Pebbble Posted August 16, 2008 Share #1 Posted August 16, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) hi guys I'm a newbie on this forum. Last week bought my first ever film Leica- the fixed lens Minilux and I just wanted to say how blown away I was with the clarity and colour rendition of the photos. Now I should explain that I only got into photography about a year ago and have during that time used digital cameras only - I currently have the Nikon D300, but I have been dying to get my hands on a Leica to see what the fuss is all about. I can't really afford an M camera and the lenses that go with it, so with heavy heart opted for a used Minilux. Having read the reviews about the "E" problem and my own lack of experience with film I was extremely nervous about going for it, however for the relatively cheap price it was an easy decision to make. Well I'm glad I did it because, as I say, the results are outstanding. I love it and have ordered more film. Now it's just a question of how long before I get an M.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 16, 2008 Posted August 16, 2008 Hi Pebbble, Take a look here Minilux. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
rubenkok Posted August 16, 2008 Share #2 Posted August 16, 2008 Now it's just a question of how long before I get an M.... Hi Pebbble, Welcome to the forum ! Congratulations. Good to hear you like your 'new' minilux. I guess you will have your first M next year Kind regards Ruben Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
masjah Posted August 16, 2008 Share #3 Posted August 16, 2008 Pebbble Welcome to the Forum. I couldn't agree more about the quality of the Minilux lens. It was designed by Leica's chief lens designer at the time - the story is that he was interested in how far one could push a conventional (double Gauss) design so as to produce an excellent lens very cost-effectively. It's quality compares well with the main Leica primes. I too started with a Minilux, and realised that the quality of the lens was simply different from other makers, and (like you I suspect) I was immediately hooked. It's going to be an addictive (and somewhat expensive) journey, but a hugely rewarding one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbble Posted August 16, 2008 Author Share #4 Posted August 16, 2008 Hello Ruben and John Thank you for your warm welcome. I agree its an amazing lens and was just awestruck by the results - my first roll was a test roll so didn't really pay much attention to composition or anything, but I can't wait to have another play with it tomorrow and be a bit creative. I have to admit at present I have just left it on Auto but as my confidence grows will venture into Manual. I've spent most of this evening looking (yet again I might add) at the various M cameras. I'm tempted to wait for the "M9" assuming that it may be a full frame and that it has sorted all the niggly bits from the M8 experience. But then again perhaps I should just go for the M8, or maybe the M7 or the M6. Decisions decisions.......! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted August 16, 2008 Share #5 Posted August 16, 2008 Buy an M6. You won't regret it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
azzo Posted August 16, 2008 Share #6 Posted August 16, 2008 Buy an M6. You won't regret it. Agreed. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbble Posted August 16, 2008 Author Share #7 Posted August 16, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) M6... So tempting! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jacksparrow Posted August 17, 2008 Share #8 Posted August 17, 2008 If you want to stick to film then as others have said maybe M6 would be the way to go, M2s aren't that expensive either, and not having the built-in light meter isn't as bad as you might think (I've just realized that, now that I've started using a Hasselblad 500 CM). You start drolling taking a look at this website: https://www.leicashop.com/vintage/index.php?language=en If you are thinking about digital (since you mentioned M9), then you might want to give a try to the old DIgilux 2. It was my first Leica and the camera that started it all for me. You can take a look, there are a few threads dedicated to that camera. And It would be waaaaaay cheaper than the M8 or the future M9. welcome and enjoy! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbble Posted August 17, 2008 Author Share #9 Posted August 17, 2008 Ha ha Jack - thats just camera p*rn I'm so close to ordering one off Ffordes. Any suggestions for a starter lens or two? I have the Panasonic LX1 compact camera which I think is the same as the Leica D-Lux 2. I bought it 2 or 3 years ago when it came out and I like it - particularly for the wide angle and the creative controls. I still use it when i don't want to carry my DSLR around. But my big problem with it is the noise - and I know all compacts suffer from it but I found the LX1 to struggle even at fairly low ISO settings. I assume the Digilux 2 doesn't suffer from those issues. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
