Jump to content

Best entry Leica camera?


residium

Recommended Posts

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Hi, I am thinking of buying my first new/or used Leica.

 

Which one should I get?

 

I cannot afford the M9 and from what I understand the imagequality from the other digital Lecias M8, M8.2 are not that good, so basically the M9 or not digital at all with Leica? Is that really true?

 

That leaves me with going to film Leicas perhaps. What is a good film Leica that can be found at a resonalbe price to start with? The M7 perhaps?

 

Best,

Link to post
Share on other sites

...what I understand the imagequality from the other digital Lecias M8, M8.2 are not that good... Is that really true?,

 

No it isn't true. Image quality is excellent.

 

If you don't want an M8, but want a film camera with a meter buy an M6. If you can live without a meter also consider the M2.

Link to post
Share on other sites

From what I've seen of images from the M8 and the M8.2 you have nothing to worry about regarding image quality. If the M8 is too dear for your wallet we can talk about other alternatives, but the M8 is excellent.

Link to post
Share on other sites

from what I understand the imagequality from the other digital Lecias M8, M8.2 are not that good, Is that really true?

 

 

Best,

 

Not sure where you have been reading but your understanding is completely wrong.

The image quality from the M8 is very good. Not sure if the M9 image quality is any better then the M8's. The images are bigger on the M9 because of the 8MP larger sensor but as far as quality they are the same, or so I have read and seen from images posted on this site and from downloading some of those images to my computer and compairing them against M8 images.

 

If you are looking for a more affordable digital Leica rangefinder camera the M8 is the one to get, especially if you buy a used M8 or wait until the M9's are in overstock at the dealers, 6-12 months, and then whatever leftover M8/M8.2's the dealers have will come down in price.

 

There is always the film M's which you can get for $500+/- > $2000+/- depending on model and condition or buy new for more then a good used M8 or around the cost of a new M8. (Actually I think the M8 new is going for less then new MP's or M7's. I think MP's & M7's are over $4000 and new M8's, while they last, are going for $3995.00)

 

Good luck and I hope you join the Leica family.

Edited by Shootist
Link to post
Share on other sites

Oh my...image quality not good from an M8?

I would direct you to the photo section of this forum or the LFI site. You will not be dissapointed.

IMHO, the M8 is an incredible value right now. Although it may come down in price, that may take 6-12 mos as Shootist stated. I think that the introduction of the M9 has sparked interest in general for Leica and many forst timers are buying up M8s...resulting in quite a demand. That's just my opinion based on Ebay listings...

I say, go get yourself an M8.............:)

Link to post
Share on other sites

I would point you to the Leica Digilux 2 as well which has many of the qualities of the Leica M.

 

Leica M8 and M9 is about the same image quality - at least the difference is so small its till a discussion if there is any - and an M8 will be inexpensive (compared to what it cost a few months ago at least) and will get you started on using M and building a collection of lenses.

 

Depends a bit what you want to do. If you want the feel of silent and discrete shooter using a rangefinder, the Digilux 2 might be the answer because it's totally silent and the type of lightweight camera you can carry always. And it has the 28-90 zoom that is a real Leica glass and f/2 so you won't need extra lenses in your pockets ;-)

 

The M8 is the real deal, the real feeling of the weight of an M, the real M lenses and all. But not a silent shooter.

 

Apart from that, you will soon realize (and you probably have somewhere) that one Leica is never enough. As all us poor wrecks here you will end up with a closet of cameras and lenses. So take that into consideration (seriously) that you are building a collection of new soul mates. So build a collection you will continue to use and be happy about.

 

leica.overgaard.dk - Thorsten Overgaard's Leica Sites - Leica Digilux 2 sample photos and tests (as well as Panasonic DMC-LC1) - Page 1 of 3

Link to post
Share on other sites

Much depends on what kind of photography you want to do? People and portraits, travel, landscapes? Close-ups, sports, wildlife? The Leica M is fantastic for the first group, but have you ever tried rangefinder focussing? Decide if it's for you first before opting for any particular model. Why a Leica? Reputation for lens and image quality? If you could manage with a fixed lens, the new X1 digital may appeal. For ultimate longevity, nothing will beat a film Leica.

Link to post
Share on other sites

Thanks guys for all the answers. I will get a Leica M8

 

Best choice for approaching Leica in the digital side... its price can be good in these days.

Want to add a film Leica for cheap ? Find a Leica CL with Summicron 40 - a fine compact "carry always" camera, and a lens much appreciable on M8 too (with attention for the UVIR filter).

Link to post
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...