I want to buy a film M; I need help.

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Pfreddee

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I'ver finally decided to go ahead and gather the funds for a film body M. I need help getting over the last hump: buying this camera for myself.

Let me explain. I've lusted after a Leica M film camera for 40 years. I always took care of my family and saw that they had things they wanted, and of course this took my "discretionary cash". Now I'm retired, and I can afford at last to get the camera of my dreams. But I'm not by any stretch a really great photographer. I photograph my world and family, and I'm a charter member of the "Blind Squirrel School of Photography."* I can make an occasional good image, and most of them satisfy me, if not others.

But I feel somehow that the film M, for me, would be rather like buying a Bosendorfer Concert Grand piano, and then playing "Chopsticks" on it. I guess what I am looking for is for someone to tell me that it's OK to go ahead and get one, even if I'm not a world-class photographer.

Thank you to all who reply.

With best regards.

Pfreddee(Stephen)

* Blind Squirrel School of Photography: even a blind squirrel can find an acorn every now and again.
 
I'm no world class photographer, but I bought a film Leica. I think I made the right decision. I've really enjoyed using it.

As to which film Leica to buy, it depends on several things. If you don't mind using an external meter, buying a Leica M3 would be a great idea if cash is low. On the other hand, if you want in camera metering and don't mind spending more money, either an M6 or M7 would be a good choice.
 
Mudman said:
You don't need to be Bresson to own a Leica. You just have to enjoy using it. Go ahead! Sounds like you've earned it.
Click to expand...

I typed almost the exact same thing, only in a different order.

The hard part Stephen is figuring out which M is right for you. After that, doesn't matter what your output is. Sometimes, just taking the photo is more enjoyable than the finished product.

PF
 
It's a camera, a tool for doing creative work, and a pretty simple tool at that. Ignore the "Leica Mystique" BS and just enjoy the simple tool that will let you create the images you imagine. Heck, if we had to be good photographers before we were allowed to buy Leica M cameras, none of us would have them and Leica would have been out of business decades ago.

Enjoy your new creative tool Stephen, they're a lot of fun to use.
 
Great decision man, not because its an M but because its film. you're overall experience will open exponentially. i started a year ago with film and sold all my digital stuff within a month. just think about all the different films you'll be able to play around with: slide film, C41, different grains of BW. I also highly recommend learning to develop your own stuff. It slows you down, makes you appreciate the process and adds to your level of satisfaction with the end result. Then you can start thinking about how to show your stuff. i.e. project the slides, work with different papers in BW and colour, or maybe try the old fashion C41 processing. Then hopefully you're curiosity will still drive you for more and you can jump to medium format and begin using different formats like 6x45, 6x6 or 6x7 or maybe you say F this I need to really slow down and get the absolute best out of my shots and get a 4x5 field camera. The amount of joy is endless and good on you for making the first step. feel free to PM me if you have questions about gear/processes or what not. Cheerio.
 
Like you, my photographs (when I can take them), are primarily of my children and family events. Even so, you can't take money with you after you die. So, since you've already taken care of your family's needs financially, then fulfill your dreams. "It would be a shame to die in harness", as one of my professors told me.
That is, to do drudge work all of your life, and die still working like a plow horse, never having enjoyed the finer things of life.

We only pass this way but once. A good Leica will last several lifetimes, and could become a wonderful momento for your heirs. Even if they don't want it, it will still have value if they sell it.

I've found that I use flash over 75% of the time, mainly because my kids and their events are usually indoors. As such, the M7 is the most versatile film M with flash. TTL flash control (for multiple flash units, if you use a Metz flash), second curtain flash synch, high speed flash synch for shutter speeds of 1/250, 1/500, and 1/1000, and automated stroboscopic mode (for motion studies) are all useful features. You'll need a Metz 50 MZ-3 or higher to access these features.
 
Pfreddee(Stephen) -- like what everyone has already said, just go ahead and get it.

I'm a terrible photographer, and that hasn't stopped me! LOL!

I first had a Leica M6, loved it, but got an M7 because I wanted auto exposure. But getting the M6 was a pleasure. I had no regrets buying myself that camera. I loved it from day #1.

Anyway, you should get the M-body that will satisfy your needs and style of shooting.

There is a lot of mystique and BS around Leica cameras, but in the end they're just a tool. An expensive, European hand-made tool, but a tool none-the-less. The point is to just get out there and shoot and have fun.
 
Pfreddee,

+4 (GO FOR IT!!)

That said, tell me about what sort of cameras and lenses have you used over the years. There are a number of Ms out there and each has it's own strengths and SuperPowers.

The M6 has a built in meter, M7 is AE (Aperature Priority), the M3 is wonderful with 50's and 90's, the M2 ROCKs with 35s, the M5, while larger, is every bit an M, loved by some folks with bigger hands, even the MD (no finder built in) is fun with a 15mm lens attached.

You need to own an M, the question is which fits what you want to do today.

Tell us more so we can help.

B2 (;->
 
A film camera will make you improve your photography rather quickly.
Then, there's no point in getting into these "do I deserve it" considerations. A camera is a tool, and it is a good strategy to use tools that make you enjoy your craft. If you don't overpay your film Leica, you can sell it back in a few year's time at no loss, this is the magic of this brand.
Now: there is nothing "mysterious" about a Leica. It is just a box with film inside. I find that nowadays film cameras can only make sense if you want to shoot seriously B&W, develop it yourself and scan or print it yourself. If your goal is to produce a screen image, you would certainly be better off with digital. Enjoy !
 
When you are ready, def buy from a member. There are usually some nice choices in the classifieds and you will have a better chance of getting the right camera from the start.

I'm not trolling but for example, I have a near mint M2 that I may list soon which I would not sell to a collector or some clunk-head on Ebay.

Don't wait to get a Leica there is nothing else like it IMO.

Ray
 
Like you, always thought I wanted a Leica. Finally retired and bought one only to find out I'm just not a R,F sort of guy. Liked my OM-1 better and missed ttl viewing and focusing.

However, there is always a however, the only way for me to find this out was to own a Leica so under the circumstances I also say, go for it.
 
I bought an M4-P about 10 years ago wish I had done it sooner rather than buying a lot of other cameras that weren't quite an M.

At the time they were relatively cheap and since I shoot mostly 28 or 35 they had the framelines I needed. Can't really go wrong.
 
We all do photography for ourselves first.
It was true for HCB as well, as far as we know about him.
If you buy well, even if you won't like it you will resell any film M for the same price or more.
So just go for it, there's nothing to loose and you do deserve it!

As for the model:
- if you don't mind slowing down at the beginning and put some effort in getting to estimate the light right, M2 or M3 depending on your favourite FL. They are cheaper and look and feel is way superior to later models.
- if you want to avoid a steep learning curve, M7 (aperture priority) or M6 (light meter).
 
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