Which M for Second Body?

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rpilottx

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I have been using an M4 for the last several years. My present lens battery consists of the 15, 35, 50 and 90. I have owned (since 1970) the M3/4-2/4-P/M6/M6TTL and M2. I am looking for a second M body for travel and my source (Sherry) has an M2, M4P and M5 and the price is good and within $200 for each camera.

I have enjoyed all the above with my favorite being the M2 or M6. Having never owned an M5 I am leaning toward it but the M2 is very attractive (classic and great camera) and the M4P(closest to M4) would allow the use of a 75mm (never owned that focal length but thinking about adding to my stable).
It should be said that the main reason for my present M4 is nostalgia. It was THE Leica when I was in college working as a PJ and I could not afford one. Presently, it gets teamed with a Nikon F which paid my way through college.

I don't really need a second M but want one. Am thinking the M5 with the 35f1.2 would be a great combo and adds a through the lens meter as well. Comments?
 
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For your 50 and 90, and the best (imho) viewfinder I've seen by Leica, I'd suggest looking for a good late M3. It's not on your list of currently available cameras, but it would be worth a short wait as it perfectly complements the framelines you already have in the M4.
 
I started with an M2, now have the M2 (though it's being repaired), a Bessa R, and an M5.

The M5 is my main camera, my lenses are 35-50-85 and all faster than f2. They focus beautifully on the M5 wide open, and the meter is better than any other meter in a screwmount/m mount body. The body is a little larger than the M2 and the Bessa, but it's negligible imo.

If I had to pick one of the bodies to keep, it'd be the M5 without a doubt
 
I prefer the .72 finder magnification over the M3. I find myself using the 35 as my main lens these days. The rendition of the 35f1.2 on Kodak Ektar 100 is beyond belief.
 
I'd hold out for an M6. I tried an M4P a couple of times, but kept coming back to the M6 because of the external meter hassle.
 
IMHO, the M5 would be a disaster to me. Handling is too different.

I can't help with the rest - I don't remember which model closest to the M4 has the proper frame lines for 75mm. Ask Sherry!
 
Well, I forgot to list the Leica CL as my first Leica. I think I traded some Nikon gear for one the first year they were produced. I wanted the big M (M5) but could not afford one as a college student.

And I just emailed Sherry to hold the M5 for me. I figure it will balence the 35f1.2 really well and if I don't like it, I can always sell it here. Anything coming from Sherry must of course meet her standards before she will sell it.
 
Compared to the M6, the M4p 75mm frame-lines are not very useful, at least on the M4p with recessed windows.

If money is an issue, get an M2, it's usually the cheapest. If not, wait for an M6 (for meter and 75mm frame-lines) or M3, which will be great for your 50 and 90, along-side your M4.

Roland.
 
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Ok, so the OP wants a ,72x VF....that eliminates the M3. Too bad as it seems a great fit with your M4. But, the OP has expressed a solid preference. 🙂

Of the ,72x M cameras you list, the M5 would be my last choice for shooting in low light conditions. I had one and the metering was lame in low light. I sold it and do not miss the frustration. I say this because you wish to balance a M5 with a 35/1.2; this lens is designed for available low light situations but the M5 is not. So I'd recommend the M6 or M2. If you want an in-camera meter, get the M6. The LEDs in a modern metered Ms are convenient, especially in social situations where hand metering wrecks the mood; but, they can be annoying, obstructing your VF with a badass red glow. Furthermore, they can slow you down, getting you to fiddle with the aperture or shutter speeds in a persnickety fine-tuning fashion. Far more confident and efficient is the subtle hand metering and M2 + 35/1,2 shooter in the shadowlands of the night.
 
Everyone certainly has their own opinions which is why living in a capitalist society is great as we can buy what we want. Am going to give the M5 from Sherry a try as I remember doing a lot of available light shooting with a Nikon FTN back in the old days. It had a CdS meter just like the M5. And everything coming out of Sherry's shop will be to factory specs.

Thanks for the input.
 
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