Exiting Leica M: what did you go for instead

[RezaLoghme]

I'm not sure there is one. For this sort of need, you probably have more need of a camera collector's forum than a photography forum like Photrio.

What about the "Lounge"?

 

[logan2z]

In decent light, aligning a rangefinder patch is easier than manually focusing an slr.

I find that as well. I can easily focus my Leica Ms even in relatively dim light, but sometimes struggle to focus on some SLRs without a split-image focusing screen - especially when using a slow-ish lens on the SLR, like an f3.5.

 

[Cholentpot]

I've got my Retina IIa sitting in front of me. I don't see how anything can beat that in the rangefinder category.

 

[Chuck1]

I have one too but the rangefinder doesn't work

 

[Paul Howell]

I have a Retina IIIC big, was a gift from my aunts in 1966, new old stock. The viewfinder of the Big C is quite good, but it is quite fussy to use. But OP is not looking for another rangefinder, he has Leica SLR, not sure what would be replacement. Mamiya C220 or 330, or 6X6 SLR.

 

[chuckroast]

Knock yourself out. You've got 1600+ posts to your name with essentially the same question. The answer is just around the corner, I'm sure.

Forgive me, but this seems a bit unjust.

There are many reasons we all do this. We may produce physical prints, scan negatives for internet consumption, go down developer concoctions and related rabbit holes, or collect for the sheer joy of examining the history of the craft. The one common denominator in all of this is human curiosity. I don't think it should be discouraged.

 

[koraks]

Read the posts.

 

[Cholentpot]

I have a Retina IIIC big, was a gift from my aunts in 1966, new old stock. The viewfinder of the Big C is quite good, but it is quite fussy to use. But OP is not looking for another rangefinder, he has Leica SLR, not sure what would be replacement. Mamiya C220 or 330, or 6X6 SLR.

I have a II 'little c' along with the IIa. The RF is better on the IIc but the handling is better on the IIa. I hate the infernal intercoupling system.

 

[Paul Howell]

I have a II 'little c' along with the IIa. The RF is better on the IIc but the handling is better on the IIa. I hate the infernal intercoupling system.

Yeah, I have seen a few for sale in which the inter couple was disconnected, the reason I have not bought a Rentia IIIS .

 

[Cholentpot]

Yeah, I have seen a few for sale in which the inter couple was disconnected, the reason I have not bought a Rentia IIIS .

I have a moral dilemma to file down the coupling but I don't want to ruin a historic piece of equipment.

 

[Don_ih]

this seems a bit unjust.

Read the posts.

I agree. Nothing unjust there at all. Ample evidence.

 

[chuckroast]

I agree. Nothing unjust there at all. Ample evidence.

Then why engage or respond at all?

 

[AZD]

I own a ridiculous amount of camera gear. it's a real problem. barnacks, m3, m4, m6, ma, mp, m11, sl3... etc. I also have a large collection of vintage Leica lenses, all in dry cabinets looking over at me in disapproval. the one camera I actually use..... an Asahi Pentax Spotmatic sp, 50mm f1.4 7-element. I have no idea why.

…because for all practical purposes it equals or betters the M’s. I love mine. When I need a small, light, reliable camera, this is it. The never-ready case is pretty good and keeps it discrete. If I can take a whole bag then the Nikons go out instead.

I had an M3 for several years but it never really worked for me. I realized that what I prefer is a manual focus SLR with auto exposure. So maybe the M7 would work? Probably won’t ever find out. My FE2, 55/1.2 and 35 1.4 do pretty much everything I need them to.

 

[Don_ih]

Then why engage or respond at all?

The same reason to ever respond.

There's never any reason to respond.

 

[John Wiegerink]

Read the posts.

Some people just lieca to talk Leica!

 

[koraks]

LOL!

(Leica Over Leica)

 

[RezaLoghme]

@MattKing
Want to move this to the lounge? Or are you ok continuing here?
I have a great idea about a new camera.

 

[MattKing]

You miss my point, I'm afraid.
The point isn't that this particular sub-forum isn't the best place on Photrio for it.
It is that Photrio itself is perhaps not the best site for asking what you are asking.
"Rangefinder" in the sub-forum title implies "Rangefinder photography" more than "Rangefinder collecting and admiring".

 

[RezaLoghme]

Yeah ok so why not move it to Lounge

 

[Don_ih]

I think it's fine here. It's not a bad question. Some people do find it necessary to move on from rangefinders and maybe even manual focus just due to eyesight issues. The basic answer is going to be autofocus something or other.

I imagine Don McCullin probably doesn't need to use the rangefinder patch on his camera - his hand probably autofocuses the lens as he raises the camera to his eye.

 

[RezaLoghme]

You miss my point, I'm afraid.
The point isn't that this particular sub-forum isn't the best place on Photrio for it.
It is that Photrio itself is perhaps not the best site for asking what you are asking.
"Rangefinder" in the sub-forum title implies "Rangefinder photography" more than "Rangefinder collecting and admiring".

Just so I understand you correctly. This question:

"I am thinking about getting rid of my Ms. I still have a R and related lenses which I like. I wonder if anyone here went the same route, what was your choice for a new system?
I also thought about modding my M6 (like some of the Japanese guys)."

Is not suitable for Photrio?

 

[MattKing]

Just so I understand you correctly. This question:

"I am thinking about getting rid of my Ms. I still have a R and related lenses which I like. I wonder if anyone here went the same route, what was your choice for a new system?
I also thought about modding my M6 (like some of the Japanese guys)."

Is not suitable for Photrio?

No, that is incorrect.
What was noted was that there may be better sites to ask the question.
Sites that might better respond to what your needs might be.
This is based on your responses throughout the thread. Basically your not elucidating any identifiable photographic reason for your desire for the change.

 

[Cholentpot]

No, that is incorrect.
What was noted was that there may be better sites to ask the question.
Sites that might better respond to what your needs might be.
This is based on your responses throughout the thread. Basically your not elucidating any identifiable photographic reason for your desire for the change.

Is change for change's sake not enough of a reason?

Then again this isn't 1997, I have all sorts of different systems and styles all for less than a Leica M setup and all capable of the same if not better results. Got bored of the Nikon SLR? Switch to my XA, bored of that? Have a Kodak Signet 35. Next? TLR. What else? 2x3, 4x5, autofocus, point and shoot, guess focus, 110, Polaroid, Instax, 120 of all stripes and styles.

I see no reason to lock myself into one kind of camera. For digital work sure, I have one or two systems. Film I have a dozen at least.

 

[prado333]

I own Leica R and maybe thats good enough. not sure I want to enter a parallel universe of 35mm SLRs.
Just curious if someone after leaving M system behind went for something more leftfield like 6x6 TLR or Large Format.

Nicholas Nixon went from Leica m system to large format

 

[Alex Benjamin]

Just curious if someone after leaving M system behind went for something more leftfield like 6x6 TLR or Large Format.

Yup. Sold the M stuff a while back. Mostly shoot 4x5 now, with some 6x6 with a Bronica SQ. I got a Nikon FM2 just to keep my 35mm feet wet, so to speak, but I barely use it. Even when traveling I tend to take the Bronica over the Nikon.