wyk_penguin
Well-known
Can I suggest M3?
M2, M4, M4-2, M4-P, M6 or M6 TTL
- Thread starter Chuck A
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ddutchison
Well-known
I'm surprised the M4 isn't so well thought of. Maybe it's because it's price is so close to the metered M6. However, If you don't care about a meter I'd say the M4 is the way to go out of the choices you've posted.
It has the same un-cluttered, flare-free VF as the M2 and current MP. Unlike the M2, the M4 VF uses synthetic adhesives to cement the prisms, so they're not as likely to break if the camera gets a hard knock (the major disadvantage of the M1/2/3's IMHO).
It has the same fast load and rewind system of the current Leicas.
It has the same old Leica build quality of the M1-M5's (Not at all important for shooting, but nice).
Disadvantages, no meter, and the M2's wind lever looks/feels nicer.
It has the same un-cluttered, flare-free VF as the M2 and current MP. Unlike the M2, the M4 VF uses synthetic adhesives to cement the prisms, so they're not as likely to break if the camera gets a hard knock (the major disadvantage of the M1/2/3's IMHO).
It has the same fast load and rewind system of the current Leicas.
It has the same old Leica build quality of the M1-M5's (Not at all important for shooting, but nice).
Disadvantages, no meter, and the M2's wind lever looks/feels nicer.
Honu-Hugger
Well-known
Because the Contax IIa was not included as a choice? 😀Chuck A said:
Ben Z
Veteran
Roger Hicks said:
Bullet? More like a Howitzer shell.
M6 Classic, absolutely Mint condition, boxed w. manual and strap = $1400
Overhaul by DAG with concurrent installation of MP finder upgrade= 400
TOTAL= $1800
New MP in the USA=.............................................................................$3300
Rewind attachment=............................................................................. 185
TOTAL= $3485
Difference= $1685!!!
Chuck A
Chuck A
Ben Z said:
What is the difference between the MP finder and the M6 finder?
jaapv
RFF Sponsoring Member.
Less flare on the MP.
Ben Z said:
Oh, you don't need that Rewind Attachment, the nob works just fine. Save the $185.
richard_l
Well-known
For me it was a tie between the M2 and M4. I voted M2 merely because I have an M2 but not an M4.ddutchison said:
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
I voted M6TTL 'cuz I know it well. The MP is a nice looking camera, but I'm far too used to the wide shutterspeed dial.
> Can I suggest M3?
Not yet. Wait until he has the M2 or M6 then wants a 90mm or longer lens. Then convince him he needs a second body. He wants a 35mm focal length lens. One more reason for him to get an M2. The M2 and M3 "belong together"... And the cost of the pair in 8/10 condition, each with a CLA, is about the same as an EX+ M6TTL.
Not yet. Wait until he has the M2 or M6 then wants a 90mm or longer lens. Then convince him he needs a second body. He wants a 35mm focal length lens. One more reason for him to get an M2. The M2 and M3 "belong together"... And the cost of the pair in 8/10 condition, each with a CLA, is about the same as an EX+ M6TTL.
vincentbenoit
télémétrique argentique
Really? That happens to me all the time and is the main reason why I'm looking at upgrading my Bessa-R.backalley photo said:
Vincent
back alley
IMAGES
people look up from the sound of the bessa r?
gee i never had that when i had the r.
maybe it's harder to hear with all the hoods & scarves😉
joe
gee i never had that when i had the r.
maybe it's harder to hear with all the hoods & scarves😉
joe
I have had them look up to the sound of a Retina IIIS. I don't think it was the shutter noise, just the funny looking guy holding the equally-ancient almost as funny looking camera.
Chuck A
Chuck A
Brian Sweeney said:
I agree that the M3 is a great camera but I want something that goes to 35mm at least. I am even considering a .58 body. I am not sure where the prices are coming from though.
M2 8 cond = $650
M3 8 cond = $700
CLA for both= $ 500 or so (not sure here)
Total = $1850
M6 TTL 9+ cond = $1300
I would surely be sinking more than the cost of an M6 TTL into an M2 and M3 and CLA. Anyway 90mm would be the longest lens that I would use and that would be rare.
I am surprised that the M4 didn't get more votes. I guess the price to value ratio is better with the M2. A good M4 goes for around $1000
I am in no hurry for this it will be some months before it happens. I just wanted to get some ideas from you knowledgeable folks on what to be looking for. Thanks for voting and the input. 😀
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back alley
IMAGES
Brian Sweeney said:
i get noticed when i use the 28 because of the external finder.
but not from the sound of the shutter.
vincentbenoit said:
Are you sure it isn't the fist pumping and celebratory high fives with strangers for getting your shot that they notice? 🙂
Your math is about right, but you may be able to find an M2 or M3 for those prices which do not need a CLA, at least not immediately. I think the price to value ratio is what gets the M4 compared to the M2, M4-2 and M4-P as you state too. I would be tempted to go for the M4 over the M2 if it was just a couple or so hundred $ difference for the few features it has over the M2 (auto setting frame counter and loading being the big two), but that is a personal choice. Again, you can't buy a bad Leica M, it comes down to personal choice.
Chuck A said:
My M2 and M3 prices come with some careful and patient shopping, and using Essex in New Jersey for CLA. Their CLA prices for M2's and M3's is $150. My M2 was $430 in EX+ condition, required rewind gear and CLA. That ran $180. My M3DS in EX required a finder rebuild. It was $995 with a Summicron 5cm f2 and 13.5cm F4.5 Hektor, $210 for a cleaning/rebuild. My M3SS was from here at RFF, had a capping shutter. $150 for the CLA. It was $700 with a 50mm F2 Summicron and 90mm F4 Elmar.
Ben Z
Veteran
rover said:
The main reason I put it in my price comparison was to make it as level as possible with the M6.
I didn't think I'd need it either for as long as I was using it in normal travel photoraphy, but then I used it for a wedding, where I was changing roll after roll. It was way slower, and the faster I tried turning the knob the more cramped my fingers got and slowed me down even more. OTOH, the finder "upgrade" for the M6 is something I find personally unneccessary. But no matter how you slice and dice it, there's a huge gap in prices between a mint M6 and a new (or mint) MP, and sure anyone could come up with rationalizations why it's worth the difference, as I did, but then realized that's exactly what they were, and sold the MP for 2 M6s and a lens.
Justin Low
J for Justin
Just a heads-up if anyone is looking for a M4-P. There's one on eBay right now with a lens, still at a reasonable price. No connection with seller etc. Ending in just over 90 minutes.
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