Most "Leica-like" SLR?

Pen FT yep

Pen FT yep

I'm with Will. Though I had an OM2s and OM4 before I got my IIIc and Pen FT, and appreciate what the other OMphiles are saying.

shadowfox said:
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What do you think?
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With regard to Leica SLRs as the closest to Leica Ms: I have two of them (SL2, R6.2) for a few years now. There's a family resemblance in certain aspects of either with the concurrent M models (M5, M6 respectively) but that's more like the resemblance one has with a distant cousin, I feel. The SL2 in particular has a very crisp shutter release, with that typical mechanical precision feel of early Ms. But the form factor is just different, the body is fleshier and less hand-in-glove . The R6.2 is lighter and smaller, unfortunately though the shutter release is mushy and has shutter lag. Very un-M-like in this regard. Personally I put up with the ignomy of either (j/k) because of the lenses.

I can't say I have tried many more than these two, a couple of FM3As for a while, and an an FE a friend gave me and which I still have. I don't think any SLR comes really close to an M, though some one must come closer. That will depend on which feature has more weight for you (shutter release, viewfinder, size/form etc.). May be the OMs do clinch it after all?

.
 
thomasw_ said:
Perhaps aside from the SL/SL2, I'd be inclined to agree that one of all-mechanical Alpa SLRs would fit this desire of the OP:>


Alpa11el.jpg
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Alpas are outstanding mechanical cameras, as good as Leicas if not better in terms of finish. A bit behind the times features-wise, and they can be tricky to get serviced if something happens, but very impressive.

The new Alpas for medium format are awfully nice, too.
 
There is a certain precision mechanical feel that Leica Barnacks and M's have that are shared by my Canon L1 and F1, that my Leica CL and OM cameras lack. This provides a certain joy in releasing the shutter that while not directly relevant to the utility as a picture taker, is still a source of pleasure. Some of this is surely related to the heft, which I am otherwise glad to be rid of. I still have and use an Olympus M1 and probably 10(!) other OM bodies.

I also have a VC Bessa R, and am very aware of the difference between a camera as a tool and as a work of art.
 
Hmmm, this is an interesting thread and so I might as well throw in my 2d worth.

Most of us with Leica M series cameras have paid a lot for them and see them as a long term purchase (I nearly said investment, OMG). So my thinking is that most of us have M's that have been stripped down and then re-assembled etc, etc.

But how many of the SLR's have had this treatment? The obvious age of them suggests they were bought second-hand and - sensitive people please look away - on ebay. So is it a valid comparison?

Like I said, just my 2d worth...

Regards, David
 
I had a Leica R8 for a bit, and must say it's quite "un-Leica" in my opinion, it's kind of fiddly and electronic, and you'd never guess it came from the same company that made my MP. Build is very, very good though, no wobble in the switches or anything like that. But I don't consider it Leica-like, if we're talking about similarities to the range finders.

That Alpa reflex looks fantastic though, I'd better not look too much, lest the GAS builds up.
 
The ALPA's are fantastic, and would be my choice in this thread.

That said, I made some comments in THIS THREAD that they feel a bit more Hasselblad than Leica.

In general, I think their finish is a bit behind Leica, but their feel and operation is very similar.

All in all, they have an elegant "industrial" -but precise feel to them.
 
OM1.

Gorgeous bright viewfinder. Small lenses by SLR standards.
I have to declare extreme bias at this point because I am still in love with one...

But why do you want an SLR rather than an RF? Is it telephoto or macro ability? If so, I would look at those lens options first and then work back to the body.
 
I was going to suggest the Zenit as being Leica-ish as it's based on the FED/Zorki version of the Leica II.

Anyway, so I got a Zenit 3m out of the heap and to my surprise it does feel very "right" but you have to have one in a decent condition. FWIW, the Zenit 3M seems to feel best to me; although the wind on isn't quite in the M2's class. Luckily the price wasn't either. And some of the Zenit lenses are descended from the 30's Leica and Contax: obviously, it's in the genes.

Regards, David
 
My vote goes to the Pentax MX. The MX is the size of the OM series, feels more solidly built and looks nicer to me, has good heft and a comparable viewfinder. If you need aperture priority, there's the ME Super, which is more or less the same camera but with AE. With the smallish Super Takumar lenses they are about as small as my M.

