I'm so tempted..........

[splitimageview]

Not to confuse things further, but don't leave out the Konica Hexar RF. It's kinda like a cross between an M and a G2. Built-in motor, auto exposure, manual focus M-bayonet. And a wider angle viewfinder (.6x I believe.)

 

[Pablito]

........

What, if anything, would a Leica M provide that my G2 doesn't, and should I be nervous of the "build quality"

If you have to ask, you don't need another camera. Sounds like the one you have suits you just fine. Now if you WANT a different camera that's another story...

 

[tbarker13]

Don't do it! Serious

The people here who tell you that their Leicas last a lifetime don't use their gear for anything, they'll tell you that a CLA every 5 years will keep you M in working conditions. Yeah right, if it stays in your draws that is.

Look I have 3 Leicas and at least one of them is always broken, one which was fully serviced 6 months ago had a complete shutter failure 2 weeks ago, before that another camera literally had parts falling from the inside of the camera into my hand and had to be sent in.

Your G2 is the best and has all the features that the M7 should have without a stinkin' LED blinking inside the viewfinder.

If only I didn't have so much money in that system I'd have got a G2 long time ago!

Very different from my own experiences with film Leicas. Before I switched to digital, I put a ton of use on an M6 and an M4P. Hundreds upon hundreds of rolls through those two cameras. Never a single malfunction. Never had a CLA. They just worked.

To the OP: Frankly, if you have the urge to buy one, then buy one. It's the only way you'll ever know if you should own one or not. If you regret it, you'll be able to get most, if not all, of your money back.

 

[furcafe]

Ditto on the Hexar RF recommendation. The same contractor clearly made both the G2 & the Hexar, they're that much alike.

I started out w/the G2 system (still have it), & got into Leica M mainly to access faster glass & a wide variety of vintage lenses.

Not to confuse things further, but don't leave out the Konica Hexar RF. It's kinda like a cross between an M and a G2. Built-in motor, auto exposure, manual focus M-bayonet. And a wider angle viewfinder (.6x I believe.)

 

[shadowfox]

Like you need another perspective, but here's one

Before switching to digital completely, my wife bought a G2 kit. She liked it, but I already had my M4-P at that time and every time I squint into the G2 viewfinder I wonder to myself why on earth am I not using the Leica.

So go ahead and get yourself an M-system. Most likely you won't regret it. M6 if you can't live without a built in meter, get M4 or M4-P otherwise; except if you like 50mm focal length the most, go for M3.

 

[cosmonaut]

My M6 loads film easier than any other camera I have ever owned.

 

[blimey]

it is up to you but heed the warnings.

when you have it, you will fall so much in love with it and you get GAS attack. when the expectation falls short in terms of performance and reliability, you make excuses to justify your expensive purchase.

needless to say, i enjoy my digital M so far but sure burn through my checking account fassst.

 

[sprokitt]

As much as I love my G2 I'm never really convinced I've achieved the differential focusing as sought and this bugs me.

I mulled over this and established that B+W film, manual focusing and RF shooting was for me. The Leica M series seemed the answer.

The good news about the choice between a Contax G or Leica M is that there really isn't a bad choice. There's just the different set of conditions and limitation that you choose and /or suits you best. Really, if our toughest choices in life are Contax or Leica, we've all got it pretty darned good here.

Pick one. Use it. Have fun. Wear it out. That's my choice.