On Thu, Feb 23, 2012 at 10:21 AM, Thibouille <pentaxl...@gmail.com> wrote: > I slowly convinced myself I needed to try a Leica (was hard actually). > I don't wanna try alternatives *before* the M, if the M is nice but > doesn't justify the cost, I'll look into Voigtlander and such. > > So, fot those who indeed shot with an M, what should I look for? > Buying new is out of the question, and, let's say a lens might get > useful as well ;) > An M4 seems affordable but no meter. M6 is pricey at about 1000 euros.
Any well-maintained M is a thing of joy. but so are the "Barnak" Leicas. however, stick to the Ms as then you're looking at cameras from just the past 59 years, not the previous 31 as well. ;-) Of course, old Leicas are like any other old, mechanical thing: they are subject to the ills of old age and often need to be cleaned, repaired, and re-calibrated for reliable operation. The good news is that it's usually worth doing. Like others have suggested, I'd go for one without a meter. The M6 and later models with a meter are typically about 20-30% more money and pose more points of failure to repair if required. It's not hard to use a hand-held meter and often produces better results. Not considering the type I, II, III models, I've had nearly all the models up to the M6TTL ... M2, M3, M4-P, M4-2, M6, CL and M6TTL. Of them all, the M4-Ps were my favorites until I bought the M4-2 last September. The M4-2 was the first model with a hot shoe flash mount if that's important to you. Unless you fall in love with it, I'd avoid the M5. It's an unusual model that's bulkier and somewhat more problematic than the M4 which preceded it and the M4-2 which succeeded it. The CL is delightful–smaller and lighter than the Ms–but similarly often a bit problematic with regard to mechanical robustness and reliability. As a data point, I paid $720 for the M4-2 body in BGN condition from KEH.com. It needed a cleaning and recalibration of the rangefinder which KEH offered to do for me under warranty, but I preferred to have it taken care of by my local technician. That cost me $120. He tested the shutter at the same time and found it accurate to within 1/3 EV up to 1/250 second, after that it runs a bit off as the shutter time goes up (they tend to run fast at one end and slow at the other when they need an overhaul). That's good enough. Aside from those minor and correctible issues, it is in at least EXC cosmetic and mechanical condition. > Mmm are brick and mortar dealer a more serious source for that kind of > cameras or Ebay is as good (scared of scams). It's generally best to buy Leicas from Leica specialist shops, whether private or commercial. KEH.com is one of the larger and more reliable of general retailers so I wasn't afraid of being stiffed with them. Ebay is a good source if you find the right seller, although many people are under the strange opinion that these cameras are worth far more than they really are there. People on GetDPI.com and RangeFinderForum.com are often good sources, possibly FredMiranda.com too, but of course don't expect a warranty. Red Dot Cameras in the UK, Leica Shop Vintage Cameras in Austria, Tamarkin Camera in Connecticut, USA SherryKrauter.com in the USA, and The Photo Village in New York City, USA, are all shops I've dealt with and had good service. I bought the M9 from Tamarkin ... superb service. Tamarkin.com currently has a range of used Ms for sale on their website. > Thank you. > > PS: Film rulez :) Film is dead. But that doesn't stop it from having fun. ]'-) -- Godfrey godfreydigiorgi.posterous.com -- PDML Pentax-Discuss Mail List PDML@pdml.net http://pdml.net/mailman/listinfo/pdml_pdml.net to UNSUBSCRIBE from the PDML, please visit the link directly above and follow the directions.
