Reasonably priced, durable, capable cameras that take the Leica M39 screwmount?

unmomentdecisif · Jun 25, 2018

I switched to film in junior year, the year before last, have a Yashica Electro 35 and a Leica III (just the standard, not the IIIf or IIIc etc.) that I inherited from a relative who was a journalist in the 40s-60s along with several M39 screwmount lenses. I've stopped using my Yashica Electro because finding working mercury batteries these days (22 years after the US ban) is really hit or miss and my mom doesn't want me messing around with mercury anyway, so I've been using my Leica as the primary camera. It's an amazing machine, especially considering it's age, but loading/unloading is a huge hassle and to be perfectly honest because of it's sentimental and monetary value I treat it as a very precious item, which makes me hesistant to just throw it in my bag and go out and take photos like I used to. I've decided to put the Yashica up on eBay and use some of my birthday money to get myself a new daily use camera, something a bit less precious that doesn't require me to cut every roll of film, that would cost <$250 for a working body on eBay, but I would like something that takes the M39 screwmount, because a) I have them, b) they're great lenses and c) they're really beautiful. I'm wary of Soviet Leica copies because I have heard that they fall apart, but if that's not true I'm open, I've read that several Japanese companies have made cameras for this lens mount and I think they would be preferable, just as long as they don't require mercury batteries or have a selenium meter, as those are more or less irreplaceable and have a 25 year lifespan. Thanks!

MattKing · Jun 25, 2018

Welcome to Photrio.
A silver oxide PX28 battery should work well in the Electro 35. The alkaline version of that battery may work well too.

locutus · Jun 25, 2018

look for a Cosina made Voightlander Bessa R.

blockend · Jun 25, 2018

The Bessa L is the least expensive modern L39 thread with a light meter. You'll need a viewfinder for the hot shoe, however.

Paul Howell · Jun 25, 2018

Hard to find a Lecia clone with a built in light meter at your price point. You may to consider saving a bit more for Bessa. Other than Bessa, a Canon 7s, not TTL light meter, you can use hearing aid batteries Zink Air. The Canon 7 is the same camera but uses a selenium non TTL meter.

flavio81 · Jun 25, 2018

A Canon P should be cheaper and It's a high quality camera.

Going on the "lower-quality" side, you might consider a Zorki camera like the Zorki-4K. It is an usable rangefinder with a bright viewfinder.

Marcelo Paniagua · Jun 25, 2018

+1 On Bessas.

They are great machine. Actually have a Bessa T next right to me. Great shooter but not for everyone (due to the lack of finder, only viewfinder).

At your price range, I think your only option would be Bessa R. You may find Bessa L and Bessa T a bit cheaper, but keep in mind that a) Bessa L dont have either a viewfinder nor a rangefinder, and b) Bessa T only have a range finder, so you will probably need to expend a bit more for a suitable finder for either of them.

Best regards.

Marcelo

Fin · Jun 25, 2018

unmomentdecisif said:
a Leica III (just the standard, not the IIIf or IIIc etc.) that I inherited from a relative who was a journalist in the 40s-60s along with several M39 screwmount lenses.

unmomentdecisif said:
I've been using my Leica as the primary camera. It's an amazing machine, especially considering it's age, but loading/unloading is a huge hassle and to be perfectly honest because of it's sentimental and monetary value I treat it as a very precious item, which makes me hesistant to just throw it in my bag and go out and take photos like I used to.

Buy a better bag for this camera (and lenses), take it out and enjoy using it! As for loading and unloading, isn't using and developing photographic film a bit of a hassle?

unmomentdecisif · Jun 25, 2018

Fin said:
Buy a better bag for this camera (and lenses), take it out and enjoy using it! As for loading and unloading, isn't using and developing photographic film a bit of a hassle?

Loading and unloading film in a standard 35mm camera is extremely easy, you pop it in, give the leader a pull and either stop there or turn a knob a few times depending on how old/new the camera is, the original Leicas were made at the beginning of 35mm film, and things are a little weird. I don't know if you're familiar with the camera, but in order to put film in you essentially have to take the entire camera apart, including the len, and since the reels of 35mm film were different in the old days in order to make your film load properly you have to use a pattern and cut the leader strip with a scissor. I actually enjoy it, but if I'm out and run out of film and want to take more photos, taking apart my camera and cutting up my film is very impractical and also an accident waiting to happen.

Dali · Jun 25, 2018

No, you don't have to take the camera apart, just to follow the Leica process. It is explained in any user's manual for Leica II or III. OK, you have to trim the film leader but if you plan ahead to shoot with your Leica, you have time to prepare your films.

jtk · Jun 25, 2018

IMO Canon P was the ultimate LTM camera. No built in meter of course, since Canon assumed the buyer would be a photographer

Ko.Fe. · Jun 25, 2018

If you have FSU M39 lenses then it is easier to get M39 RF body. FED-5b (b is for big) is made not so many decades ago and they are often working fine. I have one.
To adapt 35mm and longer Leitz M39 lens or Canon, Nikon it might be next to impossible with FSU RF cameras.

