The old question recurring: which film M to get?

efix

efix

RF user by conviction
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Hello all, I need your help!

Since recently I've (re-)developed a love for film, and would like to add a film M to my M8. Since I'm a bit on a budget, I can't just walk into a store and buy the next-best used M6 -- let alone an MP or M7. So here's what's on my list so far:
  • M2 (knob or lever doesn't matter -- or does it), can be had from 400 € up. I'd be perfectly happy with all-manual all-mechanical operation using a hand-held or hot-shoe-mounted light meter. What to be aware of?
  • CL, can be had for anything from 200 € up. Would feature a built-in light meter, granted I could find one that works. What to be aware of?
  • CLE, can also be had for anything from 200 € up. Features state-of-the-art 80ies light metering, auto exposure, and I love its the 80ies design. Downside: electronics could eventually stop working and render the camera useless. Also, no built-in 50mm framelines.
So, my favourite is the CLE, because it looks best, has AE (which I don't really need) and the most elaborate light meter.
Second favourite would be the M2, because it's a "real" M, and I like the idea of using an all-mechanical camera with a little help from an external meter. Downside: Would stretch my budget a bit.
From a rational point of view, the CL would be all I need. It would have a meter, yet mechanical shutter and fully manual operation, and it has 50mm framelines I need for my 50 Planar ZM.

So ... which way to go? Which one would you recommend, also in terms of reliability and logevity? Will a CLE work (or be serviceable) in ten years from now? Would I be happy using the CLE's 40mm framelines with a 50? (I asked this before and even looked at a schematic of the CLE's framelines -- not sure still.) Is a CL easier to operate than an M2? (In terms of loading and rewinding the film, access to the shutter speed dial, size etc.) Will I have a hard time finding batteries for the CL? And top of all -- what to look out for when buying used (not from a dealer)?

Thanks so much in advance!
 
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I saw a M4 in really nice condition in Paris few weeks ago for 420 euros. So a M4 could be nice also, and newer so it may be easiest to find one in nice condition.

I f you are not in hurry, why not saving patiently a bit more cash, then go for a M3 or M6?

But I have this impression that used M camera bodies are getting more expensive than half a year back. It has been months now since I saw a M6 for around 600 euros.
 
M2 all the way but have you considered a Canadian M4-2 or M4-P?
I love my M3 and M4-P... But at a guess you wouldn't like the frame lines in an M3.

Buy the best camera you can afford. Any saving on a "bargain" camera may soon be chewed up in repair costs.
 
I wouldn't personally ever have a CL over an M2 ... the M2 is a joy to shoot and makes the CL feel like a clacky toy.

Out of the options you've mentioned the M2 is an absolute no brainer IMO. :D
 
Most practical tip, I would buy the M4-2 in the classifieds here and be done (no connection to the seller). :)

The CL is nice and compact but many suffer from low contrast RF patch (deterioration of the aluminum coatings) and defect CdS cells or mechanics. Focus is OK with a 40/2.0 or 90/4.0 and maybe with a 50/2.0 also (but critical close focus). The CLE is much newer and handles nicely but I don`t know who can service it once the camera is broken. Lots of electronics.
 
"Is a CL easier to operate than an M2? (In terms of loading and rewinding the film, access to the shutter speed dial, size etc.) "
I never used an M2 but I am sure after you get used to it you would be fine . But if it is an issue perhaps an M4 .This my personal camera and I can assure you it does not disappoint .... or as Gabor suggested the M4-2
Good luck with your decision
 
Thanks for your suggestions so far!

Kherberos -- saving up is not an option, as I know I'd be spending the money on something else first ... ;-)

M4, M4-2, M4-P -- yes, i actually considered these, they seem to be very good as well, although I'd prefer the classic look of the M2, and I won't need 28 or 135 mm framelines. Also, going prices seem to be higher for M4s than for M2s.
 
oh and it's funny, but M4-2s and M4-Ps are usually more expensive than M4s here in germany, at least they were when I was looking for my first M.
 
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M2 for sure from your options. You have all the electronics you want with the M8 and the feel of the old M bodies is very special.

Consider an M3 for the bigger VF and base length for that ZM Planar... at least take a look through the VFs and compare. Although the M2 VF magnification is the same as the M8 if I recall, so you might be happiest with that.

They are all a good choice, go with what makes you smile biggest.

Alex
 
I second Kherberos' suggestion of saving and getting the best body you can. I have M2, M3 and M4-P bodies, and recently sold a CL. CL didn't wow me (and at times I noticed its less accurate focusing). M2 is my favourite - refined, run in, comfortable. But I use M4-P most: just practical. I therefore second the suggestion to consider M4-2 or M4-P. If you can't live without metering, how about M5? (or Hexar, or Bessa...). Don't worry too much about the more elaborate CLE meter: can achieve same result with a properly used old Weston Master. Key questions are probably what feels best to you from a user perspective, and can you live without built in metering. I can, so I sold my CL which I rarely used.
 
I believe that the outstanding documentary photographer Mary Ellen Mark refers to the M4-P as 'a very special camera'. I've seen photos of her with two such cameras around her neck.
 
efix said:
Thanks for your suggestions so far!

Kherberos -- saving up is not an option, as I know I'd be spending the money on something else first ... ;-)
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I understand very well this pathology… this why I opted for an "à la carte" MP, and a leasing plan, 4 weeks ago :D.

This way, I don't have to save, just to pay each month during the next 18 months :p
 
M3 unless you use a 35mm lens more than a 50mm.The M3 is built for the 50mm. You have three options for using a 35mm on an M3 anyway:

1. Accessory VF, fine for occasional use
2. Buy a 35mm lens with the "goggles"
3. Just wing it; the whole M3 viewfinder (ignoring the framelines) is near-as-dammit a 35mm field of view and this method is at least as accurate as the viewfinder of an LTM body!
 
If you're shooting B&W or C41, then maybe meterless is OK. If you want to shoot slides, then I'd really want a meter. For your budget, I'd be thinking Bessa, or stretch it a touch and get the very awesome Zeiss Ikon.
 
Kherberos said:
I understand very well this pathology… this why I opted for an "à la carte" MP, and a leasing plan, 4 weeks ago :D.

This way, I don't have to save, just to pay each month during the next 18 months :p
Click to expand...

This is what I did to "finance" my M8 --still paying back to our savings each month :eek:
 
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