New member...which Leica to buy?

[Damaso]

I have been following the fun here for a little bit and after a visit to the Leica factory in Solms I have decided to leave the world of SLRs and fully into the land of rangefinders. I already own a Bessa-R and have been happilyusing it for a few years...

Now it is time to take the next step and head into the land of Leicas! After doing some research I seem to have settled on the M4 or M4-P, more likely the later. I am also entertaining the idea of an M6 TTL (I like the idea of the larger shutter speed dial among other things...). I have read a lot about the M6 being the "nadir " of the M, series does this still hold true for the TTL? I am leaning towards the M4-P not just because it is cheaper but also because I have heard from a few people that it is a bit more robust; fact or fiction? I don't really need an in camera meter anyways.

In any event I just wanted to get your thoughts on which camera to buy. I am an available light photojournalist who is tired of carrying a 10kg bag full of SLRs! I would appreciate any feedback and of course if someone could point me int he direction of a good camera for sale (maybe you even have one you are willing to part with for a good price to help a young photog?) that would be great!

Thanks,

Damaso

 

[Damaso]

I have heard VERY not nice things about the M4-2 concerning quality et al, any thoughts?

 

[Joop van Heijgen]

m3, an m2 an d a m4-2

'I don't really need an in camera meter anyways.'

The Leica M4 or Leica M 4 P is the camera for you!

I still use the M4 since 1978. A fantastic camera without problems!

 

[Joop van Heijgen]

I have heard VERY not nice things about the M4-2 concerning quality et al, any thoughts?

Forget the M4-2; a very bad camera!!

I was owner of this camera in 1978. I shoot a few films with it.

This camera was always in repair.

I sold this camera after a half year and bought a M5. An excellent camera with a light meter!

 

[Ash]

Go for the best M you can afford.

I could only afford an M2, it's amazing, but it's not AS amazing as, say, an M7.

 

[Damaso]

The question is other than the meter, is the M6 classic or TTl better than the M4-P? Having read some other posts this should produce some intersting results I hope! I wonder if Magus will weigh in....

 

[venchka]

The Zenith of the M bodies

The Zenith of the M bodies

#5

There is one with a recent CLA in the Classifieds now. KEH usually has a few in stock. ffordes in the UK has a few at the moment.

 

[Damaso]

I was smitten by the m5 when I was doing research. The bottom rewind, big shutter speed dial, slightly larger size, I was hooked! Then I checked one out at a local store and the love faded. It just didn't feel as nice as the m4 in my hands, which are pretty big. Still thinking about it though since I actaully haven't shot with one...

 

[markinlondon]

The question is other than the meter, is the M6 classic or TTl better than the M4-P? Having read some other posts this should produce some intersting results I hope! I wonder if Magus will weigh in....

The answers to your questions are no and probably 🙂

The M6 classic and M4P are identical apart from the meter. The M6TTL is often seen as a "bad thing" in Leicaworld as its shutter dial goes the opposite way to all other M cameras, the same goes for the M7. The M7 also has AE which many love but many (like me) can't really see the point of.

 

[haagen_dazs]

... head into the land of Leicas!

try not to overspend 😀 😛

 

[venchka]

Don't do it

Don't do it

... Still thinking about it though since I actaully haven't shot with one...

Never never ever ever actually use an M5. You won't want to go back. 😱

 

[venchka]

You know you want one

You know you want one

I don't play fair.

 

[cpborello]

I was smitten by the m5 when I was doing research. The bottom rewind, big shutter speed dial, slightly larger size, I was hooked! Then I checked one out at a local store and the love faded. It just didn't feel as nice as the m4 in my hands, which are pretty big. Still thinking about it though since I actaully haven't shot with one...

You get used to the feel. It is like driving a new car after you have driven something else for 5 years. At first, it feels like you can't get used to it -- then in a couple of weeks, you feel right at home. The beauty of the M5 is in the user-friendly functionality (shutter speed dial) and the meter.

 

[Damaso]

You guys are making it tough! My budget is under $850 which pretty much puts the m6 out of reach. If I can find an m5 in that price range I might just say to hell with it! Any m5 owners int he NYC area want to let me take one for a spin when I am back in town in July? 🙄

I will probably end up with an m4-P but I will at some point try out the m5, promise!

 

[mfogiel]

If you are actually after a light rig for available light, before buying a Leica take a look at the Zeiss Ikon - look through the viewfinder, and weigh the body in your hand - it is not made for driving nails, but it certainly is light, and the viewfinder is big and bright like heaven...

 

[Damaso]

Light is important but so is ruggedness. Just about any rangefinder is going to be better than my Eos 3/booster with the 24 f1.4 attached!

 

[Al Patterson]

With only $850 your options are limited. maybe the M2, M3 or CL can be found at that price. For a bit less, you can get a Bessa and a lens.

 

[alexz]

Oh no, do not mention EOS3 with booster, went though that - good for building up your muscules, actually saves your money otherwise spent in a gym..
Now M6 (or whatever Leica or just any RF) - a revelation...🙂

 

[cmogi10]

I vote for the M4P, it will sit nicely in your price range and it's a great camera. If you don't need the meter, in my opinion, the M4P would be perfect.

 

[Damaso]

I have seen M4-Ps in that range but few M6s under a thousand...

Cmog10 an M4-P and an M8 interesting! How do you like your M8?