I had Bessa L, R, T and now R2M. All were purchased as NiB or in mint condition. L has jamming and very loud shutter. T has viewfinder bracket getting loose on second roll of film, but it was OK camera.
With R I took thousands of frames over couple of years and sold it in trashy exterior condition (very bad and soft materials, paint) but fully working.

I have FSU 35, 50 and Cosina Voigtlander 28mm M39 lenses and I'm thinking of getting LTM Leica again. Used to have IIf. IIIf are under 300$ serviced. They are less expensive comparing to used Bessa R now. And none of the Bessa cameras I have are close to Leica build quality. I never have loading problem with IIf and with multiple Zorki.
All Bessa cameras I handled, for some reason I'm not finding loading them as something easy...
Or I'll just keep on using Zorki. It is working camera, but needs more often adjustments for even exposure, due to it very primitive shutter. But Zorki is DIY serviceable camera, including curtains replacement.

Canon P is cute, not very expensive M39 camera, but not as widely serviced as LTM Leicas. It is harder to find it in good condition now. Here is Canon 7 also not expensive, more advanced and bigger, but same age and service factors. I recommend to wait for one to came for sale here or on RFF.

With L, T you must have viewfinder and they are very expensive if for each focal length. FSU universal turret viewfinder is better than old Leitz turret VFs and not expensive. It just big and ugly as any universal turret viewfinder.

For exposure metering I'm using nothing but mobile phone meter (free app) or Sekonic TwinMatte (it was around 100$ new few years ago).

We have rangefinder subforum here, BTW.

TheRook · Jun 26, 2018

MattKing said:
Welcome to Photrio.
A silver oxide PX28 battery should work well in the Electro 35. The alkaline version of that battery may work well too.

As a regular user of the Yashica Electro 35, I can verify that the PX28 works well indeed. No need to hunt down mercury cell batteries.

McFortner · Jun 26, 2018

+1 on the Canon P. It looks like what a Leica LTM would have look like if they did it instead of the M3. And the Bessas are good cameras, but their prices have been climbing IMHO lately.

flavio81 · Jun 26, 2018

unmomentdecisif said:
I switched to film in junior year, the year before last, have a Yashica Electro 35 and a Leica III (just the standard, not the IIIf or IIIc etc.) that I inherited from a relative who was a journalist in the 40s-60s along with several M39 screwmount lenses. I've stopped using my Yashica Electro because finding working mercury batteries these days (22 years after the US ban) is

You know there are many options for powering the Electro 35.

The PX28, with simple modifications.

The original PX27 can also be purchased online, in alkaline (not mercury) and it will work OK.

I used a combination of CR2 lithium battery + two PX625A alkalines, this gave 6V and required no modifications to the battery chamber.

The Electro 35 is a far better camera than would appear on paper. The viewfinder is better than many M39 rangefinder cameras. It has an auto exposure that works. It is big but not heavy. It has an illuminator for the exposure counter (!), it can be easily used in low light.

The lens has a very good focal length (45mm), is fast, great bokeh and good sharpness.

flavio81 · Jun 26, 2018

and the leaf shutter gives zero vibrations. Even better than the leaf shutter on the overrated Olympus 35SP which I own.

summicron1 · Jun 26, 2018

unmomentdecisif said:
the original Leicas were made at the beginning of 35mm film, and things are a little weird. I don't know if you're familiar with the camera, but in order to put film in you essentially have to take the entire camera apart, including the len.

No you don't. How many times do I see this -- take the lens off, set the camera on T, open the shutter, put the film in, push it around with your finger..yadda yadda yadda. Some folks say you need a business card.

OK, trying to be patient here: Look, do you seriously think combat photographers in WWII and Korean and Vietnam (David Douglas Duncan, for one) would have used a camera that needed you to do all that?

No, of course not. They wanted a camera that was simple and reliable and easy to reload. The Leica is just that.

Trim the leader long enough -- 4 inches -- then hook it on the take-up spool, drop it in, wind the camera and away you go. The trim needs to be 4 inches, but a little more doesn't hurt, and you can just eyeball it -- no trimming pattern needed. I cut down the middle of the film, it works ever time. Did it once with a pen knife at the zoo.

Then load. If DDD can do it with North Koreans shooting at him, you can do it while watching your kids on a merry-go-round. If you doubt me, find the manual and check it out.

I refer you to pages 28, 29 and 30 here

http://www.cameramanuals.org/leica_pdf/leica_iiic_02.pdf

Arbitrarium · Jun 27, 2018

I'd say a Canon P because they are absolutely gorgeous. Never used one though.

What I HAVE used is a Zorki 4. I took it to Lapland where it shot in minus 17 celcius with no problem. Dropped it into deep snow, got it soaking wet, still works fine. In terms of trustworthiness, I'd suggest a Zorki 4. Mine was an early version, mkII I think, which might contribute to its reliability. Lovely ergonomics too, with those round edges.

