So, what happened to Leica's new 'affordable' camera?

Benjamin

Benjamin

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From what I understand Leica were to introduce a new RF similar to the CL/E for those wanting to get into the M system. Apparently it was going to come in hideous colours or something, perhaps to appeal to the 'kids'. I can't imagine it being a true, mechanical camera made in Germany somehow.

So, anyone know what happened?

Thanks,

Benjamin
 
Did you not notice? They did come out with one...the M8.2! Comes in three colors and is significantly more affordable then Leica's pro camera the S2.
 
Oh I see. I thought the idea was to come out with a new film camera. Not a more expensive digital M camera. Thanks for your reply though, much appreciated.

Its's my 20th birthday this month and I'm thinking of buying myself an M6. I currently use an FM2, and I just wanted to check there was nothing new/interesting on the cards.

All the best,

Benjamin
 
Benjamin, there is always something new and interesting in the cards. But an M6 looks much cooler than an FM2, so is a good buy regardless. 😉
 
Fred Burton said:
Benjamin, there is always something new and interesting in the cards. But an M6 looks much cooler than an FM2, so is a good buy regardless. 😉
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Yeah, I'm only in it for the chicks anyway. Maybe it'll be cheaper than wooing them with expensive German cars. No respectable female digs Japanese engineering, no matter how old or umm... rugged.

Benjamin
 
Also, though this is irrelevant to the thread, does anyone have any recommendations as to where would be a good place to buy my first Leica from.

I'm going to be looking for a black M6 of classic proportions, with the .72 finder.

Thanks, Benjamin
 
Benjamin said:
From what I understand Leica were to introduce a new RF similar to the CL/E for those wanting to get into the M system. Apparently it was going to come in hideous colours or something, perhaps to appeal to the 'kids'. I can't imagine it being a true, mechanical camera made in Germany somehow.

So, anyone know what happened?

Thanks,

Benjamin
Click to expand...

You might want to check the D-Lux4, not mechanical, not made in Germany, but has a red dot. Relatively affordable at USD 850, ad the grip and you are at USD950, which is only USD 500 more than for its more or less identical Pana sibling, the LX3.
 
Since a used M6 will last a lifetime why do you need a new 'affordable' Leica? Seriously, for about £600 (approx $1000) you can get the classic film camera which wil lbe supported and maintanable for many, many years. If you are looking for digital I don't see any hope from Leica. It would be great if CV would come to the rescue but the only other chance is that the new Panasonic or Olympus micro 4/3 will have an M adaptor but there will be a x2 crop factor so the CV wide anle lenses will be ideal.
 
Ffordes usually have a good supply of used M6s in stock and are very good to deal with (check their website at www.ffordes.com). Aperture also usually have a good supply online (www.apertureuk.com), or if you're patient they come up here and on the L-camera forum quite frequently.

I wouldn't hold my breath for any new Leica film cameras. With the possible exception of some costly limited editions, I think Leica's future new products are likely to be all digital.
 
Yeah I can live without a new model. I was just interested as to what might be on the horizon. I guess it was just fog, meh.

Thanks for your reply Phillip. I check Ffordes quite often, but I'm only really willing to pay up-to or around 600 Stirling for a user. I don't earn an awful lot and this will be quite a large splash but I think it will be worth it.

All the best,

Benjamin
 
Benjamin,

Don't dismiss the Bessas. They do all that the Leica does, trhe viewfinder is excellent and are good value for money

Mike
 
Other than the classifieds on this site......

I'd recommend either Aperture (just round the corner from British Museum in London - nearest tube is either Holborn, Russell Square or Tottenham Court Rd) or Red Dot Cameras on Old Street (nearest tube Old Street).

You should find loads of really good ones around £600. As for lenses, I'd recommend either a 35mm or 50mm Summicron (f2) as a good first lens but don't be afraid to buy Voigtlander 28mm f1.9 or the 75mm f2.5 - superb lenses. (My old ones are going for a very reasonable price in David Lipson Photography in Great Dunmow, Essex. Ask for Mike Perry if you're interested. Not sure, but he might also still have my old M6....)

I had a brief dalliance with an M6. Very cool and extremely good camera but a pain in the derriere to load in a hurry (IMO). I've recently reverted to an F100 as I can use (most of) the lenses I have for my D300.

All the best. Paul.
 
mike_j said:
Benjamin,

Don't dismiss the Bessas. They do all that the Leica does, trhe viewfinder is excellent and are good value for money

Mike
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Dear Mike,

Except auto frame selection, 6-lens framing (28-35-50-75-90-135), focusing long or fast lenses more accurately (longer base length), proven durability for decades...

Don't get me wrong. I completely agree that Bessas are great cameras and superb value for money. But there are good reasons why a Leica costs more.

Cheers,

R.
 
The Bessa models are surprizingly good deals for the money but they're not Leicas for sure. You can feel the difference, hear the difference, see the difference, probably taste the difference too if the Leica is old enough to have a vulcanite covering rather than vinyl. If you really want the epitomy of Leica engineering, look around for a beat to crap looking "user" M2 complete with a ding or two, worn strap lugs, and brass showing through the chrome. It was likely owned by a pro or serious amateur who had it serviced a time or two. Leicas need to be used. A pristine "sat on the shelf in its case" camera is likely to have gummed up grease and a balky shutter. With the money you just saved pick up a used Weston Master V meter and a mess of film. If they're still making film when you retire you'll still be able to use the camera.
 
Al Kaplan said:
The Bessa models are surprizingly good deals for the money but they're not Leicas for sure. You can feel the difference, hear the difference, see the difference, probably taste the difference too if the Leica is old enough to have a vulcanite covering rather than vinyl. If you really want the epitomy of Leica engineering, look around for a beat to crap looking "user" M2 complete with a ding or two, worn strap lugs, and brass showing through the chrome. It was likely owned by a pro or serious amateur who had it serviced a time or two. Leicas need to be used. A pristine "sat on the shelf in its case" camera is likely to have gummed up grease and a balky shutter. With the money you just saved pick up a used Weston Master V meter and a mess of film. If they're still making film when you retire you'll still be able to use the camera.
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Ahmen, Al!
This one will be getting a new skin from Aki.
 

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Benjamin said:
Also, though this is irrelevant to the thread, does anyone have any recommendations as to where would be a good place to buy my first Leica from.

I'm going to be looking for a black M6 of classic proportions, with the .72 finder.

Thanks, Benjamin
Click to expand...
I have had good luck buying used RF's here in the classofieds and at KEH.
 
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