Reasonable Leica?

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Gray Nelson

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I've been thinking about spending the cash on a Leica an since i finally got a job i can finally even contemplate owning one haha. But the thing is, honestly i can't see spending over 1000$ for one (well prior to cla or is that just a "tradition"?). Could someone point me the right direction? The only thing i can find consistently is the Leica Cl and i would really prefer an M series.

thanks for reading
 
If lacking a lightmeter doesn't bother you, a good user M2 runs in the 500-700$ range, an M4 perhaps 100$ more. Problem is you still need some glass to put on. With a bit of luck you could find an early 50mm Summicron adding up to a total just under 1000$.
 
You should be able to get a great Leica for $1000 or under. If a meter is important to you, you could find an M6 in the classifieds for around $1k. If a meter is not important to you, you have your pick of M2/3/4.

I would recommend KEH.com. Fair grading scale and it will come with a warranty.
 
Which on would you think would value the most over time? lol Because i was thinking m4-p because their slightly cheaper but for the price it would be worth it to get something that might grow with time
 
I don't know that an M4-p is much less than an M4 these days. The M4 has devalued quite a bit in the past couple years and I think is a great buy. You can find nice ones between $700 and $900 with some luck. As mentioned before M2 and M3 bodies are also relatively affordable compared to later models. Any would be the center piece of a nice kit. You can pick up a CV lens, 35 or 50mm with one of these bodies to keep the kit under $1,000, not to mention classic Canon 50mm lenses which also sell for less $ than others.
 
Don't buy something thinking about selling it, buy it to keep. If in the future you feel like selling it, there will always be a market for it, no matter what price range. Cameras are not an investment 😉
 
maddoc said:
Easy answer, either the Leica M4-P or the M4-2. Best M Leicas ever, IMO. 🙂
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+1 both these leicas represent a good compromise b/w the risk of repair costs associated with the older M bodies and the higher prices of the newer M bodies. they tend to be disparaged by the brass gear boyz, but are still very smooth and a pleasure to use.
 
Gray Nelson said:
Which on would you think would value the most over time? lol Because i was thinking m4-p because their slightly cheaper but for the price it would be worth it to get something that might grow with time
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Not sure if I understand what you mean by "grow with time."
Buying an M-body with the hope of it growing value-wise like an investment doesn't make much sense. If you're talking about a collectible $3000 MP custom, maybe, but not those that you can get below $1000.

Looks like you've done some reading if you realize that M4-P is even a choice. It is a *very* good choice, if you want the best RF body with reasonable price. It has quick film loading, lots of framelines for wide angle, and it's a black Leica. What else do you really need to take pictures?

Unless I have misunderstood you, that you just want to "own" a Leica, and not necessarily using it 🙂 in which case I'd suggest saving up for a'la carte Anthracite MP.
 
I got my M5 for $550 from Adorama used (I was lucky here, but you may be able to find an M2 or M3 in this price range). Needed a rangefinder adjustment and meter calibration, which Sherry Krauter did for $125. Throw in a used CV lens at your desired focal length, and you should be good.
 
I don't think Leica really made any 'bad' M models. It all comes down to what you want from your camera, and the information already given is spot on. The only comment I will make about the CL (and I've never owned one) is that it seems difficult to find dioptres to fit it, so you may wish to consider this if you need them - that's the only reason I don't have one!

John
 
I don't mean it as in as some weird saving camera bond but more of just holding its value (even if i end up scuffing i up here or there).

[/quote] Don't buy something thinking about selling it, buy it to keep. If in the future you feel like selling it, there will always be a market for it, no matter what price range. Cameras are not an investment 😉
Yeah i think thats the mindset i should maintain because in the end its gonna be taking pictures. 😛

And do they always need a CLA or is that just suggested?
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umcelinho said:
Don't buy something thinking about selling it, buy it to keep. If in the future you feel like selling it, there will always be a market for it, no matter what price range. Cameras are not an investment 😉
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Absolutely.

As for what is 'reasonable', all prices are 'reasonable' if you're willing to pay them. Personally I can't see buying an M9 Titan but for a new Leica with a meter and the best finder in years, an MP is pretty good. Pay less, and you'll get an older camera with fewer features. Very few Leicas actually wear out, but they do need repair occasionally (EDIT: very rarely a CLA, and even then, a CLA is worthless unless it's done properly, i.e. expensively), so the real question is which features you can live without.

In many ways my 50-year-old M2, bought used, is a nicer camera than my 30-year-old M4-P, bought new, but my 21st century MP is nicer than either. If I sold it for (say) half its new value, that's still a very modest cost per year for the length of time I've had it.

Cheers,

R.
 
[/quote=]
And do they always need a CLA or is that just suggested?[/QUOTE]

I think just suggestion. I bought my M2 from a member here. He thought of sending it for a CLA, but since it was running fine he did not. I have not sent it either. I guess some day I will, but am in no rush. If it ain't broke, and from a trusted seller....
 
M4, M4-P, or M2 -- all excellent. I love my M2. I love my CL too but it is a different experience mainly due to the smaller viewfinder. While you're saving up for mega buck Leica lenses here are some suggestions:

CV (that stands for Cosina Voigtlander) 35mm f/2.5 pancake. Best 35mm lens for the money I know of. Mine just keeps shocking me with its image quality. Can be found used for under $300. You'll need the 35-135 LTM/M adapater ring which is about $20 from Hong Kong.

Canon 50mm f/1.8 screw mount lens -- amazing lens selling for about $125-160 these days. A stunner. Again you'll need 50-75 LTM/M adapter ring.

Leica 90mm f/4 Elmar-C OR Canon 100 f/3.5 Both fabulous, small and cheap. The Canon would require the 28/90 adapter plus you'd learn to adjust your expectations for a slightly smaller frame than what you're seeing in the VF. Both for under $200.
 
After trying a lot, I find the best deal for an M is an M2 with a Canon LTM lens. The M2 is simply unsurpassed in any sense that is actually important. Canon lenses have great image quality, equal to Leica of same vintage, very well built, and can be had quite cheap. Keh has an M2 for 645 (their BGN grade is usually still very good), a 50/1.8 for 100, you can get an LTM adapter for 15. Also, keep an eye on the classifieds.
 
When I got my M3, I used it for five years before I did a CLA, and then only because I needed to get the flash sync repaired. Since it was in the shop anyway... My M3 and collapsible 'cron cost about $1100 nearly six years ago.
 
hmm an m2 kit for around 800? sounds cool but i hate at this point its the really tiny things that make the deal like it doesn't have a slanted rewind of the m4, or the magnified viewfinder of the m3 but has the 35mm frame lines that the m3's lacking. i think i might wait out for a m4 just for the rewind and the easy reloading :O
 
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