Leica User Forum - View Single Post - M7 or MP? I'm interested in the opinions of users of both.

leicapfile · 12/29/06, 06:40 AM

Not the first time the subject has come up I beleive, but the first time I've thrown in my two cents or so.

Don't have an MP but do have an M2, 3, 6, and 7. I think the M2, 3, come closer to the description of "...equipment that is independent of batteries and all the complexities and failures of high tech gear". The MP does use a battery do they not? And when that battery fails the MP is no more than an M2,3 with a hot synch shoe and slighly less construction quality.

While the M7 probably shares the same level of construction quality as the MP, it has two additional benefits not shared with the MP. The first is of course the electronic shutter w/AP. If you are a chrome shooter mainly, and have fast moving Grandkids, you'll really appreciate that. I certainly do, as "keepers" are a primary goal.

Secondly, although flash assist in lighting is used perhaps only 10% of the time at best, the TTL capabilities of the M7 also serve to reach that same keeper goal.

The issue of batteries has always been somewhat of a red herring type of issue to me. Anyone serious will always carry spare(s) for both cameras. In much the same way as they'll always carry spare rolls of film.

While the purists will bemoan the 3mm of extra height of the M7, I think it's worth it given the pluses they bring. After all, I can always turn off the AUTO mode, and use the M7 as it were an MP. The reverse isn't true. Engraved top plates as with the MP and MP3 are attractive (and I too wish Leica would allow me to purchase one seperately outside the ala carte program for my M7), I don't think they make my images any better.

Best,

Jerry

12/29/06, 06:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
leicapfile Erfahrener Benutzer Join Date: 10/05/02 Posts: 188	Re: M7 or MP? I'm interested in the opinions of users of both. Not the first time the subject has come up I beleive, but the first time I've thrown in my two cents or so. Don't have an MP but do have an M2, 3, 6, and 7. I think the M2, 3, come closer to the description of "...equipment that is independent of batteries and all the complexities and failures of high tech gear". The MP does use a battery do they not? And when that battery fails the MP is no more than an M2,3 with a hot synch shoe and slighly less construction quality. While the M7 probably shares the same level of construction quality as the MP, it has two additional benefits not shared with the MP. The first is of course the electronic shutter w/AP. If you are a chrome shooter mainly, and have fast moving Grandkids, you'll really appreciate that. I certainly do, as "keepers" are a primary goal. Secondly, although flash assist in lighting is used perhaps only 10% of the time at best, the TTL capabilities of the M7 also serve to reach that same keeper goal. The issue of batteries has always been somewhat of a red herring type of issue to me. Anyone serious will always carry spare(s) for both cameras. In much the same way as they'll always carry spare rolls of film. While the purists will bemoan the 3mm of extra height of the M7, I think it's worth it given the pluses they bring. After all, I can always turn off the AUTO mode, and use the M7 as it were an MP. The reverse isn't true. Engraved top plates as with the MP and MP3 are attractive (and I too wish Leica would allow me to purchase one seperately outside the ala carte program for my M7), I don't think they make my images any better. Best, Jerry Last edited by leicapfile : 12/29/06 at 06:47 AM.