclassics.
 
I'm still using an M3, an M2, and an M2-R on a daily basis. They're not "too old". They work just fine. If you're looking for a camera for daily use one of the M2 or M4 series would be my choice because of the built in 35mm frame. Don't worry too much about the camera's age. I've been using mine since I bought them used back in the sixties and early seventies.

The Canons are good cameras, as are their lenses. You can use adapters to put Leica thread mount as well as Canon, Nikon, and other lenses on an M Leica. What you can't do is put a Leica M bayonet mount lens on a Canon thread mount body.
 
I have a IIIf RD, and even though I don't use it everyday, I would almost bet that I could do just that for several years before it might need servicing.

About 9 months ago I found an M3 that I was able to pick up at the Chicago camera collectors show for only $300. It has functioned prefectly since day one, and I really think it will continue to do the same for several more years. I don't know if there are any such shows in your area, but that might be a good place to start, since you can actually handle the camera before purchasing it, and get a pretty good idea on how well it functions.

If you're patient, I think you can find a good M body and stay within your $500-$899 price range.
 
A lot of the price is based on looks. A perfectly functioning body that has some minor dents, scratches, brassing on the edges, and the vulanite chipping off will go for cheap. Recover it with a skin from Cameraleather (or don't!) and rejoice at the money you'll have for lenses and film.
 
At some point (although I'm not in the market right at the moment), I'd also like to acquire an M2 or an M3. When I do, I'll likely purchase from repairman Youxin Ye, whose reputation is high on this forum. Do a search here and you'll find a lot of information about him.

I believe he also sells on eBay as "wye7."

Good luck with your search!

Duane
 
M4-P (if you can live without an integrated meter) or M6 are the best choices when it comes down to taking photos with a M-Leica for the best bang for the buck, IMHO. One of these + a 35mm or 50mm Summicron of any age and you should be done for quite a while. The M2/M3/M4/M5 are older and most probably need an - expensive - overhaul sooner or later while the newer M7 / MP (especially the MP) are still quite expensive.
 
You might also consider one of the Cosina Voigtlander Bessa R2/3/4 A/M cameras. They work very well, and can be had brand new with internal metering.

Other than that, I love the M6. It is my "everyday" camera.

What the others have said is quite correct, I am just offering another option.
 
My M3 goes everywhere with me and is my everyday camera. Got it with a cla for $500 technically I got it for 150 by trading in a bunch of dslr gear. My leica is my go to camera.
 
To echo what others have posted, I think it is very possible to find a working M body in the $500-800 range, particularly the M3 & M2 models. It won't necessarily be pretty, but it should be possible to get 1 that works.

I get almost all my gear off eBay, but the classifieds here on RFF are also a good source & there are reputable on-line places like KEH (keh.com) if you want formal return privileges.
 
My M2 is from 1963 (I'm from 1971). I don't even remember what it cost a few years ago, but it needed a CLA. Cosmetically it looks nicely used.

I have no doubt the camera will outlive me. Within your budget you should be able to find a nice user + lens. Screw mount or M, it's all up to you. Happy hunting!
 
I'll second the idea of looking at the CV bodies. It's a great way to get started and then add a Leica or a Zeiss body at a later date.

Best,

Bob
 
My black Wetzlar-made M6 has been my everyday Leica for many years. But time to give it a little rest so I am using my chrome MP. A used but correctly functioning M6 is tough to beat for daily use for a looonnggg tiime.
 
I'll second the M4-P recommendation. Should be able to find one for around $800, less if you look hard. It's the only Leica I've ever owned and I don't see myself ever needing another. I consider it a bargain because I've never wanted another camera, whereas if I had a Bessa, I'd probably still want a Leica.

This with a CV 28 3.5 is my everyday camera. I also have a 35mm Summicron that gets less use because I like the 28mm focal length but I could live with either one exclusively. If you don't mind the 40mm focal length (I hate it), a 40mm Summicron is as nice a lens as the 35mm and half or a quarter of the price. Can't speak to 50mm because I don't own any, but a 50mm Summicron isn't too expensive and I'm sure is great too.
 
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My "everyday" Leica these days is an M2 with a CV 35/1.4. It's a user, well working, but cosmetically a bit challenged. But I'm not afraid to take it into planes, on my motorcycle, etc. Great combo optically, too.

On the used marked, the M2 is the cheapest, easily replaceable, and many things can be fixed DIY (like RF alignment). Because the M2 was issued to military, it is the best documented Leica. A good user can be had even cheaper than a Bessa R[234][AM].

If you need 28mm framelines, I also recommend M4P or M6, as Gabor did. I use both, but am a bit more careful how ... Also, my classic M6 has been "pimped" with modern meter circuit, MP finder and SL2 rewind crank.

Roland.
 
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M2 if you can live without a meter.

M6 if you can't.

M4-P if you want a newer camera with a rewind crank and don't mind a viewfinder that is far more flare-prone than an M2 (I have both).

Cheers,

R.
 
My daily carry camera is a IIIf with 3 lenses (though 85% of the time it's the Summitar mounted). A nice user M would give you much the same & I'll admit that if I could find a cheap M2 I'd be tempted.

Just get yourself a camera that feels good to you & enjoy it - no more needs be said.

William
 
I was in a similar situation as you - though not old enough or young enough to get drafted into a war like you.

Also similar in that after going digital (Pentax) I wanted to get back to basics with a smaller camera (kids kept saying that they don't want to be next to a tourist!).

So, I read the head bartenders site, this forum, and others. Decided eventually to get an M (M2/M3/M4/M5/M6) but to dip my toe in I opted to get a CL - something else for you to consider. Body with 40mm lens can be had for <$500. I only got a body, albeit it appears the meter is non-operational; for someone with your photo background I doubt will be an issue.
 
Welcome to the forum! (I see this is your first post).

You've already received a lot of good advice above. I would only add the following: a Leica IIIc (a model you've previously used) is not "too old" to use as a daily carry for b&w photography, and a good user body can be had for well w/in your budget. My 1949 IIIc is working just fine (bought it from another member here). Obviously, a lot depends on the condition of the particular sample, so you may want to budget for a CLA.

I also agree w/ suggestions on an M2. An M2 in good user condition can be had these days for between $500 and $600, leaving you w/ some funds left over for a lens or two.

Finally, check out KEH.com. They routinely carry a decent selection of Leicas at reasonable prices, and have a no questions asked two-week return period. Also, their ratings are very conservative. I would not hesitate to purchase a "bargain" grade Leica from them; in fact, my M2 (purchased from them a little over a year ago, and an early model from 1958) was bargain grade, yet it arrived in perfect mechanical condition (the only flaw was the vulcanite which is flaking off; I'll get the camera recovered one of these days).
 
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