lxmike
M2 fan.
Now l have some funds together to add to my small collection of cameras, now l have a chance of a IIIg (user) with 5cm Summitar or l have seen a Leitz M4-2 (which l can use withe some other glass l own, (LTM canon 50 1.8 with adapter). Now l know these are both very different beasts, l was wondering what you would do
Based on the equipment in your sig, I think the M4-2 would be more comfortable to use. Switching between RF and VF is a different experience that have to be willing to deal with. IIIg is beautiful though...
Get the 3G with Summitar; if you don't like the 3G, sell it and get the M4-2 and keep the Summitar.
lxmike
M2 fan.
lxmike
M2 fan.
lve shot with a 5cm Elmar and a Summar but never a Summitar so l am tempted
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
To me it was OK lens, but too big for LTM body.
lxmike
M2 fan.
To me it was OK lens, but too big for LTM body.
wow thanks for the comparison photos, stunned by the difference in size
Robert Lai
Well-known
You don't mention what other cameras you have. However, overall I would say that the M4-2 is more versatile. I say that as an owner of both a IIIg and an M4-2. The combined VF/RF of the M series makes shooting far more fluid than the two window approach of the LTM cameras.
Of the two choices that you have, pick the camera in better condition. Either can easily become a money pit if repairs are needed.
Of the two choices that you have, pick the camera in better condition. Either can easily become a money pit if repairs are needed.
lxmike
M2 fan.
Look in his sig...
madNbad
Well-known
My vote is for the M4-2. Like your Canon P it's a single window rangefinder/viewfinder and you already have some lenses easily adapted to it. You really can't go wrong with either camera.
rogue_designer
Reciprocity Failure
I vote M4-2 for the combination of larger viewfinder, and lens flexibility.
lxmike
M2 fan.
must admit l am starting to give the m4-2 option serious thought, especially as l have a canon LTM 50 1.8 in great nick and a ltm to m adapter handy
lxmike
M2 fan.
my only concern would be build quality, l know its not up to the heady heights of an m3 or 2 where build quality is concerned
lxmike
M2 fan.
maybe l should have added a third option of M4-2 or m4-2p
02Pilot
Malcontent
I'll be the dissenting voice and go for the IIIg and the Summitar. I have both. The IIIg is a really nice body to use; if you like the Barnack bodies, it's worth it for the VF alone. But the Summitar is the prize. I love that lens, my favorite 50. I've tried a bunch of others, and while they have their charms, the Summitar is still on top for its wonderful rendering and great versatility.
Search this forum for some Summitar samples from me and others.
Search this forum for some Summitar samples from me and others.
lxmike
M2 fan.
Dez
Bodger Extraordinaire
The IIIg is a little jewel, and a great object to collect if that's what you want to do, but the M4-2 is a much more flexible and convenient device for actual photography.
Cheers,
Dez
Cheers,
Dez
Bill Clark
Veteran
They're different in their execution with the Barnack (LTM) the first generation having its own quirks like film loading, screw mount lens, to the M series which is considered more modern and still being made today. The Barnack is smaller in size and can fit into some clothes pockets quite easily.
Find a shop where you can look at both. Try them out, if you can, especially loading film as some learn new swear words trying to load a Barnack.
Some info.:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102547
I like them both.
Find a shop where you can look at both. Try them out, if you can, especially loading film as some learn new swear words trying to load a Barnack.
Some info.:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=102547
I like them both.
lxmike
M2 fan.
have owned a couple of barnack in the past, always loved loading them l got so good l could load one in less than three weeks...you do have a very valid point about both cameras thanks for replying