Help with camera choice

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NikitazZz

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Hello everyone!

I am a lot into film photography and i already have a Nikon FM2 and i am enjoying it a lot.

But the reason i started shooting photos in the first place was Leica. I just like them.

So i thought that the time to buy one has come.

I did some research and i am between some Leica models (body only as i already have some lenses).

So i am between these models:

1) M6: This is the best choice imo but way out of my budget at the present.

2) M2, M3: I do not see very much difference between the two models so i list them together (correct me if i am wrong). Still way out of my budget since the lowest price i could find on ebay was 800 USD.

3) R4: Best choice according to my money. Although i already have a 35mm SLR camera...

4) R6: Way better than the R4 but a lot more expensive, still cheaper than a M2, M3.

I would like some help on choosing based on your own research/experience.

If this is posted in the wrong section then move it :)

Thanks in advance for your help :)
 
Welcome to the forum.

I'm not sure you've done enough research, to be honest... Are you aware that Leica M and Leica R are completely different systems? Ms are rangefinders, Rs are SLR.

Also, whatever lenses you already have either fit one system or the other, but not both.

If you give us a list of the lenses we can point you in the right direction. For example, the M3 is not a good choice for wide-angle lenses because it only has framelines for 50 - 90 - 135 mm.
 
You could always start with a LTM like a IIIA. They are cheaper and will hold their value until you can afford an M.
 
M2/M3 is approx. $900 w/o meter in usable condition. Will you buy a meter? There is a difference in the lenses normally associated with these 2 cameras. M3 not 35mm frameline while M2 has 35mm frameline. M6 can be had for $1200 with all frameslines and meter in usable condition. If the M6 is your first choice then I recommend save more money and go for the M6. The M6 will not disappoint.
 
Of the list u have, I would go m6 .72, this will give u most versatility in terms of all the normal frame lines from 28 to 135 plus the built in meter. U only need auxiliary ovf for lenses wider than 28.

Gary
 
+1 vote for M6 with 0.72 viewfinder. Keep looking until you find one within your budget, and in the mean time keep saving so that your budget increases. ;)
 
... or maybe you should consider a used Voigtländer. I started with a Zorki 4K and then a Rolei 35RF which is basically a Voigtländer R2 by another name, and as much as I enjoy my M6 if I could not afford it then I would gladly go with a Voigtländer to get my rangefinder fix.

Cheers,
Rob
 
Depending on meter / lack of it, M6 and M2 are great options... The M2 has clean frame lines: that's nice for EVERY shot...

Cheers,

Juan
 
You can get an early M2 in usable condition for around $500, as long as you don't mind scratches. An M2 is essentially and M3 with the capability for using lenses wider than 50mm without an external finder. I would not start off on a IIIa or IIIf screwmount etc, as the finders are horribly squinty from my experience, and they are just pretty awkward to use compared to the FM2 or my M2. Once you start using a meterless camera, I think you will find that you no longer need a meter after not too long. I have been using meterless cameras for the past 6 months after starting on DSLRs, and I can now go totally meterless outside. If you must have meter, I would try a Voigtlander Bessa R. If you must have leica (and a meter) how about an M5? They are cheaper than other Ms, but perhaps a little clunky for some.
 
Which One -- ?

Which One -- ?

cosmonaut said:
You could always start with a LTM like a IIIA. They are cheaper and will hold their value until you can afford an M.
Click to expand...
Canon has a nice affordable line up . I currently own five kinds, a Canon III, A canon IIs2, A canon VI-T ,three Canon P's and a 7. an added Besser R has more than met all my needs with the added benefit of having all my M-39 lenses fit any camera I choose to use on a given day. Good luck with your choice.
 
Last edited:
batterytypehah! said:
Welcome to the forum.

I'm not sure you've done enough research, to be honest... Are you aware that Leica M and Leica R are completely different systems? Ms are rangefinders, Rs are SLR.
Click to expand...

I think she knows that. She wrote that she already has a 35mm SLR.

Nikita--A little more on the differences:

M2 has framelines for 35, 50, and 90mm lenses.

M3 has framelines for 50, 90, and 135mm. Best for long and fast lenses.

M4 has framelines for 35, 50, 90, and 135mm.

M4-2 and M4-P have 28, 35, 50, 75, 90, and 135mm framelines.

All the above are without metering.

M6 with .72 finder has same framelines as M4-2 and M4-P.

M6 with .58 finder has 28, 35, 50, 75, and 90. This finder is easier to use with eyeglasses.

M6 with .85 finder has 35, 50, 75, 90, and 135. The 35mm frameline is hard to see with eyeglasses. This model is best with longer, fast lenses like 75/1.4 and 90/2.

All M6 models have built-in meters.

The M2, M3, M4-2 and M4-P can all usually be had for under $1000, and if you don't need a built-in meter, are an economical way to go.

Hope this helps! :)
 
The M3 has never been surpassed in terms of money-no-object design and construction. The M2 is still superb but looks and feels slightly cheapened next tio an M3 (I have both). Unfortunately lenses for either of them are no longer cheap; the days when you could get an M3 Summicron 35mm for $300 are long gone.

R lenses are very cheap (and in some cases even better than M lenses), because it's essentially a dead system. This doesn't mean R bodies aren't serviceable and the R system is a valid choice if you want Leica and are happy with the bulk and mirror clack of an SLR.
 
Wow these are way more responses than i have expected.

I didn't make quite clear that i have some M39 mount lenses fit only for Ms and not Rs.

Everyone was very helpful and i am grateful for it.

I have no experience in meterless cameras but i am eager to learn :)

But the much more possibilities of an M6 .72 over the M2 make it more worth it.

I think i will save money for the M6 since i already have a 28mm lens.

Thanks again for all your help and interest in my problem.

Of course comments and advice are more than welcome :)
 
Zz,

You might look for a Nikon RF, different from a Leica, better in some ways (especially for Nikon owners), not as optimal in others (volume of lens options). I switched after many years of M ownership and wish I had started with Nikon rangefinders. YMMV.

A good user S2 with 50/1.4 Nikkor is well within your budget.

B2
 
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