d_ross
Registered User
that's it really, I'm considering buying one and have no idea what they're like to use. thanks
is the M2 an easy camera to use ?
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thomasw_
Well-known
Yes I think so; it depends largely on what you plan to shoot with it, though. Assuming you wish to do the things for which a RF does function well, the M2 is my favourite RF. Get a small hand held light meter and you will be set.
d_ross
Registered User
thanks, I will be using it for what RF's are made for, I was thinking mostly about loading rewinding ergonomics etc, that kind of thing.
maddoc
... likes film again.
I am waiting for my M2 to arrive but from my experience with other M cameras (3 of them were M3 ....) and one IIIf, I would guess that the M2 is easy to use. 35mm or 50mm lenses should work best with an M2 and once you have managed to load film, everything else is simple and straightforward. As Thomas said, get yourself a little light meter, some Tri-X (or XP2) and enjoy photography ! 🙂
Cheers,
Gabor
Cheers,
Gabor
katgut@earthlink.net
Established
This is a very difficult question to answer. I have many cameras:
Canon F-1, Mamiya 6, Bronica S2, and an M2. In my opinion, the Leicas (I've also used M3s) are not easy to use. If you have not handled a Leica, you should try before buying. They are not as easy to hold as modern cameras, especially if you are used to some kind of thumb grip. Instead, my right hand feels cramped and tends to obscure the rangefinder window accidentally or pull on the self-timer. The viewfinders are small and difficult to see fully with glasses on. The lenses vary tremendously in how they handle. All Canon lenses handles the same, for instance, but each Leica lens is different and you have to get used to grabbing for the focus in a different place. And of course the biggest problem: film loading. It's not impossible, but it IS a pain. I can do it in about 40 seconds, but it takes practice, and you can't do it one-handed as you can with other modern open-back cameras. You'll have to sit and cradle it. Can you get used to it? Yes, but I've found I had to adjust to it.
However, no matter what other problems you have with it, once you press the shutter release, you'll be hooked.
One thing I've found to vastly improve the handling is to use a half-case, which helps for my 90, which is rather heavy. Does complicate loading, though.
Canon F-1, Mamiya 6, Bronica S2, and an M2. In my opinion, the Leicas (I've also used M3s) are not easy to use. If you have not handled a Leica, you should try before buying. They are not as easy to hold as modern cameras, especially if you are used to some kind of thumb grip. Instead, my right hand feels cramped and tends to obscure the rangefinder window accidentally or pull on the self-timer. The viewfinders are small and difficult to see fully with glasses on. The lenses vary tremendously in how they handle. All Canon lenses handles the same, for instance, but each Leica lens is different and you have to get used to grabbing for the focus in a different place. And of course the biggest problem: film loading. It's not impossible, but it IS a pain. I can do it in about 40 seconds, but it takes practice, and you can't do it one-handed as you can with other modern open-back cameras. You'll have to sit and cradle it. Can you get used to it? Yes, but I've found I had to adjust to it.
However, no matter what other problems you have with it, once you press the shutter release, you'll be hooked.
One thing I've found to vastly improve the handling is to use a half-case, which helps for my 90, which is rather heavy. Does complicate loading, though.
thomasw_
Well-known
Ok, I will elaborate.
The M2 is really easy to use. What katgut says about the M2 VF being small could be said of any RF VF. The simplicity of the 35 50 90 framelines is what makes the M2 especially pleasing to use. Film reloading on a M2 or M3 being hard or taking tons of time is one of those cliches that I have never understood. The only recommendation I will make is to buy a M2 with a Lever Rewind, not a Button Rewind. Not a big deal but the button rewind can be accidently depressed at the most inconvenient times 😉 As well, if you don't want a self timer, get a body w/o one. My preference is for the M2s with no ST and with a lever rewind; there is something beautiful about them. Anyway get yourself a M2, they just rock.
I like the handling of a M and most RFs. But if the handling is a challenge for you, there are loads of M grips to get your grip going hardcore.
