Why do i have to get leica lust NOW??

amateriat said:
Since it sounds like you're going for the long haul here (I hope!), I would think a Leica is in order.


i better be in for the long haul! lol photography is my living, my life, and all of my hobbies. its my job. how on earth could i ask for more?
 
choices

choices

I'd also vote for acquiring a late edition M3. If you are really more comfortable with wides, then modify the choice to something in the M2/M4 group. I've been using my M3 with Canon glass more and more. My latest "take-along bag" is an MClassic with the M3, IIIf RD ST, and several lenses. Depending on the situations, I can range from the Summar to the Summitar, or the Canon from the 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 1.9 etc. I also generally pack a 90 Elmar or a 135 Black Canon or Nikon. With a meter on my belt, this makes a nice neat, relatively light kit. The manual cameras will have advantages in years to come, when circuit boards or electronic components become impossible to find for older equipment. A skilled tech can machine a part, but he can't produce a facsimile of a printed board.
I dearly love my Canon P and 7s, but the M3 does have something.

An unexpected extra can come from the RF around your neck... I've been approached by strangers with equipment from estates and wherever, who ask about value. It's a step from there to possible picking up something you dearly want. Just be honest and reasonable. With the prices dealers aren't paying for old film gear, it's easy to beat the competition, and do it with an honest offer.

Check here, of course, and keep your eyes and ears open at camera stores, shows, etc.

Good luck, and better shooting,

Harry
 
I think an M6 classic is my best bet to start with, purely for the sake of shoot-ability. i can always gather more bodies as time goes on, because i honestly have most of the Canon glass i wanted to get already, and once i pay off some debts and start earning more money, i could get a good M6 fairly quickly.

i was thinking of this - M6 classic or TTL ( black ) with ZM - 28/35/50 since theyre really reasonably priced, and i can justify the costs of buying them new 🙂

what do you guys say?
 
I say if you're ok buying a used body, which has a lot more that can be wrong than a lens that you can't really tell from a quick observation, then I would definitely look at used lenses as well. From what I've seen there's still the most bang for the buck in used Leica/Leitz lenses, unless you're really into numbers and MTF charts and so on vs real-world performance.
 
it sounds to me like you wouldn't be all that thrilled with the new ZI if you already gave up your R-D1.. I've never held either, but they seem very similar to me

so I'd go along with what everyone else is saying.. a classic Leica is an M2 or M3.. if you want to go wider than 50mm (altho you can do 40mm without an external viewfinder), I'd recommend the M2

and yes, there's something about those particular models that sets them apart from the rest
 
Without a doubt I would hold out for an m6 classic and a VC35mm/1.7 Asph for starters. I like the oversized shutter knob of the M6 TTL, but dislike the on/off routine. The M6 Classic simply stays "on" and ready to shoot at all times. The VC35mm/1.7 Asph. is an incredible piece of glass at a fraction of the Leica version and its optics are based, as you know, on the pre-Leica asph summicron. How much better do you need? Its already better than anything used by HCB best fotos.

I've owned the M5, M4-P, M6 Classic (silver), and the M6TTL (The TTL stinks because its sync speed is only 50. Big deal.). A few days ago I picked up a M6 Classic (black) and feel reborn. I also have the 28mm/Elmarit Version 3 and highly recommend it. The little knob makes it fast to focus, great for sweeping landscapes and a must have for inside shots. The 28mm Elmarit will give the 35Cron a run for its money and I've usually found it cheaper to purchase.
 
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35mmdelux said:
Without a doubt I would hold out for an m6 classic and a VC35mm/1.7 Asph for starters. I like the oversized shutter knob of the M6 TTL, but dislike the on/off routine. The M6 Classic simply stays "on" and ready to shoot at all times. The VC35mm/1.7 Asph. is an incredible piece of glass at a fraction of the Leica version and its optics are based, as you know, on the pre-Leica asph summicron. How much better do you need? Its already better than anything used by HCB best fotos.

