buying another M body

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pmu

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Simple question; I have M2 and I am totally happy with it and I'm thinking of buying second M body. Only thing that bugs me a bit is the silver colour in M2...black would be nice. What about the modern film load system (without that spool like in M2)...is there a big difference in actual use? I mean, there are people who say that changing film to M6 is a pain in the ass, but think that M2's system is pretty nice and not that slow... So, in reality the body would be fair (=low) priced and that would propably mean in real life; M2, M4-2 or user M6. And one thing - I don't care so much about M6's light meter... What would be your choice?
 
I'd pick an M6 classic to go with your M2, the meter is handy in tricky situations. Don't expect the buttery smooth operation of an M2 though. Otherwise M4, M4P or M4-2 would be the best choice by your criteria. The M4P's finder may look cluttered vs. your M2.

Mark
 
Hi,

I'd suggest the M6. It is the most versatile because it has framelines form 28 to 135 and a lightmeter. You might not care now but you never know in the future.
The loading is definitely easier than the old M2 system. You don't have to take out the taking spool. Just drop in the film and there you go. I never have any problems with loading my M's and never lost a film.

Cheers,

Michiel Fokkema
 
You could buy a user M2 and send it to CRR-Luton in England and have them strip the chrome and black lacquer it while they do a CLA. You'll get what feels like a brand new camera when he is done.
 
Get an M3. Higher VF magnification, great for a 90mm lens and longer. Goes great with an M2.

For film loading, buy an extra take-up spool and pre-thread it in the bag. Makes a nice "cassette" for drop in loading. I prefer that over the M3 with the "quick-Load" system.

If you "have" to have a black camera, and that is a main driver, an M6 is a good choice. The finder of the M2 and M3 is better than the M4-2, M4-P, and M6 in terms of RF patch flare.
 
So what is the cost of painting black a chrome M body in CRR Luton? I am asking because I have my camera there for CLA and the technician mentioned they do this job but I didn't ask in fear of what I would hear. I am bracing myself now 🙂
 
BTW I agree with what Brian says above. An M3 complements nicely the M2. But then it is not black so if that's a problem then the M4-P is a (more than) decent solution.
 
telenous said:
So what is the cost of painting black a chrome M body in CRR Luton? I am asking because I have my camera there for CLA and the technician mentioned they do this job but I didn't ask in fear of what I would hear. I am bracing myself now 🙂
Click to expand...

Last time I checked, I think it was $550 or so, whatever the $USD conversion rate is for 320 GBP. Its an 8-12 week wait as well.

Also, this is not something many Leica users want to consider, but don't discredit the Voigtlander R2a/R3a. The build quality is VERY nice (not Leica quality) and the ergonomics are much better than my M2. You get the meter and AE (if you use it). It also has useful framelines and it doesn't feel cluttered like the M4-P or M6. Its an awesome camera and seems to be the perfect backup for M shooters who don't have an unlimited budget.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Thanks Kyle. For $550 I don't think I mind the chrome body after all. Having said that a black M2/3 would definitely look great.
 
I think the current rate is somewhere around $350-$450 USD for a complete strip-the-chrome and black lacquer job. His paint is much more durable and attractive than some other's work I have seen. in fact, I like the look better than what Leica delivers on their brand new MP's! Check out his website for some pictures.


telenous said:
So what is the cost of painting black a chrome M body in CRR Luton? I am asking because I have my camera there for CLA and the technician mentioned they do this job but I didn't ask in fear of what I would hear. I am bracing myself now 🙂
Click to expand...
 
laptoprob said:
The Hexar is always ignored, it is not fair.
Click to expand...
So true, if you want easy loading, the Hexar is King.

Oh, and if you want smart rewind, it's well executed too. Just before the film leader gets wound into the cartridge, there's a short delay that allows you to open the back with the leader out.

But I guess all this automation isn't to everyone's taste..
 
I just checked the CRR website. They are definitely doing quality work, the repainted Leicas look stunning. But notice that the cost begins from £325 and goes upwards depending on how many dings and dents the body has.
 
Hexar is a good body, and ther lenses aren't behind Leica's in quality and performance!

Consider one!

Now... about a Leica body... the M6 is your best choice (besides the Hexar, which ONLY came in black).

Now... I'm going to check the CRR repainting website! 🙂
 
i know this is leica forum...
but i would want a Hexar RF or a Zeiss Ikon as a second body... the hexanon 50/2 is just great... i have a M4 and is very happy with it, and yes, black would be nice and cool and perhaps that is why i bought a CL recently... huh

my 2 cents
cheers

lee
 
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