steveyork
Well-known
I actually prefer the stick/needle metering. Like it on the Canon FTb too. Hate the diodes. That's just me though.
Me too! The M6 diodes are too bright. The analog meter gives a much better indication of how many stops away from recommended exposure.
f.hayek
Well-known
Until it's dark outside and you can't see a damned thing. Think: FM3a vs FM2n viewfinder.
Pál_K
Cameras. I has it.
By the “metering stick”, I’m not referring to match needle metering in the viewfinder, but rather the meter stick that pops up in front of the focal plane shutter and which has to duck down when the release is pressed.
When it's dark enough to not see I'm usually not shooting.
Seriously, the other factor with diodes is when there is quickly varying lighting. It can drive one a bit batty trying to chase the diodes.
This happened when I shot concerts with a Nikon FM, which also uses LED indicators. Shooting transparencies which had little exposure latitude, I had to de-program my brain to not be so dependent on matching the diodes.
mothertrucker
Well-known
Since I got my M5 for $550 about 10 years ago, I am going to have to vote M5. It replaced a Leica CL that I also loved but the build quality between the two is no comparison.
Guth
Appreciative User
Amen.
The wisdom you've shared applies to any camera (as well as cars, guitars, hand tools, etc.) and not just Leica M film cameras. When it comes to photography, it is undeniable that the camera itself plays a major role in the user experience. This is a big part of why I still enjoy shooting film — I like the experience of using film cameras. I also like having the resulting negatives & transparencies, but beyond that the extra expense and effort can be hard to justify at times.
As far as best used film Leica M for the money goes, I would have a hard time choosing/recommending any of them given today's prices. Personally I'm not concerned about the sort of things that others are such as brass top plates or "adjust and fit" assembly processes. I'm under the impression that all Leica M film cameras are quality photographic tools regardless of these things. No doubt they'll all easily outlast myself. I would have guessed that any of the Canadian models would be the best for the money given that so many people seemingly turned their noses up at them as compared to the German made models — is this no longer the case?
Ultimately a person would be wise to learn as much about the various models as possible to determine if any of them hold greater appeal, or if some do not appeal at all. Make a list of what models would work for you and go from there. I would guess that the best for the money is probably going to be determined by the market at any given time depending on what camera can be found in the best condition for the lowest price. What particular model that might end up being will likely change from day to day.
f.hayek
Well-known
I leave shooting transparencies to cameras with matrix metering. Got an R8 for those instances.
Yes, matrix is great. But this was in the 70s before it existed!
I only shoot neg film now.PetPhoto
Member
I have yet to see that "meter stick". i have two Ftb that have been calibrated , yadda yadda,, and when i pull the lens off, and look at the mirror and pull the trigger, i never see a "meter stick".
Dan
Let's Sway
You're confused because Canon never used the meter stick being referred to above.
DownUnder
Nikon Nomad
I voted for the M2. Which I no longer own. Bought it in the mid-1980s, along with an M3 which came my way in 1987 via a private sale. Loved those two cameras, the M3 was in a much better working condition than the M2 but as I'm mostly a wide angle photographer, the '2 lived with a 35/3.6 Summaron LTM so one of the oldies which came with an M adapter. Slides I took with those two Ms even with that Summaron and a 50 2.8 Elmar were among the finest I've ever made, mostly I suspect due to their being an advanced yet a very basic tool and I had to take a minimalist viewpoint and try harder to make images I liked.
In the 1990s I set up my own architectural practice. After 18 months there was an economic recession in Australia and I didn't get a contract for a year. Many of my cameras, the Leica kits and several of my beloved Rollei TLRs, had to be sold to keep the business going. Times eventually got better, but by then I was back into Nikons and I never did find an M as good as the two I had been forced to flog off for ready cash. I still regret those sales.
So for me the M2 and M3 are by far the most iconic Leicas I've owned. I have a iif kit now and I greatly enjoy taking it out and photographing with it - but my Ms were truly special cameras and I still miss them.
In the 1990s I set up my own architectural practice. After 18 months there was an economic recession in Australia and I didn't get a contract for a year. Many of my cameras, the Leica kits and several of my beloved Rollei TLRs, had to be sold to keep the business going. Times eventually got better, but by then I was back into Nikons and I never did find an M as good as the two I had been forced to flog off for ready cash. I still regret those sales.
So for me the M2 and M3 are by far the most iconic Leicas I've owned. I have a iif kit now and I greatly enjoy taking it out and photographing with it - but my Ms were truly special cameras and I still miss them.
besk
Well-known
For the money, if in camera metering is important, I also feel that the Leica CL is the best used Leica M for the money.
However, the accuracy of the rangefinder limits its use if fast or longer lenses are to be used with it.
However, the accuracy of the rangefinder limits its use if fast or longer lenses are to be used with it.
chuckroast
Well-known
Best value is the M2.
The M4 is more elegant and the M5 is more innovative, but, metering aside, the M2 does everything the others do at a better price point.
Anything after the M5 is either not as well built, or wildly overpriced.
rhl-oregon
Cameras Guitars Wonders
My current M film cameras are a Zeiss Ikon and a Minolta CLE, and I use the ZI more. (I voted M5.)
AlwaysOnAuto
Well-known
There's an M2 going off on auction today on the Goodwill site. Should I get it?
It comes with extra lenses too.
It comes with extra lenses too.
chuckroast
Well-known
If you have an M3, the only thing an M2 will give is a much better experience with 35mm focal length lenses. That's why I bought my M2 instead of an M3.
Also, the answer to "should I buy another vintage Leica" is almost always "yes" if: You can afford it, it's in good shape, and you're prepared to pay for a CLA. "Need" has nothing to do with it
DAMHIKT
AlwaysOnAuto
Well-known
I have an M3, but I don't have any 35mm lenses, oh wait, maybe one Canon 35, but since I don't shoot film now I'll let someone else have the pleasure of buying it. The vulcanite is coming off it so it does need some work.
chuckroast
Well-known
Vulcanite repair or even a complete reskinning isn't prohibitively expensive. DAG or YE can those respectively at reasonable cost. A full CLA (I only use DAG for these) is $600+ ish.
Timmyjoe
Veteran
Took a look at that M2 on the Goodwill site, looks pretty rough (as in, probably will need a full CLA), and none of the three lenses are super desirable. As it's already over $1800, not sure I'd recommend that for a first Leica M.
Best,
-Tim