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
Even though I have an M6 TTL (0.58x) for a backup, I would rather have another MP with 0.58x VF to replace the M6 TTL. I don't think an M6 TTL or an M7 are good choices for a companion to the MP, mostly because of the reveresed direction of the ss dial. If I were more into tele, I would suggest a SS M3.
 
I voted for the M6, because I already own a Wetzlar Titanium prototype that predates the production versions by 5 years. I originally bought this body as my backup though, knowing that in the future I will get an MP, either BP or chrome.

My MP will likely have an 0.85 finder to offset the 0.72 finder on the M6. I say go fully mechanical for the long/longer-term. Also consider the new finder as a compliment to what you now have. I intend to use the M6 (0.72) with a 35 and the MP (0.85) with my 50 and 75.

Two bodies and three lenses is still a compact kit.

Cal
 
An M6. I dislike changing finder sizes because the magnification change is too jarring, so I'd settle on a .72 and keep it at that.
 
As long as it's in working order find yourself the kind of M2 few here would purchase - dings and dents, the obligatory brassing, and chipped and missing vulcanite. You can pick up a new covering from Cameraleather if you must, save enough bucks to pick up another lens, and have yourself a camera that you'll neither have to coddle nor feel the urge to cuddle and fondle. Just a good working tool eager to go out and and slap some images on film.
 
I have a MP as well, and when out I sometimes carry a Hasselblad 503cx with an 80m lens. I can put them both in one Tenba reporters bag, or in its Billingham shoulder bag. Sure the Blad is bigger and bulkier. But when I shoot the same scene with both cameras I am SO glad I did.
good luck
Matt
 
if by "companion" you mean...

...medium format, go for a hassie/ rollei TLR
...digital, go for the M8
... hold another FL, go for the 0.58/ 0.72/ .85/ M3 whatever suits you best
... a camera that you won't be afraid to smash yet takes wonderful pictures, go for the konica Hexar AF
... a camera to take picture of bugs getting horny on flowers, get an SLR+macro lens
... a camera for urban landscape, go for LF
... something to shoot in very low light, buy a tripod (yeah, I know, dumb advice for an MP)
...something to listen to JS Bach while you're shooting, get an Ipod
... something to limit your uncontrolable bursts of buying frenzies, get married
etc
etc
etc
 
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I usually use the MP alongside the M8.2 but recently I've been using the Contax G2 with 35/2 as the second camera if i want to shoot with film as well. If I was shooting a project with only film I tend to prefer the M6 and the MP - because both have the 75 and 135 frame-lines removed and the M6 has the MP finder window which doesn't flare and I can travel with just a single lens. I think it really depends on what sort of work you want to shoot and where.
 
I was thinking that a good companion for an MP would be another MP, but that's not a choice on the poll. :)

No, but it's the ony rational one (a) if price is no object and (b) you want to stay with film.

Otherwise (a) any other M and (b) M8.2.

Cheers,

R.
 
Not in the poll....but my best companion for the MP would be a nubile twentyfive year old to carry the Billingham, and fill my pipe occasionally:eek:
Dave.
 
...[Choosing a second MP]... it's the only rational one (a) if price is no object and (b) you want to stay with film.

Otherwise (a) any other M and (b) M8.2.

Cheers,

R.

I find it rather funny that reading through all the talk and advice, Bully decided to go with what only 3 people recommended, a Leica M5 -- and I bet 2 of the 3 were Kroysa and Venchka -- that is only 1.34% of the poll respondents.
 
I´ve got a Leica MP and search for a true companion for this mechanical masterpiece.
I´ve got a Bronica ETRSi and the best companion for this quite small electronical versatile tool would be a Leica MP. Unfortunately I cannot afford one.

Think about an ETRSi - maybe with one 40mm lens and panoramic 135-W back or with 50mm lens and a 120 back. Both are nice for landscapes.

Not as versatile but even more handy would be the RF645.

Hope that helps....
 
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