The M2 is really easy to use. What katgut says about the M2 VF being small could be said of any RF VF. The simplicity of the 35 50 90 framelines is what makes the M2 especially pleasing to use. Film reloading on a M2 or M3 being hard or taking tons of time is one of those cliches that I have never understood. The only recommendation I will make is to buy a M2 with a Lever Rewind, not a Button Rewind. Not a big deal but the button rewind can be accidently depressed at the most inconvenient times 😉 As well, if you don't want a self timer, get a body w/o one. My preference is for the M2s with no ST and with a lever rewind; there is something beautiful about them. Anyway get yourself a M2, they just rock.
I like the handling of a M and most RFs. But if the handling is a challenge for you, there are loads of M grips to get your grip going hardcore.
tedwin
Established
Of the rangefinders I have owned, the M3 (very similar in use to M2 supposedly) is the least user friendly. They are hard to grip and the viewfinders are dark and pokey. The weight makes the lack of a grip even worse. No metering.
Film loading has never caused me a seconds trouble. I get more shots per roll with an M as the take up is always immediate.
The nicest to hold and operate was my R3A, and the nicest all round user is the ZM (for me - lack of thumb grip is ok as its light, big bright viewfinder, built in meter)
That being said. I second whoever pointed out that when you fire the shutter, then wind on. You will get what all the fuss is about with the old M's.
There is no perfect answer at the moment. Some would suggest the new MP.
Film loading has never caused me a seconds trouble. I get more shots per roll with an M as the take up is always immediate.
The nicest to hold and operate was my R3A, and the nicest all round user is the ZM (for me - lack of thumb grip is ok as its light, big bright viewfinder, built in meter)
That being said. I second whoever pointed out that when you fire the shutter, then wind on. You will get what all the fuss is about with the old M's.
There is no perfect answer at the moment. Some would suggest the new MP.
gilpen123
Gil
I just got mine today from a fellow RFFr and I am lucky that it comes with a Zhou case. It is heavy indeed and without the zhou case, ergonomics may not be that good. The VF is dimmer than my R3a but the RF patch is so contrasty that I wonder why VC did not do it. The VF has a very slight blue tint which makes the yellowish patch very clear to my eye. My new to me M2 is the older version serial 970xxx w/o the ST and lever rewind. It really does not matter to me as my main consideration is contrast of the patch. Now I need to get 1-2 more take up spool for reserve or when I want to load film fast. Btw, just ordered from Tom A black soft release and a leica strap to go with the M2.
__hh
Well-known
I think your question would be similar to "is it easy to use a meterless Leica M?"
To answer... if you have used a rangefinder, and that you are comfortable with the sunny f-16 method (or have access to a light meter), then the answer would be no.
If you have never used a camera that you have to set the exposure paramaters yourself, then it may take a while to get used to.... and the answer will be ... eventually yes.
Any M body, especially the M2, is a pleasure to use due to its build and tactile feel/operations..... if you get a chance, do it.
To answer... if you have used a rangefinder, and that you are comfortable with the sunny f-16 method (or have access to a light meter), then the answer would be no.
If you have never used a camera that you have to set the exposure paramaters yourself, then it may take a while to get used to.... and the answer will be ... eventually yes.
Any M body, especially the M2, is a pleasure to use due to its build and tactile feel/operations..... if you get a chance, do it.
payasam
a.k.a. Mukul Dube
As all cameras have their peculiarities and quirks, so does the M2. It differs from the M3 only in V/F frame lines and film counter. I used an M3 for 17 years and now use an M2; and I have used screw mount Leicas and their copies. Loading may be difficult the first time, but then it's cool. The V/F is nowhere near as small and pokey as those of several digital SLRs. It's probably true to say that every camera is difficult to use when you start using it.
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richard_l
Well-known
The M2 is easy to use. Film loading is straightforward, intuitive, and practically idiot-proof.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
Compared to the likes of an Ikon or R3A it's probably not that easy to use but compared to cameras of it's own era and a little beyond it's sublime. the advance and shutter action are superb and the whole camera has a feeling of weight and precision that makes it very tactile as Hung said. I think they feel very good in the hands with or without a case.
Ronald_H
Don't call me Ron
Film loading on an M2 is not difficult at all. It is just an elaborate process that takes time. There are quite a few steps involved. But difficult? No.
Keith
The best camera is one that still works!
I agree ... if you can tie your own shoe laces you can probably load film into an M2! 😛
squirrel$$$bandit
Veteran
This is definitely YMMV, but my experience is that, without a half case, the M2 is the most ergonomically satisfying camera I've ever used. I can carry it around all day, and have. I also find loading and rewinding very easy.
