Eventually getting an M-body

[branki]

Hej,

I've been looking around and reading about the M-body possibilities, and I think I am ready to take the plunge.

I have a bessa, which I really enjoy using, but I do miss the metal feeling of the, ehem, zorki4k, that I originally got into Rf with. It's ruggedness and sturdyness, its weight, I loved it. The bessa felt like a big leap forward in usability and comfort, but I do look back at the quirky FSU'r.

I am still a student with finite funds (that'll change soon though, the student status I mean 🙄 ), so I automatically ruled out the M4 and later models.

I think I am leaning towards the M2-M3-CL...

any opinions/comments/assistance...?


thanks!



branki

 

[JNewell]

There are approximately 3,428,767 threads on this topic in this forum, at last count 😉

However...here's my Q&D suggestion for your circumstances.

If you can live without a meter: get an M2. The preview lever, self-timer and button vs. lever rewind are not significant issues. Later serial numbers are better, but they usually cost more.

If you can't live without an internal meter, buy an M6 in "user" condition.

Either way, unless someone can produce a receipt for a relatively recent CLA, budget anywhere from $80-200 (depending on who does the work) for a CLA. Youxin Yee is highly regarded here for doing the job quickly and at the low end of the cost range.

Good luck! Thinking about "which M" can be very seductive, possibly an end in itself (not good, since you should be out shooting! 😉 )

Edit - I have a CL, and love it. It's really a whole different camera, though, and there is a risk that you wind up with one that has a bad meter. If you were my kid, I'd be urging you to go with a user M2, as much as I like the CL.

 

[ferider]

Like he said 🙂

 

[branki]

Thanks JNewell,
i am aware there might be millions of posts like mine...

I have considered the M2 first, but then I think I would miss a lightmeter (happened with the zorki).

You didn't mention the CL.

 

[gertf]

Get the M2 and a Sekonic 308 or similar light meter. I prefer using this little meter with my MP rather than the inbuilt meter.

Just measure the light in the shade and in direct light in the area in which you are shooting and remember those settings depending on where your subject matter is.

Good luck!

 

[thomasw_]

M2 + gossen digisix .... you won't regret it.

 

[sting-ray]

The CL is a cool little camera but everything about it is smaller... the rangefinder is significantly harder to use than the full Ms. And it doesn't have the full set of framelines if you're worried about certain focal lengths. It's also noticeable less sturdy feeling than my M6, probably just because of size - it's built well enough to be used heaps, but like the Bessa, it just doesn't have the mechanically indestructible feel of the M3 or M6. That said, it's got some great ergonomics like the protruding shutter speed dial, and framelines for the lovely 40mm Summicron. And if the price is right... You've GOT to hold all of those cameras in question before you buy one - hopefully one will jump out at you!

 

[splitimageview]

I tend to agree; I like the CL but it definitely doesn't have the heavy metal feel of an M that you mentioned in the first post.

Also, I wouldn't eliminate M4s and later; there are deals to be found out there if you look hard enough and are patient...

 

[shadowfox]

If I assume correctly that you are a user, which means you don't care about Leica elitism, don't overlook the M4-P (unless you can get a cheaper M2 or M3 in mint condition).

The M4-P is easier to load than M3 or M2, and has all the good things that a full M body has. And it's usually quite a bit cheaper so you can spend the savings on the more useful thing: better lens!

As for meter, get a handheld one, if you want more fun, learn sunny-16 rule and use it 🙂

 

[aizan]

m6, because there's less stuff to carry around.

 

[JNewell]

Thanks JNewell,
i am aware there might be millions of posts like mine...

I have considered the M2 first, but then I think I would miss a lightmeter (happened with the zorki).

You didn't mention the CL.

I did...but if you want an M, you really should stop thinking about a CL, for a number of reasons (many of which are spelled out by others here). I love mine, but it will not scratch the itch you're talking about, trust me/us.

