does it make sense to get an M (non M-P)

[drk_1981]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

Dear all,

 

in the next few months, I'll be on the market to upgrade my M8 to a M or an M-P. However here in Switzerland we do have a CHF 1000 difference between both models. I am aware of the differences (screen, buffer) but somehow not necessarily sold if it makes sense to get the M-P over the M. Therefore I'm thinking if it makes sense to go for the M over the M-P or to pony up the 1K and go along with the newer model.

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

 

Thanks

D.

Edited May 24, 2015 by drk_1981

[algrove]

Here resale prices AND demand are for the M-P so I would go for that model because you will get it back on the sale end whenever that occurs for you.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Rob Roskopp]

M and M-P are essentially the same camera, allowing you to take the same pictures (same output files).

I wouldn't want to spend too much money on a digital body, therefore I would look for a good deal on the M.

If you're up for something new, then you may wait for the new M-model to be expected by the end of the year...

[Exodies]

I'm surprised you are not completely blown away by the screw on the M-P.

[drk_1981]

I'm surprised you are not completely blown away by the screw on the M-P.

 

Yeah, the screw.. it took a while to get adjusted to that look, but somehow I started liking it. Call me crazy ..

[otto.f]

I would always go for the M-P because the sapphire glass gives me careless handling, rational or not it, mentally it works that way

[Peter Kilmister]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

M-P buys you little over the M 240 ... but I think it is more natural human nature to be discreet and the screw beats an emblazoned body.

 

However, if you like tattoos, body piercings, fashion clothing, fancy watches, designer gear, Mercedes cars, Porsche cars etc., then you'd probably prefer the Leica badge to be on display.

 

Your choice

[hoppyman]

I think that the cosmetic differences and their value are entirely your personal choice.
I can comment though on the two feature differences that you mention. I have the M (typ 240) and had the M8 & M9 previously.

Regarding the LCD cover, I never had a problem with damage personally. There are available add on screen protectors  if wanted though. When I upgraded my M8 in Solms in 2009 I did not choose to have the screen upgrade because I don't think it was good value.  I did use the Giottos Aegis glass protector on that camera and the M9. I haven't bothered on the M.

 

On the buffer, when I wanted to shoot a rapid single shot series (running, jumping kids or dancers for example) I could hit the buffer limit with the M9 regularly. I don't use the continuous mode personally but it is the same limitation of course. I have never encountered  this limitation with the M over some thousands of frames.  

[bocaburger]

At this point I would buy only a demo or certified pre-owned, most likely I'd still go with the plain M.  It makes little sense to me to pay full retail for a digital camera this late in it's product lifecycle.  But YMMV.  (Your Money, My Viewpoint )

[otto.f]

My experience with the M9 not P is that I use Giotto protectors since the birth of Christ, but still I have a dent. I'm not a careless person, on the contrary, but sometimes you have to hurry changing cameras and lenses from your bag and presumably at that moments this shit happens (probably in the time that I used Domke cases which have these stupid iron parts; stepped over to Billingham)

[-Lss-]

At that price difference I would go for the original M model, unless the buffer is a limiting factor.

 

I have been using a fully upgraded M8 for years and the screen is basically perfect. I have never had any serious issues with screens on other cameras either, only some light, purely cosmetic, scratches on some. In regular use the camera bodies take much more beating than the screen, but accidents can happen.

[tenmangu81]

I'm surprised you are not completely blown away by the screw on the M-P.

Screw ? Which screw ?  Personally, I don't see it any longer. I would have to ask people I have shot....

[Jeff S]

One can still choose to easily replace the red dot on the M with a black one….cheaper than a screw (insert joke).

 

Jeff

[luigi bertolotti]

It's all about the RED DOT...     : persoanlly, I LIKE it, so if I were you, no contest, moreover paying less...

 

But... you have a M8, supposedly still working fine like mine did (and still does,though M240 has virtually taken its role from end of 2013...) : frankly, if I were you, I'd wait for some months.... in case around end of year something new does appear...  : you can be rather sure that you won't pay, in case, more than what you pay now (I mean, for a M or M-P... the price of the "speculated/rumored new M" could be a surprise in both directions...)

Edited May 25, 2015 by luigi bertolotti

[tthorne]

I'm surprised you are not completely blown away by the screw on the M-P.

 

I spit tea laughing at this. Well done sir. 

[rscheffler]

I agree with bocaburger. It's too late in the product cycle to buy these new when there are ample numbers of demo models available.

 

Regarding the functional differences between the two models: if you tend to shoot sequences and are often in very fluid situations, you will benefit from the deeper buffer of the MP. If you are rarely in such situations, then the M will be fine. I have the M and find myself wishing it had the deeper buffer... but otherwise, the Gorilla glass has held up fine over 1 year of relatively hard use (without a protection cover), and certainly looks better than the scuffed LCD cover of my M9.

 

I wouldn't advise too much concern about resale value and instead focus on the functionality that best suits your needs. These are digital cameras, and while Leicas have tended to hold value better over the years than other brands, my impression is the M240 models aren't quite maintaining resale values as well as the M9 and M8 versions did before it.