MP/M7 vs. M6...Reliability

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n8b

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I'm a grad student working on my MFA- Master of Fine Arts, in Printmaking and Photography. I qualify for the Leica Student Assistance Program where I can purchase Leica products at a greatly reduced rate.

My dilemma is this: Should I pick up a used or like new M6 with no warranty for about 55% cheaper than an MP/M7 or the MP/M7 with a 3yr Passport Warranty? I've heard the M6 is a pretty reliable camera but if something was to go wrong I'd have to pay for the repairs.

What are your opinions on the matter? Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Nate
 
Nate,

M6s, particularly the M6TTLs, are still pretty new cameras relatively speaking. If it is fine when you pick it up used, you should have many years with it problem free. If you are worried, CLA costs about $180 to $300, and will ensure your camera is good to go for at least 20 years.

On the other hand, if money really is no object, go for the MP. In the end it all depends on whether the M6/M6TTL + $180 to $300 is less than the MP/M7 new.

good luck
 
n8b said:
I'm a grad student working on my MFA- Master of Fine Arts, in Printmaking and Photography. I qualify for the Leica Student Assistance Program where I can purchase Leica products at a greatly reduced rate.

My dilemma is this: Should I pick up a used or like new M6 with no warranty for about 55% cheaper than an MP/M7 or the MP/M7 with a 3yr Passport Warranty? I've heard the M6 is a pretty reliable camera but if something was to go wrong I'd have to pay for the repairs.

What are your opinions on the matter? Any input would be appreciated!

Thanks!
Nate
Click to expand...


If the discount is substantial enough I'd buy the latest and greatest.

I'm a student of life, can I qualify for the program? MFA in Printing/ photography sounds pretty cool, good luck!

Todd
 
The prices of M6s seem to be dropping pretty quickly with the impending release of the M8 digital RF. I would be tempted to buy a used M6 - you should be able to find one for $1000 or less.
 
A while ago I sold my MP which was a demo, and with the money I got I bought 2 M6s and a 28mm Voitlander lens (and some film!). There's something to be said for having a backup camera or a second one for a second lens or different film. I have had zero problems with my M6s (both "bargain" grade from KEH), but my MP had to go back to Leica the first month for a shutter adjustment and I had to seal the eyepiece against dust. I also much prefer the crank-type rewind of the M6. Even the $180 addon for my MP wasn't as quick. The final bonus is that despite myself I was unconcsiously overprotective of my MP's delicate paint finish whereas the more durable finish on the M6 combined with them already having a few marks, I'm more at ease shooting with them.
 
I guess it boils down to if you want AE of the M7. When I got mine it was a difficult decision which to go for, the MP with that arguable 'extra class' of being fully mechanical that I really do like (I still have my old Pentax MX) but could not help wonderring that it was a tweeked style repro using the outgoing M6 mechanicals. On the other hand that AE option could help if shooting from the hip.

For me the simple fact that I could get the M7 starter with the current cron for less than the MP body and a used lens at the dealers swayed it. In hindsight I think I made the correct decision and always have spare batteries to hand. The AE works a treat. Shutter is quieter at the slower speeds also than the MP/M6 due to the lack of slow running gear, tinng is electronic.

For the mechanical angle (using different film to the M7), I use my Bessa R and L.

What ever you choose I think you'll be happy with your purchase.
 
Warranty

Warranty

So what do you think about the 3 year Passport Warranty? Sounds like a sweet warranty. I also read from another RFF member that when you register your camera it turns into a 5 year warranty. 3 year Passport and 2 year regular warranty that covers workmanship, etc.

Thanks!
Nate
 
Go new! Go new! Go new!

Go new! Go new! Go new!

I keep reading stories of those who purchase an M6 and it breaks - If you can get a discount, buy a new MP no doubt. I bought my M7 kit new even though a used set was available at a great discount. I just think it would stink if you pay a chunk of change for a used body and it breaks down. You then have to send it in for repair while waiting weeks for it to return. Buy new, get a warranty and have no worries.

Thats my opinion. BUT I would go for an MP for sure.
 
What Ben Z said about the paint finish is true. I have a black paint MP and I'm very concious of the delicacy. But, you can purchase a chrome MP. If you can go new for not much more than used + expected repairs, go new.
 
SteveRD1 said:
I keep reading stories of those who purchase an M6 and it breaks - If you can get a discount, buy a new MP no doubt. I bought my M7 kit new even though a used set was available at a great discount. I just think it would stink if you pay a chunk of change for a used body and it breaks down. You then have to send it in for repair while waiting weeks for it to return. Buy new, get a warranty and have no worries.

Thats my opinion. BUT I would go for an MP for sure.
Click to expand...
I've never read about people buying an M6 and having to send it off for repair because it "broke" after they bought it. Perhaps you're confusing the need for a CLA with "breaking"? I never thought somebody would confuse "repair" with "CLA". ::shrug::

If you have the money, sure, get the MP. I have read about the viewfinder seal issue with some new MPs, though, and people having to send it to have it replaced under warranty. I hope that doesn't get mischaracterized with being "broken", too.

How things get misdistranslated on the Internets.
 
M5

M5

If you want a modern camera that is also new enough for you not to worry about reliability and life span I suggest that you get the M5 (circa 1971 -1973) in either two tone or all black. I got the 2 tone. This Leica has great features and it will cost you less, around $820 for a Bargen Grade at KEH.com. Mine is in amazingly clean condition for that price. It's so clean that I can take pleasure in wiping off the fingerprint grease left on the camera from my hands after a day's usage. It looks new. Just a very few and small scratches in the metal on the top and bottom. I also got a Weitzler 50mm Chrome Summilux f/1.4 (circa 1967) with not a single scratch or mark of any kind on the glass. The lens is very well made and the cost was for around $650 -same place KEH.

Some Camera Features are:
1. TTL metering
2. Very ergonomic shutter speed dial, it hangs over the front of the camera just enough to allow you to use it to change the shutter speed without moving your hand or your eye from the picture taking position.
3. The shutter speed numbers are also present in the viewfinder.
4. The light meter reading needle and shutter speed needle are present in the viewfinder. Just match them up. It's so fast and convienient.
5. It has a ratched film rewind crank, located on bottiom of camera. Same place where you load the film.
6. Large 72x viewfinder and no flare in the Rangefinder patch..
7. The last hand fitted Leica M camera. Very solid and well fit.

The M5 was so modern that it was rejected by the Leica lovers and so it almost put Leica out of business. The camera didn't sell. So you can get a very good one for a great price.

Some lens Features are:
1. Absolutly sharp wide open at f/1.4.
2. Small and easy to adjust focus ring and aperature ring.
3. Single coating on glass gives what is to my eye the right B&W tone. Contrasty but not overly so. Colors images are perfect.
 
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