About leica CM

[elmer3.5]

Hi, are there any CM users or reviews to check the reliability and opinions on this beautiful camera?

Any advice is welcome.

Thanks!

 

[jsrockit]

I've used one before. Leica will no longer repair this camera. Beware of that.

 

[Roel]

I have bought a CM a few weeks ago and have done two test rolls. I must say I am blown away from the sharpness of the lens.

 

[elmer3.5]

Hi, thanks for your replies, very helpfull but are there any more users, not a popular camera is it?

cheers

 

[Kevin]

I have a Leica CM but don't use it much anymore. Stay away from the Minilux - I have four of them and two have the dreaded E02 Shutter error!

 

[muf]

I'd love to own one myself, but with no chance of repair it is too much money to spend on something that may last only a roll or two.

Paul

 

[kdemas]

I loved my CM but sold it due to my annoyance with the fact that Leica will no longer touch it for repair. The lens is superb and the camera is incredibly quiet in operation. Great camera.

 

[Archlich]

Same as menphis, superb lens, sadly squinty viewfinder, and a MF dial which is a nice idea but turns with little resistance - I have seen many inexperienced users complaining their CM doesn't focus right, unaware that they have accidentally turn the dial.

A big camera it is, in same size as the Nikon 35/28Ti, which are slightly better built.

The CM is prone to E02 as well, just less likely than the Minilux.

 

[jsrockit]

not a popular camera is it?

cheers

It's day has come and gone... it is too expensive for most to take a chance on. Who wants to spend $600-800 and then have a paperweight when it stops working?

 

[jmooney]

I had one for a brief time and it's a great camera but I had to return it due to a fungus issue. I wanted to keep it and get it repaired but Leica, Sherry, DAG, Youxin, and Essex in NJ all declined to work on it so they are literally unrepairable if something goes wrong.

If they sold for $120/each I'd have 4 or 5 of them but at $450-$600 and no possibility of repair I just can't risk it.

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

I had one for a few years. I liked the lens, very much. Using the camera, though - not so much. The viewfinder is AWFUL.

The LCD on the back is gimmicky and useless.

As mentioned above, it's PATHETIC that Leica no longer supports this camera. So soon after branding it the "compact M," they've abandoned it and its users. I can imagine that happening with any electronic Leica, sadly.

Someone told me it's really (just) a Panasonic.

Get a T3.

 

[jsrockit]

As mentioned above, it's PATHETIC that Leica no longer supports this camera. So soon after branding it the "compact M," they've abandoned it and its users. I can imagine that happening with any electronic Leica, sadly.

I understand that it wasn't Leica's fault...it is certain parts that no longer exist.

Someone told me it's really (just) a Panasonic.

I doubt this... what's the panasonic equivilent then?

 

[CK Dexter Haven]

I doubt this... what's the panasonic equivilent then?

Sorry. It's the Minilux that's said to be "made by Panasonic"/"have Panasonic guts."

Is there a reason why there has to be a Panasonic-badged equivalent?

 

[jsrockit]

Sorry. It's the Minilux that's said to be "made by Panasonic"/"have Panasonic guts."

Is there a reason why there has to be a Panasonic-badged equivalent?

I don't think it is the minilux either... I believe you may be thinking of the Leica mini (II, III, etc)...

I cannot think of a time when Panasonic made a camera for Leica and there wasn't a Panasonic equivalent (or a Fuji equiv, or a minolta equiv, etc.).

 

[Tzelet]

Here's one for a decent price (299 GBP / 470 USD):
http://www.ffordes.co.uk/product/11092615273081

Personally I find the viewfinder to be too small, and the camera to be too large. The Contax T3 has served me better on both accounts.

 

[d_c]

I looked into getting a CM earlier in the year but in the end decided against it and bought a CLE with 40mm Summicron instead - as time goes it is becoming more and more apparent to me what a great decision that was.