Leica wannabe owner has a few questions...

Everyone is going to have a slightly better version of what camera works for them. Make some Leica friends and borrow

I use an M2 and probably wouldn't buy anything else. They're cheap and reliable and have the 35mm frame which is really all I use. I do think that a built in meter would be nice but not essential.

Good luck!

Xmas said:

Well I thought only M3, M2, M4, M5, early M4-2 and MP had the flare free rangefinder spots, late M7 as well?...

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Yes, they put the MP's viewfinder in the later M7s. See the alliterative gem "focus patch flare finally fixed" on Andrew Nemeng's helpful site, about one third way down the page here: http://nemeng.com/leica/002bb.shtml

-Laura

I'm a budget-conscious Leica-shooter, and use both an M2 and M4-2. The M2 is the nicest camera I've ever used. Nothing wrong with the M4-2 at all, just doesn't have that feel. I don't like the M4-P, M6, or M7 due to their busy finders. As an eyeglass wearer myself, I also can't see using an M3 (I also like to use 35mm lenses).

I think the stories of M4-2 problems are greatly exaggerated. I've had two, and they were both fine (sold one to get the M2). My M2 has the rapid loading deal, which makes it easier to load than the M4-2, at least to me. The take-up spool feels more solid and definite than the tulip. The rangefinder patch in the M2 is contrastier to my eyes than anything that came after, including a new MP I looked at a while ago. I also prefer the knob wind of the M2, but that again is totally personal. The angled wind crank of later models is the weakest point of the camera in terms of durability.

lns said:

Yes, they put the MP's viewfinder in the later M7s. See the alliterative gem "focus patch flare finally fixed" on Andrew Nemeng's helpful site, about one third way down the page here: http://nemeng.com/leica/002bb.shtml

-Laura

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Hi Laura

Thanks

So as I read this 'from serial # 2 885 000 onward' is coated and has a condenser lens like the M2 and later till M4-2 mid run.

And from part way through M4-2 till 'from serial # 2 885 000 onward' you send it to repair person, for retro fit.

Noel

cbphoto said:

The angled wind crank of later models is the weakest point of the camera in terms of durability.

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Well I think the M4 had a brass lever but some time later they went to aluminum. If you are ham fisted you can bend the aluminum, if you drop the camera, and it lands badly. you need a new assembly.

I'm a dinosaur as well the M2 and M3 are nicer.

Noel

Great review of the M5

http://www.flickr.com/photos/richardlehun/sets/72157623601924003/

My favorite (and the one I always carry) is the M4. It has the old-school quality feel of the earlier Leicas, with the styling to match the newer ones. I can't even guess how many rolls of film have passed through my camera, but the chrome plating where my fingers rest has been somewhat rubbed away, showing the brass beneath. It's winding action is smooth as silk, and nearly as quick as lightning. To say that I love it is an understatement. I'm shopping for another M4 to use while I send my current camera in for a CLA. My favorite lens is the 35/2.8 Summaron, other faves are the DR Summicron and 21/3.4 Super Angulon. The Summaron is a wonderful compact lens which produces great pics in B&W or color.

I'm sure you would be happy with any of the M cameras, each is different in it's own way, but not one of them could ever be described as bad.