Leica CM comments?

[Khaled]

Hi. I've got the GAS for one but I've read all sorts of comments from good to bad about it in different places around the net, so I'd like to know your opinions and experience with this camera.

The things that concern me mostly are the viewfinder (magnification?), shutter lag and any problems you might have had with it.

Thank you in advance.

Khaled

 

[JoeFriday]

hi Khaled.. I don't have any experience with the CM, but I was also looking at them pretty seriously about a month ago.. I probably read all the same comments you found, some good, some bad.. the consensus seems to be that it has spectacular glass but only an average viewfinder.. the price is somewhat prohibitive, as well.. but if you bought one, I'm sure you'd like it

 

[John Robertson]

Just hope its a lot more reliable than the Minilux 😡

 

[JoeFriday]

I don't remember reading any comments about reliability issues with the CM.. what sort of problems were popping up with the Minilux?

 

[richard_l]

I don't remember reading any comments about reliability issues with the CM.. what sort of problems were popping up with the Minilux?

It was a specific issue with the electronics on some of the early Miniluxes. Mine failed. It was repaired under warranty. No more problems. However, it was the #$%@#@ Minilux and its awesome images that caused my Leicaddiction.

 

[Mike Richards]

I have the fixed lens Minilux, and just got a CM zoom. My observations:
- 1/500 and f22 on the CM means I can regularly use ISO400 film and not worry about blown highlights (the Minilux has 1/400 f16, which means ISO400 is problemmatic outdoors on sunny days)
- On the CM, the flash can be set to default "off" or any other setting. The Minilux resets to auto every time you turn it on.
- CM viewfinder is large enough for eyeglass wearers.
- CM autofocus seems to work better, although I really haven't used it enough for a proper evaluation.
- Much better quality feel to the CM. Controls are precise. Handling in general is a notch above the Minilux.
Don't know if I will keep the Minilux in the long run, but will hold on to it for a while. Quite likely will use it for traveling with ISO100 Velvia while loading ISO400 Tri-X in the CM. Both are capable of great images, and they can back each other up.

 

[Khaled]

Thank you for your answers. Though I'd still like to know what you think about shutter lag compared to a Yashica T4 super for example, I would be ok if it's about the same lag.

It is an expensive camera! But I realize that a 50mm summicron goes for around 800 dollars and a 35 for a little more, so this 40mm falls right in between price and focal length and it also comes with a camera 🙂 And, I guess the 40mm would be the best focal length for me since I'm always hesitating about bringing with me a 35 or a 50 when I want to go light.

 

[stephen_lumsden]

Hi

I was thinking about getting one myself and inspected it in the shop. It appears well made but the viewfinder is very small, much smaller than the viewfinder of a Canonet QL17 or eqivalent rangefinders and this was a big minus for me. It also does not accept filters, but the lens is supposed to be coated so well that it is not too prone to flare. Even second hand it will be pricey and considering there were problems with the electronics in the first batch, there would be additional doubts when buying second hand. Basically I would advise you handle one before purchase. For the price, IMHO, it would have to be perfect and it is not. I would consider looking at a Rollei AFM35 or Hexar AF in addition to it.

regards

Stephen

 

[Khaled]

Hi. I was about to hit the buy now button on obay this morning but, since I'll be leaving next week, there's a possibility that I won't receive it on time. That, and your comments, got me thinking that I should really handle one before deciding to buy it, so I'll wait 'till december and see if I really need it or if I was just horny for it. 🙂

Here's the auction number in case someone is interested: 7555408531 - Leica CM - 2.4/40

Thanks for your help.


Khaled

 

[John Robertson]

I don't remember reading any comments about reliability issues with the CM.. what sort of problems were popping up with the Minilux?

The shutter failed three times on mine, you get the enigmatic message E2 on the LCD!! Twice repaired under warranty, third time it cost me £250!!! It has failed again!! I was in Ffordes camera shop a couple of weeks ago, the guy said it was a well known problem, and they were not keen to trade them in. They have had failures as well.
Mine is now landfill!!! :bang:

 

[JoeFriday]

which camera was that, John? the CM or Minilux?

 

[John Robertson]

Hi Brett
It was the Minilux, I bought it to celebrate my retirement, my first new Leica. I think you can understand how sick I am of it. Co-incidentally I bought a Leica Mini3 compact at the same time, much much cheaper, but it has a terrific 32mm Summar f3.2 lens. It has had far more films through it and still works perfectly. That makes me even more sick!!!

John.

 

[Jeff Turman]

minilux and cm

minilux and cm

howdy Khaled:

i own both, and these cameras have their pros and cons. for the money, minilux over the cm, unless the cm is used and buyer be aware that the earlier serial #'s have had electronic problems (do the research.) for the quality of the machine, both compare quite well together. the cm has a little more lag than the minilux, but the shutter noise on the cm is much quieter. magnification on the cm is better, brighter. i've had problems with the cm, not constant, but i do occasionally have to 'reboot ' the machine. this means that i have to take the battery out to get it to respond. haven't looked into having this fixed, but leica is usually good with warranty issues. but they both shoot d**n fine shots. good luck.

 

[JoeFriday]

thanks for the input, Jeff.. and welcome to RFF!

 

[Beniliam]

My recommendation is the Contax T. Is semi automatic camera. Have rangefinder. The lens is a 38 mm Sonnar T*. Is sillent, quickly, and have a good viewfinder. The meter is accurate. Ah and tittanium body!

http://cgi.ebay.es/Contax-T-35mm-Ra...goryZ626QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.es/CONTAX-T-35MM-RA...ryZ15234QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Its difficult to find. Specially the black model (beautilful-no words). I have the certainty that you enjoy more with the contax. I proved one in ugly state, but, is a very very good snap camera.

Good luck, and good decision 🙂

 

[Beniliam]

Welcome too Jeff! 😛

 

[JoeFriday]

I've got quite a few photos in my gallery from my Contax T.. and I agree wholeheartedly with Beniliam.. it's small, quiet (probably my quietest camera) and takes outstanding photos.. it's a bit hard to use the rangefinder, but it's fairly easy to scale focus for grab shots

the problem is finding one at a reasonable price.. and they are hard to get serviced if anything goes wrong

 

[richard_l]

the cm has a little more lag than the minilux, but the shutter noise on the cm is much quieter.

The Minilux is one of the few point and shoots which has true prefocus. Depress the shutter button halfway, and the motor physically focusses the lens (and it does this fairly fast, without hunting around). If you then fire the shutter, there is virtually no lag.

 

[John Robertson]

The Minilux is one of the few point and shoots which has true prefocus. Depress the shutter button halfway, and the motor physically focusses the lens (and it does this fairly fast, without hunting around). If you then fire the shutter, there is virtually no lag.

The Leica Mini 3 does exactly the same!
It can produce super results on slide film
http://www.pgallery.net/jer/image-50522.html