I've owned the M5, M4-P, M6 Classic (silver), and the M6TTL (The TTL stinks because its sync speed is only 50. Big deal.). A few days ago I picked up a M6 Classic (black) and feel reborn. I also have the 28mm/Elmarit Version 3 and highly recommend it. The little knob makes it fast to focus, great for sweeping landscapes and a must have for inside shots. The 28mm Elmarit will give the 35Cron a run for its money and I've usually found it cheaper to purchase.

You don't have to switch it of. Turning it off will just stop it from draining its battery when squashed into your camera-bag through half-pushing the shutter release, especially with a soft-release fitted. One of my pet annoyances with the original M6 when I still had that version. I almost never use flash although I do have the 24D, so the sync-speed doesn't bother me.Btw, is the 1/60th of the original M6 that much better? Better go with Joe Friday, the M3/2 is the best. In-camera metering is overrated anyway, nothing wrong with a VC meter. 🙂
 
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i had the CV 28mm ultron before and i was blown away by it. i guess i could do a 28/35/50 with CV lenses that are all quite fast and quite sharp?

i agree, i do like the larger speed knob on the m6 ttl, however, i wouldnt be using my leica with a flash, strictly an available light camera. I love the m3s and the m2s, ive played with so many of them, i just like the fact that the m6 has the meter built in, so i dont have to carry around my sekonic 558 ( not exactly small.. its a studio meter )

i imagine i would pick up an m3 and an m2 over the years, but to start with i think id get an M6. just for the sake of being a good solid user. since its obviously not as pretty as an m3 🙂
 
you know ive wondered about those. how quiet are they?

im in no hurry guys, im still broke dont forget. ive gotta pay off my 5D ( SOMEONE BUY MY H1!!! lol ) and pay off my Powermac G5 system.


*sigh* i need to win the lottery or follow through with my bank robbery idea.

oh and for the record - yes, i will be doing extensive wide angle. 50mm is gonna be the longest lens.
 
That's nothing... First comes Leicalust... then, it's Summi-lust and once you're done with those two... it's Noctilust!! 😀

So... beware, you'll go down a very slippery path.

I have survived... and enjoyed it!
 
oh im sure of it, but you know. i kinda like it. i mean sure ill end up spending all this money, but ill get some amazing gear, and with it proceded to create some amazing images. and i owe it all to you guys. my big giant rangefinder family. i love you all! lol
 
the hexar rf's volume is as practical as a leica m. quiet enough for certain moments in low key musical performances, formal restaurants, and more than quiet enough for street work. i lub it.
 
what about lens compatibility? i had the konica 50mm, and it didn't work so well on the r-d1 and i had to return it. and what about build quality? is it up to par with leica? it is tempting though, especially if i got a good price on it.

however, it IS a battery dependant camera is it not? that is one reason why i want the leica.

that old saying is right... the chase is better than the catch. i spend so much time hunting down the camera of my dreams... then i get it. use it. and sell it back to the wild!

i guess you could say i have a "catch and release" program.
 
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the r-d1's ebl is just on the edge for a 75/2 equivalent lens, isn't it? mine worked perfectly on an m2.

build quality just oozes out of this camera. battery dependancy doesn't worry me. i wouldn't want to use a leica without the meter, anyhow!
 
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Now or later, it doesn't matter. Once you picked up the Leicalust virus you're doomed.

Don't forget to figure in the cost of a CLA.

Just trying to help spend a little more of your money. 🙂
 
go for a Leica M3, I had mine for close to 30 years now, and it is a 1957 model, a beautiful rangefinder camera,and very usable too.35mm film will be around for a long time,remember that the music industry told us that LP albums are dead in the mid to late 1980s, it was the age of the CD after all. Well, LP records are still being pressed, not in high volume, and in all music genre, but they are still with us, 35mm film will be like LPs are today.
 
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