My first Leica

The M4-P may go for a bit more than the M4-2. The M2 is probably in par with the M4-P in terms of price. The criteria is relatively easy: if you're a fan of the 50mm focal length, nothing beats a good M3. If you like to shoot wider than 50, almost anything from the M2 on will do.

Then, if you must use a built-in meter, go for the M6 and following cameras. If you don't mind using sunny-16, then your choices are wider...

Consider the M4-2 in your choices. Only "disadvantage": it does not have framelines for a 28mm FOV.

Best of luck shopping! 🙂
 
David Murphy said:
M4 opinion: I've owned the M4-P and the M4 (Wetzlar German-made). The M4-P is a decent camera, but it's not in the same league as the M4 Wetzlar. Of course one pays dearly for the M4 as with all the most desirable from Leica! From what I know, my choice would be either a German M4 or an M2. I can't say too much about the M4-2, I believe it was made in Canada - probably pretty good.
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Good advice from Dave. For my first Leica it would be an M2, M4 and then M6 in order of cost. If you can afford it just reverse the order!
For b&w you don't need a meter but for colour it helps. I have an MR on my M2 and lightmeter on the iphone for a quick check on my own guess.
M2's and M4's are by far the nicest put together however an M6 with a meter and later rangefinder etc would be my best advice. I've never got on with M3's.
Tactile wise it's the M4, last of the Wetzlar cameras and just feels a bit special. IMHO 😀
 
This one is shot with my first Leica, an M3 in 1979.

Leica M3, Summicron 50mm f/2, TriX.

Erik.

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A bad Leica (as long as it works) is better than a good __________ [fill in hysterically overpraised Olympus, Canon, Nikon, etc. here]

"Few if any cameras attract more controversy than Leicas. At one extreme, you have the devotees who maintain that they are are the finest cameras in the world, close to perfection, and so forth. In their eyes, Leica can do no wrong: they would not consider any other camera. At the other extreme you have those who hate them and their owners. The haters dismiss the cameras as overpriced, outdated and unreliable, and their owners as mindless snobs with more money than sense, who are invariably rotten photographers. Is either party right? . . . Of course, neither the uncritical Leicaphile nor the equally uncritical Leicaphobe can expect many people to agree with them. Fortunately there is a middle ground. It is this: if a Leica suits the way you work, it is a very nice camera. If it doesn't, it's a waste of money. Of course, you can say this about pretty much any other camera ever made " From http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/leicaphilia.html

It doesn't much matter which Leica you choose, as long as a Leica suits you. Or indeed, as long as it doesn't They suit some, but not others. Unless you are unusually self-analytical or self-aware, the best route is to try it and see.

Cheers,

R.
 
I'm in Round Rock. I have an M4 and an M4-P you can compare, if you like. I may have an M2 and M3 around here, somewhere also. 🙂 And maybe an M6. Drop me a PM.
 
Go M6. I've had the M2 and do not regret switching over. You will probably end up shuffling through a few Leicas before you settle on a model, so you might as well save the time and effort and just get the one you really want to begin with.
 
filmfan said:
Go M6. I've had the M2 and do not regret switching over. You will probably end up shuffling through a few Leicas before you settle on a model, so you might as well save the time and effort and just get the one you really want to begin with.
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Settle on a model? give over! Truth be told, if you find you like Leica's you'll end up with a few as most of the members here have.
I personally think M6's are the best all rounders however I like taking the M2 out for a spin once in a while. A Wetzlar M4 in BP with a meter would be my ultimate. Alas it's never been made so one has to have a few different models to switch between. There isn't a bad one so whatever you end up with will be a nice RF experience.
 
Have both an M2 and an M6, both stand at their own ground.
If you can find a nice M2 sample grab it and never look back!
 
I tried an M6 and an M3 before I bought my first Leica. I ended up getting an MP with the .85 because I wanted a new M3 with a meter. I'm a 50mm shooter but I have been dating around the CV 35mm FL for the past year and a half. I started with the 2.5 and worked my way up to the 1.2. In the process I bought an M2 as a "back-up". I could never get used to the .72 VF because I like to shot with both eyes open. Interestingly I got bored with the old film loading but don't mind the old rewind.

You'll find the right one for you eventually but I would say to go with your gut. Good thing about used leicas are that you can almost always get your money back out easily.
 
I say, "Try 'em all before you buy."

I say, "Try 'em all before you buy."

Here is another suggestion....

A. Purchase a used VC Bessa R2A or equivalent. Cheaper price initially, meter, etc. and put you money in better glass.

B. Try an Nikon rangefinder (heresy!)...the system never really intrigued me until I got a bargain Nikon S....the 50mm f1.4 is incredible. I have to use auxillary viewfinders (I wear glasses.) But, I love the one handed focusing with the rotating wheel. An S2 or MP are really cool. The MP has 6 frame lines in the viewfinder for use...amazing.

C. Get an M2 - its a classic, it has internal 35mm frame lines, and its just cool!

D. Keep your GF-1 and get one of the M lens adapters and you have the best of both worlds.

Have fun!

Steve W.
 
I first had a M6 but I sold it ad brought two mint m3 instead. One for the day and one for the night with different iso film when I go travel. I'm a 50mm shooter and I like how solid the m3 feel on my hand compare to the m6. And the m3 vf is the best if you like to shoot 50mm.
 
Go with the best Leica you can find for the right price - worry less about the specific model as each has its pro's and con's. They're all good and you'll probably get attached to the one you find and thereby become an advocate for it.

My first M was an M3. Since then I've owned an M6ttl, an M2, an M7 and an MP and I also have an M8. I've sold off the M6ttt, M2, M7 and MP as I found my first love (the M3) gave me the most pleasure and enjoyment. Oh, and it's fine with a 35mm lens despite the myths: you can easily get by without an external finder or goggles.
 
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