Help with my first Leica Purchase

[dustym]

I have a round £450.00 to spend on a Leica body can I ask the Forums help to aid a decision as I am delving into a market I have no prior knowledge of.
I Live in the UK so any referals to reputable dealers would be very much appreciated.

Rgds
Dusty🙂

 

[DMG]

www.ffordes.com

as for deciding what to buy, what are your requirements?

 

[BillBingham2]

What type of photography do you do or want to do?

B2 (;->

 

[Ronald M]

Basically decide if you want a metered body. If so you need an M6 or newer model. Auto exposure is M7 only.

.72 standard viewfinder magnification is most practical as found on most cameras except the M3.

Get a guarantee for proper operation otherwise you could be out 200 pounds for cleaning and re lube.

Shine a small pen light thru any lens from both ends while looking thru the other to be sure it is clear. It need to be crystal clear to work properly. They tend to get hazy over time. Perform the test with new lenses to know what they should look like.

The overhead fixture in the shop or a quick look at the window will NOT do.

 

[Keith]

Maybe an M2 would be a good starting point. The 35/50/90 frameline combo is probably more usable than the M3's 50/90/135 and you should be able to find a fair to excellent example with your suggested budget!

If it did turn out to be not what you wanted it would be easy to re-sell.

🙂

 

[dustym]

I use a Voigtlander bessa R I mainly use the a 50mm and just started using 90 mm elmar lens. I use the rangefinder for shooting street scenes in and around London. The Idea of the Leica addition is to go up a level mechanics wise and if im honest to be a proud owner of Leica, I have a fantastic Rolleiflex and a couple of other medium format cameras I just want to own and the use the best I can afford.
As for light metering im not particularily bothered but £450.00 is my limit.
Thanks for your responses so far , very much appreciated

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

You can get an amazing M3 and even factor in a CLA (clean lube adjust) with a reputable specialist well within your budget. For the focal lengths you've listed, I can't think of a better made Leica.