People are correct, though, that once you've shot a few frames with it, you'll forgive it for any shortcomings you might be convinced it has. For me, it's the perfect film camera.
I've only had mine for a month, BTW, but I haven't used a meter with it once. If you know your lens, film, and environment, it isn't all that tough to memorize the exposure chart!
funkaoshi
Well-known
I really like my M2. I don't think ergonomics are an issue. I find it comfortable enough to shoot with. As others have noted, it is heavy like a mother ****er. You can probably bludgeon someone to death with the camera. (And then, take their picture.) The VF is nice and clear, which is a big plus. Only one frame line is visible at a time. Loading is fiddly, but not difficult or hard to to. It's just not as straightforward as a normal film camera. I haven't had any problems loading film whatsoever. The only thing that sucks is rewinding film with that stupid knob.
elshaneo
Panographer
It's certainly a very fine Rangefinder Camera to use, and for me, it's certainly very easy to use as well, just get a small lightmeter, and you're good to go shooting.
Sadly I need to sell my Leica M2 since I got a Black Paint Leica MP nowadays, I can't justify to have both of them.
My Leica M2 has been CLA'd three months ago. Anyone interested? Please let me know.
Have a look at this link for pictures of it for cosmetic conditions:
http://www.pbase.com/shanelam/forsale
Sadly I need to sell my Leica M2 since I got a Black Paint Leica MP nowadays, I can't justify to have both of them.
My Leica M2 has been CLA'd three months ago. Anyone interested? Please let me know.
Have a look at this link for pictures of it for cosmetic conditions:
http://www.pbase.com/shanelam/forsale
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Tim Gray
Well-known
Film loading might be more difficult on the early M's than the later ones. I don't know as I've never used one.
However, after started out photography (seriously at least) on a DSLR, I found no real difficulties loading my M6. I think I only ever had to reload one film, and that was HIE infrared film and I was doing it in the dark early on. I noticed it immediately and just went back in the bathroom and did it again. That was the only time I misloaded.
The first roll of film I shot on my M6 had 2 problems. One was the metering was all over the place because I had come from the evaluative, do-all metering on a Canon DSLR. So that issue was not due to the M, but due to having no real idea about metering. That roll solved that problem.
The second problem I had was I kept using the 75mm framelines even though I was shooting with a 50mm lens. So the first roll had some poor framing. Again, easily fixed and just due to silly user error.
All in all, I think they are really easy cameras to use. I've had friends shoot it before and the only mistakes they usually make are misfocusing, probably due to the fact that they viewfinder is in focus so they just hit the button. Well, either that or they are used to autofocus cameras...
However, after started out photography (seriously at least) on a DSLR, I found no real difficulties loading my M6. I think I only ever had to reload one film, and that was HIE infrared film and I was doing it in the dark early on. I noticed it immediately and just went back in the bathroom and did it again. That was the only time I misloaded.
The first roll of film I shot on my M6 had 2 problems. One was the metering was all over the place because I had come from the evaluative, do-all metering on a Canon DSLR. So that issue was not due to the M, but due to having no real idea about metering. That roll solved that problem.
The second problem I had was I kept using the 75mm framelines even though I was shooting with a 50mm lens. So the first roll had some poor framing. Again, easily fixed and just due to silly user error.
All in all, I think they are really easy cameras to use. I've had friends shoot it before and the only mistakes they usually make are misfocusing, probably due to the fact that they viewfinder is in focus so they just hit the button. Well, either that or they are used to autofocus cameras...
Bingley
Veteran
The M2 is a joy to use. I got mine a few months ago after shooting Canon and CV rfs for a couple of years, and an Oly XA for a long time before that. Yes, film loading is a bit fiddly at first if you've been using back-loading cameras, but -- like riding a bicycle -- it's not hard to learn. I love the size of the M2, the solid feel, and the clear vf w/ uncluttered and simple framelines. Setting the film counter is no big deal.
Paul C. Perkins MD
Perk11350
There is a ritual to loading this camera. Learn it - rehearse it - and go take pictures. I've had mine since 1971 and wil never willingly part with it.
Paul
Paul
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