The only thing I didn't like was the miniature bodies didn't balance very well with bigger lenses like the Jupiter 9 I bought the bodies to use with. So I swapped the MX for a Contax 139Q.

If I had to buy a Pentax again, though, I'd go for the Pentax LX. All the goodness of the MX and ME, in a rugged body. Fantastic camera. In fact, I might swap my Contax for this soon.
 
The OM has the size of a traditional Leica, but that's really the only similarity.

Of all the mechanical SLRs I've used, from Leica, Nikon, Minolta, Zeiss, and now Olympus, I've found the smoothest functions, quietest, and best viewfinder to be a Leicaflex SL. Of course, it's larger then a traditional rangefinder.
 
Remember too that the Leica R3 and R4s are actually Minolta XE-7 and XD-11s respectively.

The original topic kind of seems a bit hard to answer. "Feels like?" Nikon F, F2. Doesn't make me think of using a Leica though.

N. Bruce Nelson said:
There is a certain precision mechanical feel that Leica Barnacks and M's have that are shared by my Canon L1 and F1, that my Leica CL and OM cameras lack.
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Try an F2.
 
NLewis said:
I'm wondering what you think the most "Leica-like" SLR system is?

I have a Nikon FE, and although it works great, it feels like a tin can compared to my M2. I'm interested in a classic manual-focus SLR system that feels more like a Leica M. I used to have a Minolta X700 that I remember as being more like that.

That brings me to the Olympus OM series. The OM-4 is the most technically capable of the bunch, but what I really want is the feeling of a beautifully crafted machine. I have an old late-1960s Canon SLR that fits the bill, but it is a bit large and heavy, like a Nikon F. Something more compact would be welcome. Electronic shutter is fine with me -- with the mirror flipping up and down, I can't tell the difference between a mechanical and electronic shutter.

Also, I wonder if anyone has an opinion about the Zuiko 50/1.4 compared to other 50/1.4 lenses.
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I highly recommend the Leica R6. Small, fairly light, VERY solid-feeling, and of course it mounts some amazing lenses.
 
clayne said:
Remember too that the Leica R3 and R4s are actually Minolta XE-7 and XD-11s respectively.

The original topic kind of seems a bit hard to answer. "Feels like?" Nikon F, F2. Doesn't make me think of using a Leica though.



Try an F2.
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Nothing wrong with the Minolta XE-7 and XD-11. Those were probably the best cameras Minolta ever made, and they remain popular today. Rokkor lenses were outstanding as well.

I love using my R3 MOT and R6, but just as often will grab one of my old Minoltas (SRT 200, XE-7 and X-570).
 
I might have answered this before, but I'm too lazy to look.

- The Nikon F cameras are very sturdy. Sames goes for the Canon F1 and the Minolta XK.

- I've always felt that Pentax Spotmatics are very well-made cameras.

- The Zeiss Ikon Contarex are solid and very heavy and of course have a great line of lenses.

- The Leicaflex cameras might come the closest, being actual Leicas.

- And I'm also in agreement with Alpas, which are Swiss made and unbelievable rock steady.

Finally, I've never felt that the Nikon FM felt like a tin can.
 
NLewis said:
I'm wondering what you think the most "Leica-like" SLR system is?

I have a Nikon FE, and although it works great, it feels like a tin can compared to my M2. I'm interested in a classic manual-focus SLR system that feels more like a Leica M. I used to have a Minolta X700 that I remember as being more like that.

That brings me to the Olympus OM series. The OM-4 is the most technically capable of the bunch, but what I really want is the feeling of a beautifully crafted machine. I have an old late-1960s Canon SLR that fits the bill, but it is a bit large and heavy, like a Nikon F. Something more compact would be welcome. Electronic shutter is fine with me -- with the mirror flipping up and down, I can't tell the difference between a mechanical and electronic shutter.

Also, I wonder if anyone has an opinion about the Zuiko 50/1.4 compared to other 50/1.4 lenses.
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Nikon D800 E because of the fact that this camera has a sensor without a the Anti Alias filter. Offering a resolution and clarity equal or better than Leica. Assuming you put really good glass in front of it 😉
 
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