Very curious about MP

Rob-F said:
A used MP generally goes for around $2000 to $2200 or so for a .72 finder. With the .58 finder, more like $2400 to $2600. A used M6 classic goes for around $1200. A used M6 TTL for around $1600.
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prices have gone up since the last price increases and the m9. the most recent completed items on ebay show that the mp has gone up to $2700-3300, in ex (easily visible wear) to mint condition with the standard .72 viewfinder.
 
Here is what's going in my grey matters!

Here is what's going in my grey matters!

I'm keeping an eye on the Leica DRF world (used mkt obviously). I'd also say to get a used MP or M6 and spend the rest on a lens. As far as I can see, RFF has the best offers in terms of trustworthiness, price combination and a very helpful and knowledgeable community. Here is one MP (from Christpher_t) for USD 2100: http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php/product/22382/cat/13

If I had some extra cash I would've contacted Christopher_t right away. :)

Alternatively if you're thinking of moving to DRF world then, i think, it would be better if you get an M6. That way you have more money towards DRF (M8, M8.2 or even M9)! Oh, don't forget to get an H-IPS panel monitor :D

Cheers

Ash
 
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The R3a and 40 1.4 was my 1st RF. A couple of things you may need to get acquainted with; 1st time I tried to focus the R3a, I can't seem to align the patch as i find it difficult in bright light as well as seeing the shutter speeds which I found out later on that you have to center your eyes relative to the patch and make sure your finger/s does not cover the rangefinder, the hood of 40 1.4 blocks a bit of the view finder, it's 1:1 VF is really great. After spending a few months with this combo, I sold it and went wild with RF gears. Nikon S3, Canon P, Leica IIIf, CLE, Leica M2, M3, M6 (2 0.72 and 0.85), Mamiya 7II and still lusting for that MP and ZM Ikon. It doesn't stop, if I were to start all over again, I'll get the MP immediately and get a 35/50 lenses and be done with 135 mm.

Adam14 said:
Matus,thanks very much for your advice.Very much appreciated.Yes,I felt that my original post was misunderstood by some.
I think that I am going to get a Bessa R3A and 40mm/1.4 Nokton.The used are less money but with new I get the warranty.
Cheers,
Adam
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Gil,Thanks very much for telling me your experience with the R2A! Very interesting info plus your comment re going direct to an MP.
So much to consider. I am glad that I am not in a hurry!
Adam
 
Almost always a more mechanical camera will result in better photographs. This is because it slows you down and makes you think. You have to make conscious desicions about shutter speed and aperture and film and you learn to understand light. Unless you're shooting candids, or something else where speed counts, all the electronics turn people into 'happy snappers.' Not everybody, of course, but many. And there's nothing more joyful then using a mechanical camera, whether it be a Nikon F or a Leica M. So yes, I do think a mechanical camera makes you a better photographer (in general).

Proof is on the internet. Here and everywhere.
 
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Thanks Steve and Peter. I will look around my area to see if rentals are available.You have swayed me towards really thinking about manual/mechanical. I actually am thinking of going the Bessa route(I have a thread going on the Voigtlander forum) and you are not the first to suggest the great value in going manual.
Adam
 
Like a lot of members here I've had a few Leica's including an MP. Out of all of the M2's, 3's 4's and 6's I've had, my favorite M is still the M6. All the advice is sound, if you are not bothered about cash then fine, get a new MP but if you prefer to take pics rather than spend money on something you can look at and fondle then you actually get no more of a camera than an M6 with a so called classic look and a marginally better finder. Buy a nice, low mileage M6, black or chrome, doesn't matter and spend your saved dosh on the great lenses available.
I have always maintained that the MP is an over rated clever marketing ploy to part us from our cash. It's a simple camera, nothing special and the only reason I would get one again would be if it where priced s/h at €800-900. It simply is not worth any more!
 
A rangefinder will not necessarily make you a better photographer but it will present to you an opportunity to shoot differently.

"There's a profound difference between the simple non-reflex, direct-viewing camera (such as a range-finder Leica) and a SLR. With a reflex you tend to make the picture in the camera; with the other, you see the picture and then put a frame around it. The RF camera is also faster, quicker to focus, less noisy, and smaller, but these advantages are much less important than the fundamental difference." - Elliott Erwitt
 
nobbylon said:
All the advice is sound, if you are not bothered about cash then fine, get a new MP but if you prefer to take pics rather than spend money on something you can look at and fondle then you actually get no more of a camera than an M6 with a so called classic look and a marginally better finder.
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I agree the M6 is a better value compared to the MP, but the finder is better on the MP. The M6 suffers from rangefinder flare that is to me, a pain in the butt under certain circumstances, like when it's bright outside. I also like the fact that the top "brasses" or wears nicer than the black chrome of the M6 but that is personal taste ;)

read about rangefinder flare issues here: http://www.nemeng.com/leica/020b.shtml

Todd
 
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Hi Gil,I probably will go with 40mm as first choice and 50mm as second.
I am concerned about being able to see the lines with my glasses.
Adam
 
I use an M2 with a 40mm f1.4 Nokton which has one of the lugs filed to bring up the 35 mm frame as opposed to the 50. It's a great value for money lens and is a versatile focal length. Sure it's not a Leica however the closest Leica 1.4 is many times the cost.
I wear glasses and can see quite easily the 35 mm frame and beyond but not quite to the edge of the viewfinder which I have read is around 28 mm. Please make sure that whatever camera you settle on has a glasses friendly eyepiece as its better to spend money on camera lenses as opposed to new lenses for your specs - trust me on this.
Having spent a bit of time using the MP in the past I would say that if you have the funds and want to get it you should do so. A very nice camera to use and own. Would I exchange my M2 for an MP - no. Would I want the MP meter in my M2 - yes please. Ideally I would have both and that is what I'm aiming for.
Whatever camera and lens combination you decide to get, make sure that you use it often and run plenty of Tri-X through it.
Regards
Harry
 
nobbylon said:
All the advice is sound, if you are not bothered about cash then fine, get a new MP but if you prefer to take pics rather than spend money on something you can look at and fondle then you actually get no more of a camera than an M6 with a so called classic look and a marginally better finder.
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These options are not mutually exclusive - He could buy an M6 shooter and still fondle and look at or indeed buy a brand spanking new MP and work it to within an inch of it's life :D
Regards

Harry
 
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