I think it's time to go Leica M!

[SimonSawSunlight]

My first M Leica was a M4-P. It was all good except the VF flare that completely spoiled it for me.

If you're planning on going the Leica M route then don't short-change yourself, buy a M6 at least and a Leica lens preferably. There are no half measures if you want to be a Leica shooter.

last time I checked, the M4-P had the same finder as the M6? 😀

a weird statement, is it a 'half measure' to shoot an M body with something else than a Leica lens? (Or Leitz lens, I suppose you are including those, right?)

I think it is a half measure to try shooting a 35mm lens at f1.2 at night if your lens only goes down to f1.4 😛

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

I agree entirely - luckily that's something I learnt from a very early age.

There's a man I've been talking to who is looking to sell his M2 with a 50 summicron and a 35 summaron, hence why I was asking about those two lenses. It really looks like a superb set and is essentially everything that is on my 'wish list' (it also comes with meter, bag, case etc), all in tip-top condition. How much do you think is a sensible offer for this lot? I think if I can convince him to hold it back for me while I scrabble together the money, it would save me £££ on 'upgrades' from lower quality gear which is what I'd otherwise be doing.

Regards
Chris

it depends on the condition they're in. I bought a cosmetically beaten-up, but fully functional M2 for 250€ two years ago (didn't need a CLA so far either). the (exc condition) 35mm f3.5 Summaron and 50mm f2 collapsible Summicron (exc condition, even the front element) came in a deal with a non-funcitonal M3, a Visoflex Elmarit 90mm f2.8 and a perfect Zeiss Ikon Super Nettel for 400€ altogether. Sold off everything but the Summaron and Summicron and had an extra 250€ left. So I paid exactly 0€ for the M2+Summaron+Summicron. 😀

given that everything works, I'd offer him 600-700GBP to start with and see how he reacts. 😉

 

[GSNfan]

last time I checked, the M4-P had the same finder as the M6? 😀

a weird statement, is it a 'half measure' to shoot an M body with something else than a Leica lens? (Or Leitz lens, I suppose you are including those, right?)

I think it is a half measure to try shooting a 35mm lens at f1.2 at night if your lens only goes down to f1.4 😛

I was trying to say if you want Leica experience then have the full package at the minimum, otherwise you'd spend everyday feeling as if what you have is not really adequate. I speak from experience. Anyway, I don't wish to discuss this any further. I don't shoot with Leica anymore, at least, until I can afford a MP and a Leica 35mm/1.4 summilux-M ASPH.

 

[johannielscom]

...

This is my reasoning behind Russian glass with an LTM adapter. Does anyone do this?

...


All the best
Chris

Hi Chris,

I shoot and shot Russian LTMs on my M3. In the past I have shot an Industar-61 50/2.8, a Jupiter-8 50/2.0, a Jupiter-3 50/1.5, an Industar-22 50/3.5 collapsible, all on M3.

There's truth in the comments of others on the misfocus of lenses, but as said, it mostly applies to shooting close-up and wide-open. If this is how you work, get something else to shoot with!

My shooting OTOH was mostly outdoors in daylight and on the streets. Think closed to f5.6 and further, focused from 2 mtrs to infinity.

I never had any misfocus issues because DOF covers any focus shift easily.

Should you be interested in a 35mm lens, the Jupiter-12 35/2.8 is a copy of the classic Carl Zeiss Jena Biogon lens, which was designed in the 1930s. It's increased DOF should cover focus shift even more.

I would however advise you to put up a 'wanted' ad in the Classifieds (it's free) and link to it from your signature. And, get in touch with sellers here to ask if their Russian LTM is known to focus correctly on Leica M.

Hope this helps!

 

[berlincontemporary]

My first M Leica was a M4-P. It was all good except the VF flare that completely spoiled it for me.

If you're planning on going the Leica M route then don't short-change yourself, buy a M6 at least and a Leica lens preferably. There are no half measures if you want to be a Leica shooter.

