which M for a newbie?

[MCTuomey]

Until very recently I thought a Leica was out of the question, but then I came across an M6 (non-TTL) for £700 and just had to have it. I have absolutely no regrets- it's simply a superb performer. I'd look out for an M6 and then add to that a Cosina voigtlander 35mm f2.5 Color-Skopar. That will keep you under £1000 and give you an excellent kit.

I just sold my near mint M6 for USD1100. so I think Pab's concept is a very good one and keeps to your budget. M6 classic bodies are the bargain of the moment. You'll have leica handling, an inboard meter (since you seem not to want to carry a external one), and a lens that will not disappoint.

Get thee to the marketplace!

Mike

 

[Didier]

I began with a M6 (classic) too, they go for about $1k and more. A beater M3/M2/M4 including a Voigtlander meter II and a Voigtlander 2.5/35 C could be the cheapest solution to enther the M world - or a user Leica CL with the 40 summicron.

But if you say $1000 is your limit - why not considering one of the Voigtlander Bessas? The R3a for instance has 1:1 magnification and aperture priority automatic expsoure - something which cost much more when there is a red dot on it (M7).

Didier

 

[woffle]

Hi - I guess I ought to have made clear it's £1000GBP(ish) which is around $1900(ish) USD. I'm not expecting an M6+lens for $1000 unless I get very lucky.

I went to a local dealer and had a play with the M7 - interestingly he advised against buying even an M7 new as a) he thinks the new M8 will mean a glut of Leica's hitting the shops and lower used prices b) leica may go bust and c) depreciation - their best deal was £2100 UK for a black M7 and 90m lens (which seems like a good deal to me but still out of my price range) - the minute I walked out of the shop he said I'd lose half that value. Also - not sure if it's of interest but the 'official' 2nd hand price for an M7 is approx £1400 and they pay £700 for trade in.

 

[peter_n]

You may want to look at an M6TTL - a manual M7. That was my first RF cam and I still have it. A great camera. I bought two M7s last year; one used, one new and both at very good prices. The new one was actually $25 cheaper than the used one. If you can be very patient you can do OK, but you do need to be able to wait until something comes along at the right price.

 

[ghost]

yeah, i'd go with the m6ttl. leica seems to have abandoned the classic "right-way" shutter speed dial for its professional offerings, and the m8 will probably have the dial go in the same direction as the m6ttl and m7. i expect the price gap between m6ttl and m6 "classic" bodies to widen on the used market when the m8 is unveiled.

 

[John]

I am a newbie, (last year), and bought an M3 for $575 that works great and looks great. If the M8's make the M6 and M7 prices drop enough, I might be in the market, who knows till it happens and GAS hits.
Oh, I almost forgot, I had to buy a VC II lightmeter for $174. Now I'm trying different lenses and having lots of fun. 😀