Leica in my future!

T

Todd.Hanz

Guest
O.K.,
I would like to get a Leica and need some help, which body?
Here are the parameters:
*M-body
* I like to shoot wide- 35mm and 50mm and possibly the CV 21mm
* Metered perferably but not a must.
* Need to stay within $1500.00 or so US w/ lens, $1000.00 without lens

I have looked at the M2,3,4,5 any suggestions?
Also, your thoughts on the M-4 and M-5.

Todd
 
w/o Meter, with 28mm frame lines, the most affordable will be the M4-p. It is a 1980s era camera so it is still and infant in Leica terms. I have seen them in good user condition as low as @$750. Honestly, the M4-p generally is the most affordable M that I have seen out there. You can find user M2 and M3s for less, but they are getting on 50-60 years old and will likely need a @$250 CLA. I just missed out on an M2 last night in tough cosmetic condition, but a user, that sold for $525. You can probably find an M6 classic, this will give you a meter, between $1000 and $1200 depending on the condition, and the seller. What about a grey market M6TTL from out site sponser, Accphoto. I believe they are listed for $1,500, but in a post somewhere in here, Jorge mentioned that you can bargain with them.
 
if i were to pick up a leica i would get them in this order.

m2 - i prefer the 35mm frame lines and like the look of this camera

m5 - i like a meter, i like that other leica people don't really like this camera

minolta cle - had a couple before, great camera, like the small size, better feel and reliability than cl

m4-p - great camera, made in canada and other leica folks don't really like it, more frame lines

joe
 
If you like to shoot wide you should take an M3 out of the equation unless you feel comfortable using goggles (I don't - but then again I don't shoot wider than 50).

For the 50mm lens M3 is the dream-machine.
 
Richard is right. I like wide angles, but that preference of mine kinda deprives me from using a M3 (unless I pick a Summaron with goggles). Your best choices are the M2, M4 and M6 "Classic" (pre-TTL). Now, it's kind of hard to find Leicas with lens included for $1,500 unless they're unmetered bodies... but miracles do occur!

Besides, there's more than eBay when it comes to resources to buy used equipment. Since you're in TX, how about KEH? Used camera stores, Koh's Cameras? Igor Camera Exchange? There's still a lot more!

Good luck!
 
A really nice used .58 M6ttl and a new Cosina 35mm f2.5 lens would be a nice combination that should be available in the price range you stated. IMHO the M6ttl is by far the best value in the Leica market today.
 
Thanks for the input from everyone. The M6 classic and TTL are at very attractive prices right now, although after reading "way too much" on the internet about Leicas and the romanticism with pre M4 bodies I wonder.
I think I will go with a metered body this time which means an M5 or M6 and with the M5 at nearly the same price as the latter, the choice is getting easier.
It is pretty amazing what the 35/2 summicron goes for, big $$$$$. I have looked for articles on the new CV 35/ 2.5 pancake II but don't see much talk about them. I think since this will be my main focal length I should spend the extra and buy the summicron, ouch!, I mean if your gonna shoot a Leica you 'oughta buy the good glass right? What do yall think?

Todd
 
Todd.Hanz said:
Thanks for the input from everyone. The M6 classic and TTL are at very attractive prices right now, although after reading "way too much" on the internet about Leicas and the romanticism with pre M4 bodies I wonder.
I think I will go with a metered body this time which means an M5 or M6 and with the M5 at nearly the same price as the latter, the choice is getting easier.
It is pretty amazing what the 35/2 summicron goes for, big $$$$$. I have looked for articles on the new CV 35/ 2.5 pancake II but don't see much talk about them. I think since this will be my main focal length I should spend the extra and buy the summicron, ouch!, I mean if your gonna shoot a Leica you 'oughta buy the good glass right? What do yall think?

Todd
Click to expand...

If you are getting Leica you must as well bite the bullet and get the Leica lense too. As for the new CV PII, I have finally convinced my wife to let me get it and I should receive it from Dr. Yao by Friday this week. I will test the lens and let you guys know the results. I must say the PII really look like the Pre-Aspherical Summicron 35mm/2.0!
 
I bought a Leica M6 classic, and a 35/2 summicron and a 50/2 summicron today.
I would like to thank everyone who participated in draining my childrens college fund (there's always the military). I haven't told my wife yet, I wanted to wait until I was sure one of you guys could put me up for a couple of months or so, I don't take up much space and I can cook.........;)

Todd
 
lots of room up here!
canada has long been a haven for the oppressed. (lol)
btw - don't show this post to your wife!

joe

oh yeah, congrats on your new toys!
 
Wow, that's doing it with style! As to the kids, what comes easily seems to have little value, so make 'em support themselves through college! Then you can "invest" in more Leica gear. :)
 
Congratulation Todd! I admire your bravery for buying such expensive equipment without your wife's knowledge! Well, what she doesn't know can't hurt right? :p
 
I would like to thank everyone who participated in draining my childrens college fund (there's always the military). I haven't told my wife yet, I wanted to wait until I was sure one of you guys could put me up for a couple of months or so, I don't take up much space and I can cook.

hahahaha... ;) .. Nice Leica kit btw... Sigh!.. If only I had children with a college fund to raid ...that M6TTL .58 & 35/2 I keep dreaming about would be mine! hehe.
 
Todd, how are you going to hide the stuff from her. Not only am I curious, but I may need the advice. Congrats.
Kurt M.
 
Actually the Leica kit is my end of the deal, my wife gets new patio furniture to go with her new patio I have to put in (so much for my summer bonus!).

Todd
 
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