how do you know you should get a Leica M?

edodo, you should be an ad writer for Leica! :) If only they could convince almost every pro and amateur alive that the SLR was only suitable for landscapes. ;)
 
Beware, it takes only a first M to get hooked.... from then on there will be more serious money problems...
 
got hooked

got hooked

HuubL said:
Beware, it takes only a first M to get hooked.... from then on there will be more serious money problems...
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dragunov,

I was thinking abou transitioning to digital when all the hype about the the M8 started. I thought that the M system was probably not for me, and to get it out of my system I rentend one (m6+2.0/50 summicron). Big mistake.
I got seriously hooked.

-a
 
dragunov, your question really doesn't have an answer, at least not from anyone but you. The problem is you can't really know what using an M leica means to you until you do use one. And you can't use one until you decide to get one. If I were in your shoes (and to some degree everyone here was at one time), I'd just quit thinking and buy and try one. If it doesn't work for you, sell it here (likely at or near what you paid). You may get hooked, you may not. You'll know first-hand.
 
Fred Burton said:
edodo, you should be an ad writer for Leica! :) If only they could convince almost every pro and amateur alive that the SLR was only suitable for landscapes. ;)
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When I began photography some years ago, my first real camera was a Canon eos 5. This big mama of a camera got me banned from supermarkets by security guards, candid photography was impossible and such. If anyone cannot feel that, then they are just into other kinds of photography.
 
edodo said:
When I began photography some years ago, my first real camera was a Canon eos 5. This big mama of a camera got me banned from supermarkets by security guards, candid photography was impossible and such. If anyone cannot feel that, then they are just into other kinds of photography.
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The camera did not get you banned, it was your lack of understanding that supermarkets are privet property and you need permission to photograph there.
 
Which M to get ? That one that is easiest affordable for you. A M2 with 50mm Summicron can be bought for $800 to $900 in very good condition. Then you only need to get film and can enjoy photography. :)
 
Most businesses in the US don't allow photography inside their stores anymore. Of course, they don't ban cell phones with cameras, a contradiction I've never understood.
 
When you have photographed to your own (and to some others too) great satisfaction for 10 years, are intrigued by the legacy and the irrepressive conviction of some that 'Leica is ALWAYS the best'.

Then you think: 'I don't understand those idi... errr funny people, but I can see the advantages in a manual, HQ camera without a mirror, so let's buy one!'

And you get a cheapish dented M2 and a cheap 'cron. You make a few pics with them and post them here.

That is your rite of passage and then you can bitch and moan about M8.2 prices, IR issues, the S2, Leica future, 4/3rds, Mr Puts, Tri-X, Rodinal, you get the idea ;-)
 
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dragunov said:
I could use one for sure- I dig low light, unobtrusiveness is a plus, small size and durability/build quality are important to me, but I'm not sure that it justifies such a large expense...
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A Leica M wont be less obtrusive or smaller than your Canon FTb. As for low light, fast Canon FD glass is very affordable today (50/1.2, 24/2, 35/2...).
 
If I were in your shoes (and to some degree everyone here was at one time), I'd just quit thinking and buy and try one. If it doesn't work for you, sell it here (likely at or near what you paid). You may get hooked, you may not. You'll know first-hand.
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har har. I would if I could...

I can't imagine i'd get multiple bodies though- it's lenses and film from then on.

A Leica M wont be less obtrusive or smaller than your Canon FTb. As for low light, fast Canon FD glass is very affordable today (50/1.2, 24/2, 35/2...).
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uh, the shutter noise is the big issue here- the FTb is quite loud. and though the lenses are quite cheap, they're pricy by my standards.

You need a Leica M when you're considering to buy a Nikon but deep down you know that you'll still eventually want a Leica and the Nikon just won't cut it.
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Nikon what? SP? I don't need another SLR, and Canon makes equally good stuff.

thanks.
 
O.K. I'm confused. You think the Canon FD lenses mentioned are "pricy by my standards,' yet you contemplate getting into the Leica system? I think you are just engaging in pie-in-the-sky-by-and-by daydreaming.
 
Although cameras should not be considered investments, some of them retain their value quite well, in case your interests wander elsewhere. Leicas are certainly in that category.
 
If you can afford a M2, get one. Buy a 35mm or 50mm lens. Superb combination, very versatile. You should be able to pick up a M2 and a CV 35/2,5 for ~1000. If you can afford a few hundred more, I'd recommend the M2 and a 3rd version summicron 35/2.
 
Fred Burton said:
O.K. I'm confused. You think the Canon FD lenses mentioned are "pricy by my standards,' yet you contemplate getting into the Leica system? I think you are just engaging in pie-in-the-sky-by-and-by daydreaming.
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I was just thinking the same thing.

Bob
 
O.K. I'm confused. You think the Canon FD lenses mentioned are "pricy by my standards,' yet you contemplate getting into the Leica system? I think you are just engaging in pie-in-the-sky-by-and-by daydreaming.
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somewhat. perhaps this will clarify- I already have a more or less complete kit, it's borrowed, but it's really not worth it at this point to spend $100 or so on more lenses (two possible exceptions, the 85 1.8 and 35 f/2). so it's pricy for something unneeded- I'll need that cash to spend on developing slides. this was sort of thinking out loud wether or not I could justify blowing $800 away on another camera later on- there's no way I could do it now for sure. but hey, it might be worth saving for, that's all.

and if I get the chance- which lens should I try, summicron 35 or tri-elmar?
 
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