Sell everything and get an MP a la carte?

[KM-25]

The opinion is perfectly valid.

The fantasies are first, that professionals don't use Leicas and second, that there's no point in buying one camera that looks better than the other, even if they are functionally identical.

The former is simply nonsense and the latter implies such a bleak, utilitarian world that few of us would want to live in it.

Cheers,

R.

When I talked to Bruce Gilden in Times Square in 2010, it somehow came up that he had bought his black paint MP used.

If the OP wants to go full tilt with an uber customized MP so be it, Leica ticks that box like no other. But it is in my *opinion* a highly personal choice so it is going to get a very high degree of varied response. Some will say go for it, some will say they never would.

I'm in the latter category on the Leica but not with my Gibellini 4x5 that is taking nearly 9 months to make....we have to source blue carbon fiber from Italian automotive super star Pagani...the camera is being built for use and marketing purposes in the ultra wealthy area that I live in. It's going to be jaw dropping stunning and super purpose built in terms of function but be about $1K cheaper than an ala' carte MP.

Given my revealing of the latter, I will now don my ala' cartel flame suit...;-)

 

[MCTuomey]

Thank you all for your insightful and varied input.

For me this question was about workflow and clearing out distraction from my life. A one camera one lens system would allow me to focus on making prints and not worrying about formats/ colour vs b&w/ rangefinder vs anything else...

Yes it perhaps is utilitarian to discuss the merits of a black paint over chrome, but I am interested in having a tool which will burnish and carry the marks of use.

Ultimately, I have just ordered a couple of bricks of 120 HP5+ and will be just using my Mamiya 7ii this Christmas holiday. I think this combo could be the winning ticket.

Good thinking and great choices!

 

[MCTuomey]

When I talked to Bruce Gilden in Times Square in 2010, it somehow came up that he had bought his black paint MP used.

If the OP wants to go full tilt with an uber customized MP so be it, Leica ticks that box like no other. But it is in my *opinion* a highly personal choice so it is going to get a very high degree of varied response. Some will say go for it, some will say they never would.

I'm in the latter category on the Leica but not with my Gibellini 4x5 that is taking nearly 9 months to make....we have to source blue carbon fiber from Italian automotive super star Pagani...the camera is being built for use and marketing purposes in the ultra wealthy area that I live in. It's going to be jaw dropping stunning and super purpose built in terms of function but be about $1K cheaper than an ala' carte MP.

Given my revealing of the latter, I will now don my ala' cartel flame suit...;-)

Flame suit? No fire sticks here. Just shows how personal gear can be and, if I may say, why gear decisions should be a no-judgment zone discussion.

 

[tightsqueez]

The opinion is perfectly valid.

The fantasies are first, that professionals don't use Leicas and second, that there's no point in buying one camera that looks better than the other, even if they are functionally identical.

The former is simply nonsense and the latter implies such a bleak, utilitarian world that few of us would want to live in it.

Cheers,

R.

One man's opinion is another man's imposition.

 

[______]

Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts. -Daniel Patrick Moynihan

 

[FujiLove]

Ultimately, I have just ordered a couple of bricks of 120 HP5+ and will be just using my Mamiya 7ii this Christmas holiday. I think this combo could be the winning ticket.

I'm very glad to hear it 🙂

Happy Christmas picture-making.

 

[BillBingham2]

Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts. -Daniel Patrick Moynihan

So timely on so many fronts.

Should be a t-shirt

Thanks.

B2 (;->

 

[Peter_S]

Obviously there is some irrational desire behind the wish to own a ALC MP - which is totally fine, and its is a nice idea. Now, I would be hesitant to sell all other gear:

1) Practical point of view: Given the times my M6 & M7s needed repair...no way I would rely one one body (no rant: Ms are fine mechanical tools and as such have their weak spots). I always carried a Contax T3 or digital M, which turned out a smart thing on two photo projects. Sure, we all use our cameras differently. I can be frustrating, however, to have your M in repair, which can take longer or shorter.

2) Practical point of view 2: As others said - keep one MF system. However: You have a strong affinity to 135 format (else we would probably discuss Contax 645, Hasselblad or something, not MP), and a Pentax 67 can be bought back later. Not sure about the Mamiya. My experience: if you have a working RF camera, hold on to it unless you are absolutely sure you want to sell. They are fragile and the next one you get may not work as expected.

So, all in all....at least keep the T2 (or get an T3 to complement the MP, that couple would be sweet) as backup.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

FWIW, I think the answer's two M2's...

BTW, despite the moans we've not had a rant about QC, vodka drinkers and poor quality materials. I hope it lasts and spreads to other threads about other makes...

