Thinking of Buying First M...Recommendations?

[Creagerj]

I just graduated from college and I have my loans paid off. I also got a bit of money from my family as a graduation gift and I was thinking of getting something that I have always really wanted: A nice RF camera. I have a Canon L-1, which I like, but I would like to have a Leica M (or maybe a Nikon RF). I know the L-1 is a fine camera, and I don't really have a reason for upgrading except that I just want to.

The question is, if you were getting your first Leica M, what would you get? Lets say the budget is $1000-$1500 USD.

I'm thinking of getting a body plus a 50mm M mount lens. I figure I can keep my Canon 85mm and use an adapter, and maybe buy a wide angle CV lens later on. If I upgrade, I'll probably be selling my L-1 and 50mm Lens and maybe a couple of extra lenses that I have lying around to free up a bit of extra money.

Personally, I like the M4-P, but if anyone has other recommendations I would like hear them.

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

If you want it with meter, M6.

If not, M2.

If AE, M7.

If money doesn't matter, MP.

If digital, M9.

If you don't need wider than normal and teles, M3.

If you want a spot meter, M5.

If you like real wides R4M.

Sorry I didn't help... 🙂

Cheers,

Juan

P.S.: If I had no M cameras, for that money I'd get an M2 and an R4M.

 

[Creagerj]

If you want it with meter, M6.

If not, M2.

If AE, M7.

If money doesn't matter, MP.

If digital, M9.

If you don't need wider than normal and teles, M3.

If you want a spot meter, M5.

If you like real wides R4M.

Sorry I didn't help... 🙂

Cheers,

Juan

Hmmm. I didn't even consider Bessa. I do want to shoot the 15mm, but it seems like I could just scale focus that anyway.

I don't need it to meter. I'll probably pick up a VCII for that anyway.

I don't need digital, I have my D200 for that.

Money does matter. So no MP, M7, M8/9.

I do want to shoot wides and tele, so no M3.

This may sound silly, but I would prefer it if it were black, I don't like chrome.

Also, to be honest I don't really want a bessa that much, but it would probably make sense to invest in lenses first and go for a spendy body second. I really only plan on using a 50mm though.

 

[Creagerj]

Also, I'm hunting for lens recommendations as well. Bring on the fury.

 

[winoto]

within your budget, get an M4P since you like wider angle shooting. you could probably afford voigtlander m mount ultron 28mm for it as well. however, black chrmome does not wear well in my opinion.
stick with leica M. you'll want one in the end.

 

[gotium]

Did you put the Ikon on your list? Great great viewfinder, very very light.

 

[chrishayton]

Leica m4-p

relatively cheap (around same money as m2)
very reliable.
only 30 year old not 50.
has 28 framelines.
Black!

lenses I would heavily suggest 50mm cron if budget allows.
Konica's M hexanon 50mm f2 is one of the best buys in 50mm (around $500)
Cant go wrong with the 35mm voigtlander f2.5 if you want a $250 lens.

 

[JSU]

Leica M4-2 and a CV 35/1.7, but don't underestimate the usefulness of the meter in a M6. If you really want a 50 consider the CV 50/2.5, cheap only in price, performance is outstanding.

 

[robklurfield]

M2 and a canon 35/2 and canon 50/1.4. You can do the whole kit for somewhere in the lower to middle end of your range and still have money left over for plenty of film.

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

within your budget, get an M4P since you like wider angle shooting. you could probably afford voigtlander m mount ultron 28mm for it as well. however, black chrmome does not wear well in my opinion.
stick with leica M. you'll want one in the end.

Respectfully, I photograph seriously more than 20 years ago in all formats using Nikon, Zeiss and Rodenstock glass, and I have never wanted a Leica. I have three Bessas, and want more of them...

Cheers,

Juan

 

[Lauffray]

I second the M4P though I honestly would recommend the M6, they usually go withing your budget, just look carefully and be patient. Check keh and ebay.

For lenses, the voigtlander 50/1.5 goes for 400 new and has great reviews, the hexanon m 50 is also a good choice. You can grab an old leica 50 for around 500-700...good luck 🙂

 

[seifadiaz]

If you want it with meter, M6.

If not, M2.

If AE, M7.

If money doesn't matter, MP.

If digital, M9.

If you don't need wider than normal and teles, M3.

If you want a spot meter, M5.

If you like real wides R4M.

Sorry I didn't help... 🙂

Cheers,

Juan

P.S.: If I had no M cameras, for that money I'd get an M2 and an R4M.

No love for M4 and relatives. 😀

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

Black and for a 50?

R3M and Nokton 50 1.1

No need for external meter. All new!

Cheers,

Juan

 

[randomtheng]

Get a M2. I'm currently using an M2, and have to say that it rocks!

Using it with an Ultron 35mm f1.7 and a summarit 50mm f1.5

Good enough to go ANYWHERE! =D

But i do want that meter though, just for convenience sake...

As in an M6! =D (upgrading as soon as i get the money!)

 

[Juan Valdenebro]

It's a shame black M2's are so expensive...

 

[BillBingham2]

M4-P would be a great choice, so would an M2. If you like wides you might look to a Bessa R4M. I have never held one but people who have LOVE IT.

What do you shoot or want to shoot? Having grown addicted to a Nikon RF recently I would recommend if you want a great two lens kit try a CV 25/4 and a 50/1.5. I think new is a slight stretch to your budget, but not too much.

B2 (;->

 

[PaulRicciardi]

Another vote for an M4-2 or M4-P.
Mechanical, no meter, reliable, simple.
Both cameras are black.

As mentioned the M4-P adds 28mm frame lines to the 35-50-90-135.

You can get an M4-P or M4-2 in user condition for about 600 bucks. The rest of your money will buy you a pretty nice lens. If you must have Leica glass I imagine you could grab a Dual Range Summicron within your budget. Otherwise the CV 50/1.5 is a pretty nice little shooter.

 

[keytarjunkie]

As another young guy (still in college though) I would totally recommend the M2. It's so simple. With a budget of $1500:

M2, Zeiss 50/1.5, or
M2, Voigtlander 50/1.5 w/adapter and Voigtlander 21/4 w/viewfinder

You could also get something like a Voigtlander 35/1.4 instead of a 50 (I'd really recommend it), they are around $550. However, if I were you, I'd get a Zeiss Ikon and a cheap semi-wide angle lens for it, like a Voigtlander 35/2.5 or 28/3.5. Plus you can get an adapter for your Canon 85, not sure what framelines it would bring up though.

 

[Chris101]

Since you want an M4-P, get one of those. It's a fine camera, and it's relative youth makes it likely to be in good shape. I've had mine for a few years, and I take it everywhere, and do not baby it. The black finish looks great, although there are a few scratches on it. The black chrome does not chip off like the paint does, but even though it is brass, it doesn't look yellow underneath. So if the eventual brassed look is important, look at earlier cameras, or save up for a black painted mp.

An important consideration is to consider the lens you will use, and match it to the viewfinder magnification and frame lines of the camera. A 50mm may have too small of a frame on an M4-P for you. I find that it is *perfect* for a 35mm, as it takes up most of the VF, but leaves that all important "outside the frame" space so you can anticipate approaching action.

If, as you say, you are going to be shooting with a 50mm, do consider an M3. They look really nice in black paint, they brass up really nicely, and have the best frame line size for a 50mm.

 

[Creagerj]

No need for leica lenses, just good ones. Honestly, if the M4-P sounds good that will most likely be what I go with.

The CV 50mm f/1.5 sounds good as well.