Camera for 35 summilux

illuminati_02

illuminati_02

Established
Local time
2:28 AM
Joined
Apr 25, 2007
Messages
103
As the title says, I need a suggestion for a camera to go with a 35 summilux that is on it's way to me. I like AE and prefer built-in meters, but AE is not a prerequisite. A ZI looks like it would suit me fine, but would like to try a proper Leica as well. I think I should leave it as one camera one lens. So, a camera that is the best fit for a 35/1.4 summilux-m.
 
If you want AE, you've got a few choices, Bessa, ZI, Hexar RF, or M7. If you want built-in meter, but not essentially AE, then that expands to include Leica M6, M5, and MP.

I used a ZI for a couple of years, cracking camera. Now, simply for a change I have an M6. The M6 is heavier, and feels more solid, whether it actually is, well, it's a matter for debate.

The M6 downsides are lower top shutter speed, which matters a little in very sunny places. The upside is more frame lines, the red dot (if that blows your skirt up), and maybe easier to get serviced.

The ZI though really is a brilliant camera, and it's hard to recommend against them.

I have only limited experience with Bessa cameras, but I like them, plus they are cheap enough compared to the M6 to get two, so you can get one with wide frame lines (R4A) and with normal (R2A), or with a 1:1 finder, (R3A).
 
ferider said:
No question. M2.
Click to expand...

I originally thought ZI, M6, M7... but this is a viable option..

I already have a meter for my Fuji GW690 II.

An external meter is slower in use for me, but with the 35mm cameras I have already, all with AE, this would provide a different experience..

Is there a specific serial range that I should look at?
 
illuminati_02 said:
I originally thought ZI, M6, M7... but this is a viable option..

I already have a meter for my Fuji GW690 II.

An external meter is slower in use for me, but with the 35mm cameras I have already, all with AE, this would provide a different experience..

Is there a specific serial range that I should look at?
Click to expand...

Just get one as young as possible. Besides being very much fun in use, the M2 is the only M-mount camera with a single 35mm frame-line, and slightly larger 35mm framelines than Bessa R2*, M6, M7, ZI, Hexar RF, etc., making it more accurate for the pre-asph Summilux with 1m min. focus. It's also the most robust (and serviceable) of the bunch, with the in-destructible classic rewind knob, etc.

You'll get used very quickly to the external meter. And in low light, just shoot as fast as you can, negative film usually covers a stop or two over exposure.

Also, a good M2 is usually cheaper than ZI, M6, M7, etc.

Best,

Roland.
 
Last edited:
Don't cave into the purists on RFF (Oops, I have a M3)... get yourself a M6 and have a true 1 lens, 1 body kit (sans an external lightmeter). Add an older Leica later if you absolutely love Ms. Every M is a nice camera... every single one.
 
haempe said:
Beside the "a la carte" all 0.58x have a single 35mm frameline.
Sorry for nit-picking... :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

You are right of course :) I used to have an M6 with 35/50/90 frame-lines, too. Still the frame-lines are different size, and the M2 is (usually) cheaper. I would have a very hard time deciding between an a la carte MP/M7, and, say, an M2R. Would probably pick the M2R ....
 
Last edited:
Nothing wrong with the M5 (see FS link in my signature). Nice, uncluttered 35mm framelines (135mm frames double as the metering area). Also have a Bessa R2 for sale. This camera has framelins for 35mm/90mm. Both have built-in metering. Personally, I think the M5 has the nicer viewfinder for 35mm shooting.
 
Last edited:
I think the M2-R's are collectors items, no? They seem to go for much more than M7s. I couldn't imagine using an M2 without the fast load function.
 
hipsterdufus said:
Nothing wrong with the M5 (see FS link in my signature). Nice, uncluttered 35mm framelines (135mm frames double as the metering area). Also have a Bessa R2 for sale. This camera has framelins for 35mm/90mm. Both have built-in metering. Personally, I think the M5 has the nicer viewfinder for 35mm shooting.
Click to expand...

I live in Fruitport, and work in Alto, so I drive through GR nearly every day.
I may have to take a look at your cameras. ;)
 
illuminati_02 said:
Ok, I took the advice here and stumbled across a nice looking camera a few minutes ago. Minimalist description(!), but a late(r) serial, looks clean, and seems like a decent buy.

I figure at the price I paid I could send for a CLA if required, but who's recommended in the US, and general price?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=220770067039&si=9TXIfHkN9gQyL3PCIZZLAH%252Fh85Y%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT
Click to expand...

Good pick and price ! If you need the CLA (typically you don't), I recommend Youxin Ye, Sherry, or Steve's camera. They have good communication and TAT.

Let us know how you like it.

Best,

Roland.
 
I think that you will be very satisfied with your new M2. For the 35mm lens, this camera is still king in my book, even after all these years. The viewfinder is clean, large and bright and there are no blinking lights to distract you. It provides an unparalleled seamless connection between your subject and yourself.

Good luck with your purchase. Cheers
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom