buying first Leica

[Nina]

Please would someone be so kind as to point me in the right direction?
I would love to buy my husband a Leica camera for his birthday, as a surprise, but do not have a clue where to start.
He has a Nikon 200 (if that helps?) but has always wanted a Leica, What would be the best one to buy? budget isn't too much of a problem as long as I know I'm getting the right thing.
Thankyou for any help in advance.x

 

[rover]

That is a wonderful gift. Does he use, or want a film camera or are you looking for a digital camera?

 

[FrankHarries]

If he wants to shoot film, you should get him a Leica M6 / M6 TTL or a M7 - with a Summicron 50/2. M7 has some automatic functions,, but the M6 and M6TTL are the more "pure" leicas (but still got a lightmeter, which is a great help if you are not good in guessing and/or don't want to use a hend held meter aside. The M6 is hard to find new, a M7 can still be bought. If you are rich and he wants to shoot film - top of everything is the Leica MP.
If he is a more digital guy AND you are rich - get the Leica M9.
He will be very lucky....

 

[Nina]

Thanks Guys, I think he would prefer digital, so, I've just looked at the M9 Frank and it looks just the thing but I'm NOT rich so maybe I will have to start saving and get it for next birthday!...Lol x

 

[rover]

You say he "always wanted a Leica". How long is always? You may be surprised that he has a hidden crush on film.

 

[Nina]

That is true, I think I may have to do some subtle detective work first, this isn't turning out to be as easy as I first thought!...Lol x

 

[Pastor Chris]

I think that one of the biggest challenges going from a dslr like a D200 to almost any Leica is going to be the significant change in user experience. An m9 would be serious culture shock I that it is a mostly manual camera; ridiculous quality, not to mention price, but it relies heavily on the user to make a lot of the decisions about what is going on. Something like a V-Lux 3 might be a better choice for a first Leica. Much cheaper and much less crude shock, probably none really when coming from a d200. Whatever you buy, get it from a good dealer so that you can return it if needed. Kind of a big and personal thing to buy as a surprise given the big changes and many options available. Depending upon where you live you might even try to rent one for his birthday to let him play with it for a few days. I believe that there are a few online rental places that rent Leica. Good luck and let us know how it all works out!

 

[Nina]

Chris, I think you are absolutely right, I have entered a mine field here and would probably be making a big mistake to choose one on his behalf, I will look into the V-Lux 3, and I think the idea of renting one first is brilliant ,so will look into that too. Thank you.x