Best choice M body sub $1500?? My 1st M.....

N

Nostalgie

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Hey everyone!
Well, Im on my way to a Leica finally, Ill have enough in about 4 weeks, well, Ill have a little over $1000, Ive browsed some choices, but figured Id ask for some opinions from some more experienced Leica users....what you think my best choice is for a sub $1500 M body? Id love to have TTL, but the M6's seem a little high, at least the ones Ive priced in good condition! M5's are a little large for my tastes though. I'd love any input and any ideas you all might have, Im sure you all can remember your first Leica's! I just want to make sure mine is a memorable one as well. Thanks so much!
Bryan

PS- As far as say the M2-M4's, have any of you used the hot shoe meters with those? If so, how well does it hold up to TTL? Just as quick to set? Thanks so much!
 
I like the Voigtlander VC II meter, as I don't have to raise the M4 or M4-P to my eyes to meter. Using Aperture Priority method, it is easy and quick to set. Of course, if it is really dark, then I have to adjust the shutter speed as well, or if the light changes constantly.

But I still favor the handheld Sekonic L-308s when there is more time, especially as it has incident metering.

Even with the M6, I don't use the TTL meter much.

An M4-P is basically like an M6 without a meter, and a lot cheaper, below $1000. I like the M4 for its build.
 
Bryan I started off with an M6TTL 3 years ago and after a couple of years moved on to an M7. $1500 is more than enough for an M6TTL in really good shape. Look in the classifieds here and on photo.net and also in the FS section of the Leica & Rangefinder forum on PN. I highly recommend the camera and if you can manage to be patient you will eventually get one at a good price.
 
If you like TTL metering, nothing else quite suffices as a substitute. (I do). BTW, I have small hands and really love the M5. Talk about your classic hockey puck - whamo! It also has the best meter of all the M bodies. Analogue film, analogue meter. That's the way it should be. You always know exactly where your exposure is relative to 18% gray. With lights, once the light is off, you are lost. Just my opinion. YMMV.

/Ira
 
Bryan, as Peter said above, go for an M6 of any kind. In fact, any will sell for less than what you have. Right now you can find them on e(vil)Bay for $1300 or thereabouts.

As for the TTL, it's a functionality that only applies if you use the flash. OTOH, there are some differences between the M6 and the M6TTL, but they boil down to a newer meter and flash TTL metering capabilities in the TTL. The M6 is still reliable and good, so go for any of those.

Now, if your heart is really set on a meterless body... an M4 (or any of its variants, regardless of what the rumor says) will fit the bill. Just make sure to get a handheld meter, and get it figured out too.

My first Leica was an M6TTL. I liked them so much I added another to my arsenal. I didn't buy a meterless one until later, when I went for an M3.

Welcome, then, to the legions who dream of Leica... Enjoy your financial glory! You're on your way to dooooom! 😱

Heck, we all enjoy the ride! 🙂
 
SolaresLarrave said:
Now, if your heart is really set on a meterless body... an M4 (or any of its variants, regardless of what the rumor says) will fit the bill. Just make sure to get a handheld meter, and get it figured out too.
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Speaking of M4s, did someone here pick up the Ex+ M4 at Photovillage for $599? I was going to recommend it to Bryan but it's already gone.
 
Hey guys,
Thanks for all the replies, luckily I have a few weeks to think, but Im pretty sure Ill plunge for the M6, theres a few nice ones on BH, as well KEH, all for around the prices Im looking for, in nice condition as well. Oh, Solares, Im feeling the financial doom already and I havent even dropped the cash yet! Haha, thanks again, I appreciate everyones input so far!
Bryan
 
MikeL said:
Speaking of M4s, did someone here pick up the Ex+ M4 at Photovillage for $599? I was going to recommend it to Bryan but it's already gone.
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Now that, I wouldve snatched!
 
Theres a black M6 in Ex++ on Photovillage for $1195 that I saw as listed recently though, never bought from they, trustworthy?
 
Nostalgie said:
Theres a black M6 in Ex++ on Photovillage for $1195 that I saw as listed recently though, never bought from they, trustworthy?
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Very much so. I've never bought used gear, so I can't comment on their grading scale, but they are very good people to deal with.
 
I can't speak to photovillage. I do know that bargain grade at KEH.com is the greatest value in photography on the planet... well, ok, that's a bit of an exageration but not very much. I've always bought bargain from them & been surprised at how good the item is.

For the OP, I'd say look for a 2 lug M5 if you want metered & a M4-P if not. Those are the 2 best deals out there to my eye. I can't afford either and so will be soon getting a Bessa R instead. But someday I'll have an M5 😉

William
 
you should be able to get a TTL for that, if you look about. If not you could spend a touch less and get a super clean M6 classic. I would go for a camera such as M6/M6TTL so you get a meter included!
 
If you are looking for a metered body, then an M6 will be a good choice for you. Two added points for you to consider in making your decision: (1) if you think that you might later want to get a second M body, give some thought now to whether that would be an M7 or one of the other Ms. As you probably already know the shutter speed dials on the M6TTL and M7 (and M8) turn in the opposite direction than do the shutter speed dials on the other M bodies (including the M6 Classic). So, if you think that you might later want to get an M7 or an M8, you might want to look for an M6TTl now. Otherwise, an M6 Classic might be a better choice. (2) If you want a standard 0.72x finder, then either the M6 or the M6TTL will work for you. However, 0.85x M6TTL bodies are easier to find than are 0.85x M6 Classics. And the 0.58x finder is available on the M6TTl but not the M6. The 0.72x finder is the standard finder and covers 28mm-135mm. If you intend primarily to use 50mm-135mm lenses, the 0.85x finder is an excellent choice as it will give you greater magnification and better focussing accuracy. If you wear glasses or intend primarily to use wide angle lenses, you might want to consider the 0.58x finder. Good luck with your search.
 
Amen, Brother

Amen, Brother

wlewisiii said:
...For the OP, I'd say look for a 2 lug M5 if you want metered ... But someday I'll have an M5 😉

William
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Large? Says who? You won't notice after you start using it. I can not emphasize enough how wonderfully useful the shutter speed dial and continuously variable shutter are. Everything else about the camera exudes quality and durability.

If you're careful and patient you can get an M5 and DR Summicron for under $1,500. A match made in Heaven.
 
How do you guys get to see the used listings at photovillage.com and B&?

The former doesn't show anything at all (both an Apple and a Win computer browsers) and the latter only shows a handful of cameras but no Leicas.
 
I bought my first Leica under a month ago. I went for a classic M6 as I knew that I wouldn't be using flash with it. It's an absolute gem and I'm glad I went for one with a meter.

If I get a second body it will probably be an M7 for the AP, this in mind the only thing remotely negative I'd have to say about the M6 is to agree with Rafael about the opposite directions of the shutter dial. A very minor point but one that MAY disrupt your workflow.

Good luck with whichever Leica you end up with, well worth the money if you're happy to save up.
 
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