The best companion for the MP

The best companion for the MP

  • Nikon S3

    Votes: 5 1.3%
  • Nikon SP

    Votes: 11 2.8%
  • Leica M3

    Votes: 57 14.3%
  • Leica M4

    Votes: 26 6.5%
  • Leica M5

    Votes: 7 1.8%
  • Leica CL

    Votes: 17 4.3%
  • Leica M4-2

    Votes: 4 1.0%
  • Leica M4-P

    Votes: 21 5.3%
  • Leica M6

    Votes: 58 14.5%
  • Leica M6 TTL

    Votes: 18 4.5%
  • Leica M7

    Votes: 85 21.3%
  • Leica M8

    Votes: 90 22.6%

  • Total voters
    399
I'd say it depends on the MP's viewfinder. My MP has an 0.85 VF. I also use an M2 (.0.72and not listed here!!!) for my 35FL and the combo is fine. The only better choice for me would be a chrome 0.58 MP. The M8 would change things too drastically. That's a camera that should probably used on it's own. I may sell the M2 later to help fund an M8.....
 
I do agree with Vic as well. Sometimes I feel my composition would improve w/ the consistent use of one VF magnification. It is logical.
 
I use 0.72x and 0.85x M7 bodies and the magnification is not an issue because the paired framelines are identical. The 0.85x is really great for lenses >=50mm.
 
depends which lenses you want to use. but imho the best two body system would be 2 MPs, one with a .58 VF and another with .85 VF.

But instead of the .85 MP, a M3 is a very sweet substitute; some would argue the M3 is an improvement:)
 
This really is just seems to me like another veiled version of the "film or digital or both?" debate. I like both film and digital and have an M6 and an M8 so I would add an M8.

Richard
 
Keith said:
I was going to mention the Hexar RF as a similar choice to an M7 ... but without spending quite so much money to have an AE alternative. :D

Yep...I second the Hexar RF.

Bob
 
thomasw_ said:
depends which lenses you want to use. but imho the best two body system would be 2 MPs, one with a .58 VF and another with .85 VF.

ditto. might be more work, assuming you have a .72.
 
I use an MP with a 35mm and an M3 with a 50mm. It's the perfect combination for me. If I don't have my hand-held meter with me, I meter the palm of my hand with the MP and use that reading to set exposure on both cameras.
 
I voted for an M6 because there is no adjustment in going from one to the other. They shoot and handle essentially the same.
 
I went through this same analysis because I love shooting BW, but my family (my only "client") wants, or more correctly demands, color. So I end up shooting color film from time to time, except I always have the wrong film in the MP :bang:

I was thinking of getting another MP but realized, for my purposes, getting an M8 would make more sense as I can get rid of the film/scanning workflow for family events. The MP will then be relegated to Tri-x and wet prints. Except, I have no money left for hobbies this year :( .
 
I had an MP with 0.72x VF and always used a small hand held meter (or guess-metering) so I decided for the (meter-less) M4-P as a second camera. Now the MP is sold and I kept the M4-P... :)
 
Any of the classic Ms would be a good choice with their layout basically the same as an MP, each having its own advantage. The M3 would give you a larger different finder magnification (but finding one with a good rangefinder can be a problem), the M2 the same finder (more easy to repair the finder if needed) and they always seem to be very smooth in operation and not a big investment, but my vote goes to the M4 being the one I have to go with my MP, has the same quick-load system with a rewind that works a bit faster. One metered body of the two is enough.

I'm using my MP with a 28/35 and the M4 with a 50mm and the 1.25x magnifier, a nice combination.
 
I think that one of the best companions for your MP would be an evil SLR, as it will add versatility to your kit. Frequently, I am carrying a Nikon FM2 or FM3A with my M6.
 
Hello Fawate!

I had the same idea! Last week I went to my local dealer and looked at a Nikon FE in good user condition. It will be sold with three lenses (2,8/28mm ; 1,8/50mm ; 2,8/135mm). Perhaps I would have done it when it was a FM, the all mechanical sister of the FE.

There are many ways to find the right companion for my MP. I think that it should be a camera with the legendary M-bayonet to keep my lenses.

Bully
 
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