patashnik Posted August 17, 2008 Share #10 Posted August 17, 2008 About the Minilux: Great choice! That's where I started, check out my first thread on the old L-Camera-Forum: Leica Forum: Looking for a Minilux: help me go analog! As for the M6, you really can't go wrong. You can easilly pick up one for $1000-1100. Put a Voigtlander on it (for instance 35mm or 50mm Nokton), and you're ready to go for not much more than $1500. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnkare Posted August 17, 2008 Share #11 Posted August 17, 2008 Also some other models can be considered: M5 - rather inexpensive with some very nice details, CL - very inexpensive and small (but not for the fastest lenses), CLE (automatic features also), Voigtländer Bessas, Screw mount Leicas maybe... CL and CLE are 70's electronic machines, so spare parts are not available. Bessas are not up to the quality; they're not made to last everyday use. Konica Hexar RF is still quite expensive, I would consider a Zeiss Ikon instead (maybe even over an M7). Screw mount Leicas are maybe a bit hard to use in today's standards. Haven't tried, though. And they are beautiful and well-made machines, but starting to get a bit too old many of them. One good drooling site is cameraquest.com, although he sells only Voigtländer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbble Posted August 17, 2008 Author Share #12 Posted August 17, 2008 Patashnik and Finnkare thank you So its an inevitability that one day, soon, I will end up with an M system... I knew it was a mistake to get that Minilux! :-) Finn- I did consider the earlier ones to the M6 but I do like the M6, M7 and M8 more - yes yes I'm a philistine. I did check cameraquest and the Bessas look good - perhaps if my bank manager puts a stop to my photography spending then I might have to go for one of those instead. I've seen the Konica Hexars too, they look good too- choices choices. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted August 17, 2008 Share #13 Posted August 17, 2008 Screw mount Leicas are maybe a bit hard to use in today's standards. Haven't tried, though. And they are beautiful and well-made machines, but starting to get a bit too old many of them. *ahem* Beg to differ, old chap. I have an M2, M7 and a IID, and it is the latter that I choose to carry on a daily basis. It's a 1930/1934 factory upgrade, that I had CLA'd by CRR. It's a practical, hardy shooter, that survives bumping around in briefcase, backpack, belt pouch and pocket and delivers great results. Don't forget that you can use the old Barnacks with modern glass too, thanks to those nice people over at Voigtlander. Here's some gratuitous porn to prove my point: In the former it's wearing a 5cm Nickel Elmar, in the latter the lovely little VC 50mm 2.5. Regards, Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbble Posted August 17, 2008 Author Share #14 Posted August 17, 2008 Bill Hubba hubba i'm salivating...! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted August 17, 2008 Share #15 Posted August 17, 2008 Resistance is futile... Regards, Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbble Posted August 17, 2008 Author Share #16 Posted August 17, 2008 Ha ha. I know i know.... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym911 Posted August 17, 2008 Share #17 Posted August 17, 2008 Pebbble good choice with the minilux...a great camera as you have already discovered. I also started my addiction with a Minilux...even after years it still goes on strong..I don't worry about the possible fatal error..if it comes then get another one, funds permitting. post some shots if you can.... cheers andy Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pebbble Posted August 17, 2008 Author Share #18 Posted August 17, 2008 Hi Andy Yes the Minilux has been a revelation and you are right - they are pretty affordable now on ebay so if the worst happens its not the end of the world. I'm half way through my second roll - the first was very much a tester so no real gems in there compositionally speaking. I'm hoping the second one will be better. I also need to find a decent scanner. Groan - this will be the most expensive £100 i'll have spent on a camera...! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnkare Posted August 17, 2008 Share #19 Posted August 17, 2008 So its an inevitability that one day, soon, I will end up with an M system... I knew it was a mistake to get that Minilux! :-) Finn- I did consider the earlier ones to the M6 but I do like the M6, M7 and M8 more - yes yes I'm a philistine. I did check cameraquest and the Bessas look good - perhaps if my bank manager puts a stop to my photography spending then I might have to go for one of those instead. I've seen the Konica Hexars too, they look good too- choices choices. You won't regret the M-system. It's the only 35mm system I have anymore, just a couple of pocket cameras to complement. Less is most certainly more. More is too hard choosing. A german-made Leica body really is an experience of its own. Can't really recommend the other brands instead on the long run. Well, just might with the Zeiss, but not so enthusiastically, especially to a person who wants to experience Leica especially. Read for example the cameraquest's Leica articles before you decide. I understand your attacment to the more modern Ms, though. The older ones are harder to buy anyway, especially without seeing. My local Leica dealer said that you really can ruin even a Leica with mishandling (some Coca-cola in the shutter release for example) or bad repairing, even for good. This surprised me, who had thought of them as made to work longer than you in any circumstance. You still have to remember that it's a fine-mechanic instrument, which doesn't tolerate everything. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finnkare Posted August 17, 2008 Share #20 Posted August 17, 2008 Beg to differ, old chap. I have an M2, M7 and a IID, and it is the latter that I choose to carry on a daily basis. It's a 1930/1934 factory upgrade, that I had CLA'd by CRR. It's a practical, hardy shooter, that survives bumping around in briefcase, backpack, belt pouch and pocket and delivers great results. Don't forget that you can use the old Barnacks with modern glass too, thanks to those nice people over at Voigtlander. I stand corrected. As I said, I don't have any experience on them, so don't believe me . Have seen one (no idea, which) sold with a collapsible 50 for 800 euros, though. It seemed maybe even like a collector's piece, but it gives some impression of the usefulness and quality in today's standards also. I'm not afraid of the old or semi-old lenses, I actually shun the modern ones, but a good-condition old body can be hard to find. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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