MP vs M7 vs M6?

[ktmrider]

So, I presently have an M9 and an M2. I want to add another film body and am having a hard time deciding.

I have owned an M6 and M6TTL but have never owned an M7. To me, the MP is a slightly upgraded M6 with retro controls appealing to the nostalgia generated by all film M's.

Tamarkin has an MP for $3100 and a couple M7's for $2000 and you can find nice M6's for $1400-$1500 all day long. I am leaning toward an M7 as I do find the AE on the M9 useful. What is your opinion?

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I don't know if the M9 has any AE, but if it didn't have it, I'd go for the M7. It's still in production (like the MP) and newer than your other choice.

Problem solved! 🙂

 

[CVickery]

For digital I currently shoot with a M240 but I used to have the M8 and M9. I've bounced around quite a bit with film bodies, M3, M2, M4-P, M6, M7 as well as a Bessa R2, and Zeiss Ikon ZM. In the end the M7 was the body that seems to 'work' for me. I think it's based on the familiarity of operation between the digital and the film bodies ... the camera just doesn't get in the way. I had recently tried the M6, but never got used to it as I had to re-orient my thinking when I picked up a different body. Traded my M6 for a M7 (my second) last weekend and immediately felt right in sync with the camera.

 

[taemo]

i would say what are you looking to get by buying another film M body?
the M7 has an automatic exposure but needs a battery to fire at all speed
the MP has the advantage of better build than the M6

 

[madNbad]

Buy an M7. You already have a M2 for the full retro Leica experience and a nice digital body. Sometimes you just want to wander around and take pictures without worry and there's no better point and shoot than an M7.

 

[burancap]

M7 for sure. Just a great camera.

 

[newsgrunt]

The build on an MP is imo, much better than the 6 and probably the 7. Brass gears so everything feels much smoother. and heavier. This comparing cameras I have had and still have (M4-P and a couple of 6's). Never touched an M7 so ymmv.

If you can afford the MP, I'd go with that vs any other you're thinking of.

 

[ktmrider]

Funny, everyone yells about the zinc gears on an M6. Well, Leica switched after the M5 so they could use motor drives on subsequent bodies. And lots of people seem to forget that the M6 was in production longer then any other film M. Again, do not get me wrong as I often find myself checking the film rewind knob in the middle of a roll of film on my M2 because it is so smooth.

I think digital photography has pretty much put the battery bug a boo to sleep. And if it has not, I would remind everyone that cameras with electronic shutters and aperture AE have been around since the early 1970's (remember the Miranda SLR's). If you can carry rolls of film, I think there just might be room in your pocket or bag for a spare battery. And if memory serves, the batteries last a LONG time.

So, I bought my first Leica in 1975 (CL) and have owned M3, numerous M2's, M4, M4-2, M4-P, M6, M6TTL. I owned them when they were new and then tried their successor. Do not get me wrong as there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of them. Of all the M's I have owned, my favorites are the M2 and M6. Sometimes it is nice to have a meter.

And I frequently use the AE mode on the M9 and my X100. So perhaps it is time to try the M7.

 

[kshapero]

I have owned all of them. I liked the M7 the most but always felt that the extra electronics was a cause for more repair. (turned out I was right). I agree with you on the MP (although a wonderful rig). I would go for the M6.

 

[Tompas]

(...) Tamarkin has an MP for $3100 and a couple M7's for $2000 and you can find nice M6's for $1400-$1500 all day long. I am leaning toward an M7 as I do find the AE on the M9 useful. What is your opinion?

I recently bought a very fine M6 for 700 € / $760 via the big auction site. I consider your other options far too expensive -- but that's just me.

 

[Pioneer]

If you are interested in the meter, go for the M7. That way you have more options. Obviously you don't have to use them but at least they are available.

Of course, I prefer the Zeiss Ikon to the M7. Much better viewfinder and slightly lighter camera with far improved film loading. I also prefer the AE lock on the back that quickly allows exposure and recompose.

The Bessa R series cameras also provide some great options to consider. I love being able to shoot with both eyes open when I use my R3M.

But, a lot of people are blinded by the Leica name and mystique so end up with the M7. Choice is nice.

 

[lawrence]

I have two M6TTLs and a Zeiss Ikon. I owned an M7 for a couple of years but for auto exposure prefer the ZI. For me the M7 never quite hit the spot, for example the exposure compensation dial on the back of the camera is very much inferior to the ZI solution where compensation is integrated into the shutter speed dial. It also takes more batteries and tends to eat them up. However, the M7 was more reliable than my M6TTLs, both of which have needed repair.

 

[rolfe]

I think for street shooting the M7 is the best camera invented, although some will say the Ikon is its equal in this respect. If that isn't your focus -- if for example, you're into travel or portraiture or some other genre, then I think the MP may be your ticket.

As to the assertion that the MP is somehow superior internally to the M6, the repair people I've talked to say that they are essentially identical. The MP adds a better exterior finish and a retro appearance, but no functional difference.

 

[ktmrider]

Well, I did not really want to mention it but both Leica repair legends that I have talked to say the M6 is a lot more camera for the money then the MP.

If you spend $1500 for a mint M6 and then $300 for the viewfinder upgrade, you are still at least $1200 ahead of the price of a used MP.

Checking Tamarkin, KEH and Classic Connection, I see prices for used MP's from $2800 to $3100, used M7's from $2000 to $2300, and used M6's (mint/like new condition) for $1400 to $1700. Used M4-2's and M4-P's can be had for $650-800. Of course, Classic Connection has a black paint M4 50th Anniversary model for $3400. I would love to get the black paint M4 but a camera that pretty would get dinged up quickly. And we know the price of a new MP or M7 or MA.

So many cameras, so many decisions. Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong.

 

[Kwesi]

i would go for a late model used M7. things to look for:
Optical dx reader, MP finder.
Great camera and very much like an M9

 

[rolfe]

I think for street shooting the M7 is the best camera invented, although some will say the Ikon is its equal in this respect. If that isn't your focus -- if for example, you're into travel or portraiture or some other genre, then I think the MP may be your ticket.

As to the assertion that the MP is somehow superior internally to the M6, the repair people I've talked to say that they are essentially identical. The MP adds a better exterior finish and a retro appearance, but no functional difference.

 

[Richard G]

I am just not sold on the MP hype. I love my M6. But I would get the M7. Its accurate shutter times are one thing, and AE an important other thing, but perhaps better than all of that, it is the quietest Leica.

 

[newsgrunt]

It's all very personal isn't it ? I've been using Leica rangefinders for long enough and I still prefer the feel of the MP over all the M6 and M4-P cameras I've owned.

Also prefer a camera that gives me more than two shutter speeds if the batteries go south 😉

good luck and enjoy whichever camera you end up getting !

 

[Pablito]

Well, I did not really want to mention it but both Leica repair legends that I have talked to say the M6 is a lot more camera for the money then the MP. .

Yes, this is very true. M6 may not be as glamorous as M7 or MP but it's a workhorse, and generally more reliable.

 

[maddoc]

I like the M7. The AE is really helpful and the VF crisp and clear (my copy has the MP-type VF and optical DX reader). The camera has been a couple of times at Leica for service but so has my former MP.

My problem with the M6/MP is that I fail to see the advantage of the LEDs in the VF to set the correct exposure because I can`t set easily the shutter-speed dial while looking through the VF. The M5, M6 TTL, and also M7 with their larger shutter-speed dials are much easier to use, IMO.