Leica CM

[drgolf975d]

Is the Leica CM being discontinued? I'm thinking of getting one for Christmas and I'm not sure if I should wait for a newer model. I have read that the CM is great for a small P&S, but thought I would check to see if anyone knew anything.

[wizard]

John, the Leica CM is a pretty recent model, and is NOT going to be replaced anytime soon. If Leica discontinues the CM (I have not heard rumours to this end though), then I doubt there will be a replacement.

Andy

[wda]

John,

Go for it and never regret it. It is a very effective compact camera with a stunning lens. I use it frequently for travel photography when space is tight and I carry a digital camera as well.

David

[superfrog]

The CM is an excellent little camera that can take stunning photos.
Its great for low light photography and for occasions where you wouldn't take a rangefinder or SLR.
Being clumsy, I appreciate its robust design. It'll survive a lot better than any digital p&s.

It lacks manual focus (although you can set focus distance via a dial on top) and obviously doesn't have through-the-lens focus. So you're reliant on the camera's distance meter or your own best judgement.

They're not particularly cheap, but if you can afford it, or get one second hand, you'll never regret it!

[andybarton]

You do get focus confirmation in the viewfinder in the CM.

I carry mine in my briefcase - it's an excellent performer (the camera, not the briefcase )

Most of the shopfronts on my website were taken with the CM

[rjans]

John, I purchased one this year. It is the best compact I own. Do not hesitate and get one. I like the special edition with the brown cognac leather finish. Lens quality is outstanding, a true Leica. The CM also performs very good with slide film.

[gylee]

I have to concur with the general concensus here. It is a great camera. I have had mine for about ten months and I love using it. It goes everywhere with me in my briefcase and it is a joy to carry and use. Like Andy, mine is a permanent fixture in my briefcase and has been around the world a couple of times already. It it still the only camera I routinely get positive feedback from complete strangers on (I was at a wedding on the weekend and the photographer wanted to play with it). I seriously doubt that you will have any regrets if you take the plunge.

Now, if Leica can some out with a digital CM with a sensor size that allows for depth of field, that is one camera that I would definitely buy.

One pointer - always check that you get the focus confirmation dot in the viewfinder before you click the shutter all the way. The focus ring has a habit of slipping off autofocus. Even after 50 rolls of film, I still get one or two on every roll.

The Everready case is a good (albeit rather smelly) accessory.

[sungnee]

I love it so much that when Leica gave a special deal on the special editions I bought another!

I agree with everything that has been said, and would like to add a couple of my own.

The CM's flash capability is what the M models should have been but couldn't because of the their crippling 1/50 shutter speed.

The lens is closer to the real "normal" lens than the 50mm. The real "normal" focal length is 42.5mm. Leica used 50mm when they invented the camera in 1925 because it was a lot cheaper to make a 50mm than a 42.5 (or thereabouts) lens. So with the CM you are producing almost exactly the way your eyes see things.

It can also be looked upon as an auto-focus M.

80% of all photos that won prices were taken with the normal lens, and my own experience confirmed this completely. Actually in my case it's more like 90%.

I have an M7, M3 and an M2 with an assortment of lenses from 15mm to 135mm; as well as an R5 plus lenses. I have used Leica's for 26 years. The CM is the Leica I use most.

Whenever someone post a question on what to buy as an entry to the Leica system, I recommended the CM, but I have so far been inevitably ignored.

[k_g_wolf]

My dealer is selling them at a discount right now.

This has ALWAYS been a sign for LEITZ/LEICA- products - and not only for them - which they want to sell out. And this is most certainly the case with the CM at the moment.

It is the very, very last LEICA Compact camera for film. If you want one, this is just the perfect
time for it ...

BTW, I got a CM Zoom two yeras ago and take it whenever my
other LEICA- gear is too heavy. It´s a wonderful little camera, the CM perhaps even more because of the SUMMARIT- lens.

Best

[davephoto]

do not let the chance to get a CM get away from you. i use the CM's predecessor -- the Minilux -- and i can honestly say that i get the highest percentage of keepers with this camera than with any other i own. highly recommended.