Regards, David

 

[Robert Lai]

Ultimately, I have just ordered a couple of bricks of 120 HP5+ and will be just using my Mamiya 7ii this Christmas holiday. I think this combo could be the winning ticket.

I thought the OP had decided to focus on the Mamiya 7ii for now?

 

[Roger Hicks]

When I talked to Bruce Gilden in Times Square in 2010, it somehow came up that he had bought his black paint MP used. . . .

Does this actually mean anything? Apart from "I disagree with you but am unable to explain why, and I have an anecdote"?

Cheers,

R.

 

[twhittle]

I thought the OP had decided to focus on the Mamiya 7ii for now?

Just until the new year and then I will most likely have a large clear out and get my M2 stripped, CLA'd and painted. Then try to make this my "everyday" camera.

The MP dream may have to hold off, as many have pointed out here there is better ways to spend the £$¥. Travel, Film, Studio time etc

Oh and maybe a 50 'cron.

 

[brennanphotoguy]

Just until the new year and then I will most likely have a large clear out and get my M2 stripped, CLA'd and painted. Then try to make this my "everyday" camera.

The MP dream may have to hold off, as many have pointed out here there is better ways to spend the £$¥. Travel, Film, Studio time etc

Oh and maybe a 50 'cron.

I think you made a good decision there.

 

[FujiLove]

I think you made a good decision there.

+1

Having just bought an M2, I endorse this message 🙂

 

[aizan]

i bet kanto could customize your m2 with an automatic frame counter, new flash sync port, and an mp top plate. 😀

 

[Dez]

Then again you could just find a good M4, and get the most functionality in a batteryless M with peak build quality, while saving a mountain of money vs an MP.

Cheers,
Dez

 

[WJJ3]

As for the Leicas, keep the M2 for your 50mm, and buy a 0.58 MP for your 35. They both offer a similar eye relief with the viewfinder magnification, and there are no 135 frame lines in a 0.58. I use this as a two body travel combination and love it!
Sell whatever you don't use or want in order to add the MP, but that's entirely your choice.
Good luck!
Cheers
J 🙂



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Wholeheartedly agree with this. If your lenses are 35 and 50, then just add a 0.58X finder camera to your M2 and you will be a happy camper.

Ultimately it's going to be up to you to select the photographic tools you enjoy/need to make the images you want to make. Or just use the tools you derive the most pleasure from if you don't care too much about the final images. I think the suggestion to make a list of pros/cons and be analytical is absolutely the right thing to do because having to replace gear that you later with you wouldn't have sold can be difficult/painful (spoken from experience). Also, you shouldn't rush to sell any gear if it's something that brings you joy in using/owning or helps you get the results you want that can't be produced using other tools.

If you want to scratch the MP itch, I'd suggest trying to rent/borrow one before selling off the rest of a collection. I've owned 2x M6TTL's, and handled an M4 and M3 in stores. The M3 was the smoothest of all, but my M6TTL never leaves me feeling like I'm getting the short stick. If it's just the frame counter and flash sync that drive you bonkers on the M2, I'd just consider swapping the top plate or purchasing an M6/M6TTL, swapping the top plate, and having an MP finder upgrade and removing any framelines other than the 35/50/90. That'd get you pretty much the same camera and allow you to keep MF equipment if desired, or take the extra money and go to some cool places to shoot said camera.

Also strongly agree with this.

I shoot a M3 and M6TTL 0.58X and couldn't be happier. I had the finder in the M6 upgraded, and have seen the improvements. Just the other day I was shooting with a friend who shoots a M6TTL with the stock finder. She passed me her camera and I looked through hers and mine side by side and saw that hers was flaring slightly where mine was not. A worthwhile expense in my view!

 

[Rob-F]

A new MP a la carte would cost a lot more than the value it would add to your photography. Actually, I reach for my M7 more often than the MP. And my MP doesn't do anything I can't do with my M6 with finder upgrade.

If you sell all your other gear, you will miss it before long--unless you really know you are done with it.

I like having several M bodies. I can shoot two (or more) different films. I have a backup in case of a malfunction.

I would put the idea on hold for a while, and see if the urgency of this goes into remission. If it still seems like a good idea in six months, then maybe you could sell some of your gear and pick up a used MP. I like the suggestions above, to pick up a used MP 0.58. Or pick up one up before you sell anything, and sell only when you are sure you will feel OK with what you will have left.

 

[FrozenInTime]

Go for it - decluttering and a new beginning with a minimalist set will rejuvenate your photographic vision.

 

[Huss]

Do whatever you want to and do not look back. In fact, don't inform this board of your choice, because it is your business, not their's, after all.

I do agree that he should do whatever he wants, but I disagree about it not being our business. After all, he made it our business by starting the thread and posing the question.
🙂