Leica LTM Is this crazy? Trading a M for a LTM...

Leica M39 screw mount bodies/lenses
archeophoto

archeophoto

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I'm thinking of trading my M4 for a IIIg. I know some think this is nuts, but for some reason I enjoy shooting my IIIf more then my M4. I find the IIIf is better built, more compact and I find the magnified rangefinder a great help. I don't know why people have problems loading a Barnack, I find it super easy.

Don't get me wrong I love the M4 as well, but somehow my heart is with the older LTM.
The only thing I wish my IIIf had is a bigger viewfinder. That's why I would think the IIIg would suit me well.
In terms of value my M4 (excellent condition) should get me a IIIg in a straight trade, shouldn't it?
Is there anybody that likes shooting LTMs more then Ms or is it just me?

Herbert
 
Herbert,
Go for it if this is what you want to do. The IIIg is supposedly one of the best built Leica cameras.
I use LTM more than M because I have more options.
 
I have had two M6's, and 2 M2's and sold them before getting my IIIf RD.
I also enjoy using my IIIf more than any of the newer models.
 
raid said:
Herbert,
Go for it if this is what you want to do. The IIIg is supposedly one of the best built Leica cameras.
I use LTM more than M because I have more options.
Click to expand...

Raid, I find this to be an interesting statement. Out of curiousity, what options do LTM cameras offer that M cameras don't?

In regards to the OP, if you feel you'd be better off with a IIIg, go for it! Who really cares what others think. It's your life... get what you will enjoy the most. Myself, I like the Summar. Lot's of people say it's too soft and flare-prone. Others love it. It's all a matter of personal taste. I also like the pre-war Leicas, and the M-Leicas (M3, M2, M4, etc.). So when I get another nice example of the Summar, I'm going to stick it on the front of my M3. Best of both worlds!
 
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I have the IIIG and it's a lovely camera but not in the same range as the M4. Why not buy the Leica 50mm finder and use that on the IIIF? The 50 finder is even better than the IIIG finder. However, I would be interested in swapping. I also have a IIIF which I liked as much as the IIIG.
 
Your decision, of course: but Leitz were on the right track when they added a combined (and large and bright) VF/RF and lever wind to their timeless design.
 
While having a big combined finder is better I lived and loved my Bessa T for many years. It felt great and was tons of fun. The size of Leica LTMs is wonderful and while heavy they are great to carry.

If it makes you happy, do it. Cameras as much as we feel they are irreplaceable they are not.

B2 (;->
 
payasam said:
Your decision, of course: but Leitz were on the right track when they added a combined (and large and bright) VF/RF and lever wind to their timeless design.
Click to expand...

It was a step up but you know that what is right for many may not be right for all.

B2 (;->
 
I'm in the same camp regarding LTM's vs M's. Though I think my best work has been done with my M2, there is something about using a nice screw mount Leica with those great vintage lenses.

I'm partial to Leica III's and IIIb's, but a IIIf is great too. Never used a IIIg though...they're usually out of my price range!


Is this heaven or what?
MeandOskar.jpg
 
One more idea:
If you are a 50mm shooter, and can live with 1m as a minimum focus distance, I would say that it makes sense. I do feel the limitations of LTMs when trying to use then with other FL, specially wides.
 
Something strange happened to me. After years of shooting with an M6+35/1.4 combo, I got a very nice (user) IIIF RD. I fell completely in love with the little rig. It felt -and sounded- more solid and compact in the hand than the large M, even fitted with a CV-II lightmeter on the top. I shot almost for six months with it and a 35/2.8 Summaron. I even glued (with silicone, so not a permanent bond) a negative lens on the front VF window, to have the same field of view than the 35mm. That camera went with me everywhere.

The advantages were the compact size, the slow path photography induced by the separate VF/RF windows, and a larger quantity of near perfect focus due to the magnified rf. I used to shoot the IIIF with the 35/2.8 and Summitar 50/2, then in time I added a Nokton 50/1.5 and a Heliar 15/4.5.

Later on, I went the digital RF route with an M8, so I went back to the M line, but I miss shooting the LTM, and I miss its apparent readiness to be used almost always.
This is the reason I am now looking closely at the Leica X1 development, as I think it has inherited more from the LTM design (the Leica IC/IF/IG come to mind everytime I look at it) than from the M design.

So if you enjoy the LTM way of shooting, and how those little jewels feel in the hand, go for it. If you are concerned about resale values, or future depreciation, I don't think there will be ever significative differences between the M4 and the IIIG. They will retain both their mythical stature and their resale value.

wow. long post.
 
I have often been advised to go with what is right for me . I love my IIIc , but still prefer my new bitsa Contax / Kiev II , which is even more dated .
 
I have both an M3 and a IIIF. If I had to chose between the two I would keep the IIIF. For some reason I just like using the IIIF better. I have a complete set of lenses for both systems. The IIIF is fun to use and fits in my hand very well. It is a little slower in use than the M3, but I can live with that.
 
I'd say just go for it !!! I'm sure that the Leica IIIg is an awesome camera to use !!!

Nowadays I have the Leica M2 and the Leica IIIf RD ST. I love them both but I will never sell my Leica IIIf RD ST since I believe that it's a true classic of the Leica cameras before the Leica M cameras came into existence :)

Here's my Leica IIIf RD ST:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/elshaneo/3757201770/

3757201770_d4e73f5f89_o.jpg
 
Not crazy, as the above will attest. The LTM cameras are well made, sturdy, and compact. True, they are old. But they can be great picture takers and there is less to go wrong on them than many more modern cameras.

Ben
 
Thank you all for your input.
I think I'm going for it... Now I have to take some photos of my M4 to get her ready for a trade/swap.
 
I fully understand your feel. It's quite reasonable. My IIIG is on its way to Singapore.

I use IIIF as my every day camera and M5 when I am out for photo taking or I have to use those M mount lenses.

My only concern is what lens do you own currently. If you have any M mount lens, ....
 
burninfilm said:
Raid, I find this to be an interesting statement. Out of curiousity, what options do LTM cameras offer that M cameras don't?
Click to expand...

I meant to say that since I seem to be having more LTM lenses than M lenses and more LTM cameras than M cameras, I use LTM cameras more often than M cameras. Of course, with an M adapter, these LTM lenses could be used on an M camera!
 
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I only own screw mount lenses. :)

roundg said:
I fully understand your feel. It's quite reasonable. My IIIG is on its way to Singapore.

I use IIIF as my every day camera and M5 when I am out for photo taking or I have to use those M mount lenses.

My only concern is what lens do you own currently. If you have any M mount lens, ....
Click to expand...
 
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