Pioneer · Mar 27, 2021

All the cameras mentioned here are good cameras but those old Leicas have put up with far more abuse in their lifetimes than anything you are giving it. Unless you are in the mood for a new camera, and there is nothing wrong with that, I doubt you will have any trouble with that Leica. Learn to load the film the way the pros did, keep it in a sock when it is in your backpack, and it will likely outlast your use for it. Lots of people are still servicing them so if you need an adjustment it can still easily be done. They were built to last.

Down Under · Mar 27, 2021

A Contax G1 with a 45mm f/2 Zeiss Planar will be a bit above your budget, and sort of slightly 'lateral' to your thinking - but if you bond with it as I did with mine in the late 1990s, then you will really never look back and your images will be outstanding.

All electronic, with manual overrides. Speeds to 1/2000 (the more expensive G2 goes up to 1/8000 but who needs that?). A titanium body. Adjustments galore to play with if this is your thing. THE ideal point-and-shoot. The Planar 45 produces stunning mid tones and shadow detail. What is there not to like?

Old Leicas and Canons are fun but they are now ancient and good only for gear-fiddly types who prefer playing with cameras to getting consistently good images. I find them all to be pains in the pooter to use in the field. Having to slice films with a Leica custom (= expensive) cutter (or scissors for the cheapies) before loading it is also a 'wipeable' and I have met shooters who sliced off parts of their finger in the process...

A lot of guff is being peddled on the internet about the Contax Gs. I own four and apart from my oldest one which developed an odd now-and-then film rewind problem in 2006 (this went away and never returned after I swab-cleaned the battery area and put in new batteries and has never returned), they have never given me any problems.

If a G1 konks out many are available at low prices. The 45 Planar is a legend and can always be resold. So win-win-win.

Sure, you can flush your budget and go for an M6 or a mint LTM iiif or iiig. For me, in my dreams.

Many other cameras will suit the OPs budget and needs, of course. But this one is by far one of the most elegant.

gone · Mar 28, 2021

Bessa R. Great meter. Cheesy build quality, but will probably outlast you. Really reliable cameras.

4season · Mar 28, 2021

Don't worry about mercury batteries, you couldn't buy new ones today if you tried. Only way you might encounter them today is either as really old stock, or as an unwelcome "bonus" item included with a camera purchase.

dnyc · May 21, 2021

Canon 7 are well undervalued. And purely for aesthetic reasons.

GRHazelton · May 22, 2021

I have a Canon P, with the 50mm f1.8, the 35mm f1.8, and the 100mm f2. It is a delight to shoot1 Parallax compensated finder (my finder is bright and clear) showing frames for the 50, 35, and 100mm lenses, good handling, excellent fit and finish. No meter, but I just scored a Voigtlander clip on meter from Stephen Gandy of Camera Quest. The everready case for the P has a bulge to accomodate Canon's clip on selenium cell meter, which couples to the shutter speed dial. Clever, but those meters and their auxiliary booster cells are getting old, so the tiny Voigtlander is a better choice.
Do note that the Canon P has a stainless steel shutter, so there is no worry about burning a hole through a shutter curtain if you leave your Leica pointed toward the sun with the lens wide open. I once while sitting inside in bright sunlight idly focused my Nikon f1.4 on my hand; but only for a moment! Those stainless steel curtains do wrinkle easily, so hands off! Fortunately the wrinkles don't seem to affect the shutter's operation. Here's a nice review of the Canon P https://www.dantestella.com/technical/canonp.html

grain elevator · May 22, 2021

GRHazelton said:
I have a Canon P, with the 50mm f1.8, the 35mm f1.8, and the 100mm f2. It is a delight to shoot1 Parallax compensated finder (my finder is bright and clear) showing frames for the 50, 35, and 100mm lenses, good handling, excellent fit and finish. No meter, but I just scored a Voigtlander clip on meter from Stephen Gandy of Camera Quest. The everready case for the P has a bulge to accomodate Canon's clip on selenium cell meter, which couples to the shutter speed dial. Clever, but those meters and their auxiliary booster cells are getting old, so the tiny Voigtlander is a better choice.
Do note that the Canon P has a stainless steel shutter, so there is no worry about burning a hole through a shutter curtain if you leave your Leica pointed toward the sun with the lens wide open. I once while sitting inside in bright sunlight idly focused my Nikon f1.4 on my hand; but only for a moment! Those stainless steel curtains do wrinkle easily, so hands off! Fortunately the wrinkles don't seem to affect the shutter's operation. Here's a nice review of the Canon P https://www.dantestella.com/technical/canonp.html

Yup, Canon P is great, Canon 7 too, especially if you want to use 35mm lenses.
Does your P really have a parallax corrected Viewfinder? Mine doesn't. That's fine though, totally overrated feature IMHO.

Reasonably priced, durable, capable cameras that take the Leica M39 screwmount?

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