Dont the M6 and M4-P share the same type of finder? I have used an MP and "lesser" Ms in the past. I cant remember having any trouble with vf flare at all.

 

[Chris101]

VF flare usually means your camera is broken.

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

VF flare usually means your camera is broken.

or that your viewfinder is too dirty 😀 I have found keeping my fingers off the v/f glass to be a good strategy.

 

[SimonSawSunlight]

agreed. exactly the kit I have sitting right next to me. well beaten-up, loaded with neopan 1600, equipped with a vented lenshood, Tom A. rff mini-softrelease, additional rewind crank and working like a CHARM. awesome combination, not just for newcomers!

 

[Chris101]

or that your viewfinder is too dirty 😀 I have found keeping my fingers off the v/f glass to be a good strategy.

You're right! I get my fingers all over the front of the camera. When i feel glass I usually remember to wipe it off.

 

[ChrisCummins]

given that everything works, I'd offer him 600-700GBP to start with and see how he reacts. 😉

Ok thanks - the camera+lenses really seem to be in 'collectors' quality and I think he's after more. The cheapest M2 body I've seen in England is £400, so if I start with £400+reasonable offer for the lenses then I can see where that'll get me. I've got no idea how much the lenses are worth though.

Regards
Chris

 

[hexiplex]

Good luck with the bidding! I am lusting (without rhyme or reason) for an M2 to use with the chrome 28mm lens that I don't have yet.

 

[yee]

Starting off so young are you using your right-eye for viewing? I think the advantages are being able to see with both eyes and less interference with the shutter advance lever or the pc socket. Anyway, happy shooting with your soon to be or already acquired Leica M camera!

 

[ChrisCummins]

Sorry yee, I don't understand what you mean.

As much as I am 'lusting' after a Leica M, I'm trying not to become too obsessive over the idea. For example, I'm not going to give up buying film just so I can save up for a new camera - the important part is shooting and getting photos I'm happy with. The Leica can surely help with the enjoyment of the process but it's not essential, whereas lots of Tri-X is essential for me taking photographs.

And nice avatar Morgan 🙂

 

[Ranchu]

I think yee means if you're left eye dominant. I am, and it's a good point, though I can't imagine trying to use my right eye at this point. From slr's I'm used to resting the camera back on my left cheekbone for stability, can't really do that with an rf with the eyepiece over on the left edge of the body. I imagine the camera back rests on the right cheekbone of right eyed people when they use an rf.

 

[Ranchu]

And hey, welcome to RFF, yee.

🙂

 

[Haigh]

I have used an old M4-P for years with a 35mm Summicron and I go to it whenever I want people in the shots: it is fast and discreet.

 

[David Murphy]

I've owned (or own) the M1, M2, M3, M4, and M4-P and they are all exceptional cameras (they M1 is a little less useful for general work, but it can still do it). The M3 and M4 are the best built, but they are all excellent. Combine one of these with a Summicron 50/2 (any version) and you will have the dream set up you are seeking - guaranteed.

 

[yee]

Thank you, ranchu. This is exactly what I meant. Having come into the rf fold only within the last month, I decided to do a different take by using my non-dominant right-eye instead. It's made for some refreshing perspectives to say the least. I don't think it's ever too late to change but more the interesting - maybe reverting as the need arise.

 

[johannielscom]

Chris,

Have a look at the stock list from mkoptics.net in the Netherlands. Young fellow looking to expand his small photography shop with international sales.

I bought my M2 from him recently and picked it up myself to have a look at his shop and he has lots of nice stuff at decent prices.

This is a happy customer recommendation only, no connection to seller.

 

[ChrisCummins]

Sorry yee, I get you now. I don't believe I have a dominant eye, my vision seems fairly good and I use my right eye through the viewfinder since it makes for the most comfortable way to hold the camera.

Just a thought, for those who prefer working with their left eye, what about something like the Voigtlander Kontur? It seems like it would be well suited since you still hold the camera as per right eye useage but the left eye is used for the main viewing...

Thanks for the heads up on that seller Johan, seems like very fair prices.

Regards
Chris