If I assume correctly that you are a user, which means you don't care about Leica elitism, don't overlook the M4-P (unless you can get a cheaper M2 or M3 in mint condition).

The M4-P is easier to load than M3 or M2, and has all the good things that a full M body has. And it's usually quite a bit cheaper so you can spend the savings on the more useful thing: better lens!

As for meter, get a handheld one, if you want more fun, learn sunny-16 rule and use it 🙂

Possibly a fair point - prices vary a lot. You may find a decent M4-2 or M4-P in the same price range. I'm thinking $500-ish, by the way. Anything below that is (1) stolen, (2) dead or (3) a lighning bolt of good fortune.

The problem with the M6 is that I think you'll have a hard time finding one for less than $800-ish. I personally think the classic M6 is the best user, but in spite of the huge number of them out there, prices are pretty stubborn.

 

[maddoc]

M4-P plus Gossen Digisix ... Cheapest of the newer M Leicas coupled with the smallest external light meter. M2 / M3 are maybe a tack cheaper but ~ 20 years older than an M4-P ...

 

[branki]

hej,
thanks to all,

First of all, i am a "certified" user. My shelves host only books and occasionally dvds . 😀

The decision to get an M-body did not come easy. I am a cheapskate. I keep on thinking that for the price of an M-body one could get a great user Rolleiflex or even a wonderful Fuji 6x9 with way better picture quality, for example.

I'm not keen on plastic. I just feel more comfortable with some good ol' metal.
And I seem to be reaching up for my rf 35mm more than any other format.

Now the question is,
CL, M4-P or M2?

(the hexar RF is way out of my reach, as is the M6-M5).


What I like about the CL is its ergonomics, built-in lightmeter,size and reduced price over the M2,M4-P.


The second question that arises is,
If I now get a CL, will I eventually ,inevitabily, get completely hooked on it and soon start looking around for an M-body upgrade? I would think not, but you probably have more experience on that field than I do.

I remember reading somewhere here on the forum something like:
"do not forget that what you now own is precisely what you once dreamed of someday possessing" (I obviously did not use the exact words, but you get the point 🙄 ).


thanks all for your suggestions and time.





branki

 

[jamiewakeham]

Are you likely to want very fast lenses, or even moderately fast and long lenses? If so your decision is easy as the M3 wins out over the M2 or M4-P, and completely rules out the CL...

 

[branki]

I do not own any fast lens. (can the J9 85 f2 be considered such?)

The nokton tickles my fancy though.

I thought the CL had a much stronger following.

 

[jamiewakeham]

Yep, 85mm F/2 is (whilst not ridiculously fast) long enough that the speed is important.

Essentially, focussing accuracy is tested when you are shooting: a) wide, b) long and c) close-up. Combinations of these are really testing! I'm pretty sure you won't get much success focussing a J-9 close-up and wide open with a CL.

I like wide-open and close-up, so an M3 is the only way for me. I miss the ability to use a 35mm with framelines but that's less important to me than being able to focus my 90mm F/2.8 wide open at 2m.

 

[varjag]

As others said, forget CL: there's a reason it's got no "M" in the name 🙂 And as the price is important, grab any M you can find a good deal on - they are all outstanding cameras.

 

[JNewell]

I want to say again - I love my CL, but it won't scratch your itch and it could also turn out to be a very expensive mistake if you get one with a bad meter. Taking a chance on an M has limited downside; taking a chance on a CL could leave you with a very expensive repair. There was a very good looking user M2 in the classifieds this week for $500 - it didn't last long!

 

[oscroft]

I agree pretty much with what has been said here - get an M2 or an M6 depending on whether or not you want an internal meter (I find it hard to manage without one, so I got an M6 - though I'd really like an M2 too).

I also concur with the thoughts on the CL. I have one and I really like it, but it's not an M.

 

[semrich]

I feel like this urge you have is all my fault for letting you feel the heft a my MP with the Noctilux on it while we were sitting in Starbuck's. Sorry about that.