I think it's time to go Leica M!

The Industar was made for a different (Contax) RF standard. Even though it will mount on a Leica, it will not focus correctly unless you adjust it. Same would be true if you would use a Leica lens on your Fed.
 
Oh ok, that's strange. I thought they were just leica knock-offs? (at least the ltm ones)

A quick google reveals people using Jupiter lenses on their M6's, is there still hope in the idea? 🙂
 
there is always hope...the lens needs an adjustment to be right on.
lots of info here to research...

but...i think most folks here will tell you that the 'magic' is more in the lens than the body...that is where your attention and money is better spent.
 
I'm assuming you have a decent scanner? Leica cameras are nice things, no doubt, but there are considerable costs associated with using them. First, repair or adjustment. Second, the lenses. I have owned an Olympus 35 RC for 20 years or so, never had any trouble. The RC shutter is designed differently than the others in their line, it seems unusually resistant to sticking blades for a leaf shutter camera. I use it without the meter because of the lockout 'feature', it's a very quiet camera.
 
but...i think most folks here will tell you that the 'magic' is more in the lens than the body...that is where your attention and money is better spent.

Totally understandable, but as I said, I don't really have a major problem with the Russian lenses that I'm using (a bit slow at max /2.8 perhaps), the main reason for the Leica upgrade is the feeling/functionality of the body - not so that I can have the privilege of M mount.

Ideally, I would get the M body and use that Russian lens to death while saving up for something more glamourous. The Nokton 1.1 sure looks interesting!

Chris
 
the nokton is wonderful...i miss mine.
i have had pretty poor luck with russian lenses so i stay away from them...even worse luck with russian bodies.
m bodies are nice...i don't like the slow loading or removable bottoms...too much work for a lazy guy like me.
don't overlook good screwmount bodies like a solid canon p...can be had for about 2-300 bucks and can last forever.
 
If you were shooting digital, I'd be much more concerned about choosing the right body. But since you are shooting film, get whatever body you want.

I'm a big believer in getting what you want. I know that when I don't go that route, I always regret it. So if you want a Leica, get a Leica.
I will suggest to you, however, that your choice of a black camera will mean very little - if anything - in terms of drawing less attention. I've shot extensively with chrome and black models. And I've ever noticed a slight bit of difference in people's reaction to me. If anything, the chrome model sets people more at ease, as it looks like an antique.

If I were in your shoes, I'd buy an M2 and then something from this list that Roland offered up: "CV 35/2.5, Canon 35/1.8, Canon 50/1.4, Canon 50/1.8, etc."
I'd also toss in the Nikkor 50/2. Inexpensive, but wonderful.

But if you are set on the black M, your options are really quite limited. Based on your budget, you are essentially choosing between the M4-P and the M4-2. Unless you happen to find an abused M6 around your price range.
 
Yup I'm looking at the screwmounts. The Leica III is probably the most beautiful Leica I've seen though I doubt think I could live with the separate viewfinder/focusing and bottom loading.

Just to clarify - the Russian/M mount problem is to do with the rangefinder coupling and not the film plane distance right? Because guesstimating/zone focus isn't the end of the world with a wider lens
 
Just to clarify - the Russian/M mount problem is to do with the rangefinder coupling and not the film plane distance right? Because guesstimating/zone focus isn't the end of the world with a wider lens

That's right, the registration distance is the same. A good Russian lens will perform perfectly at infinity on a Leica. Then again, half of the Leica experience is the viewfinder and focus.

Regarding black vs. chrome, most people will think you are strange for using a weird camera - independent what color. 99% of people I meet don't know what a film Leica is. That being said, I strongly believe that using a camera you like is very important.

Speaking about Skywalker ... "it is not the Industar you are looking for" 🙂

431265614_Hwefi-XL-3.jpg


Roland.
 
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and a konica slr for an avatar...a man for all seasons...

Konica is nice. The cash that buys you a used M6 without lens can get you a set of Hexanon 57/1.2, 35/2, 21/4 on a full metal Autoreflex T. So when someone is on a very tight budget why bother with Leica at all?

I dont have any of these M bodies mentioned above anymore btw. Maybe you missed that.
 
That's right, the registration distance is the same. A good Russian lens will perform perfectly at infinity on a Leica. Then again, half of the Leica experience is the viewfinder and focus.

Regarding black vs. chrome, most people will think you are strange for using a weird camera - independent what color. 99% of people I meet don't know what a film Leica is. That being said, I strongly believe that using a camera you like is very important.

Speaking about Skywalker ... "it is not the Industar you are looking for" 🙂

431265614_Hwefi-XL-3.jpg


Roland.

damn, that's pretty!
you just needed to post this in the first place...
 
Oh yes, those £2k lenses do look rather tasty! This is my reasoning behind Russian glass with an LTM adapter. Does anyone do this?

I do. I've got an Industar 22 I use on my M2 sometimes. It's not so speedy at f/3.5, so depth of field probably covers whatever focus inaccuracy is there. it might work that way with your lens too.

cheers, and good luck.
 
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