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[monkstown]

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Hello,

 

I have a number of digital cameras including slr and leica d-lux 3 but I want to purchase a film slr + lens to learn about the process of taking good pictures. I would like to get Leica SLR kit and have been looking at used Leicaflex SL , Leica RE , R3, R6 which are reasonably priced. I am looking for advice on lenses, which would be best as a general lens for beginner and also where to get the best prices.

 

Thanks,

 

William

[earleygallery]

Welcome to the forum.

 

You will get a lot of different suggestions as to which camera/lens.

 

The earlier cameras like the Leicaflex SL and SL2 use the single or twin cam lenses, these are the older models and usually cheaper to buy than later R or 3 cam lenses for the R3-R9 (and ROM lenses which are R cam lenses for the R8/9 but will fit the earlier R cameras, but not the SL, SL2)

 

I would suggest that you go for an R body - which one depends on what features are important to you and your budget. The cheapest R body tends to be the R4 now. They had a reputation for electrical problems but any should be fine now as they will most likely have been repaired at some point if there is/was a fault.

 

The R8/9 were the last cameras, great bodies but that bit more expensive. The R6/6.2 are manual only with mechanical shutters whereas the other R's have various degrees of auto exposure modes.

 

As for the lens well it depends on what kind of photography you are into. The 50mm is the classic 'all rounder' and probably the best one to start with for general use.

 

As a newcomer, buy from a good dealer who will provide you with a warranty. It will be worth the extra than chancing your luck on e bay.

[proenca]

Hello,

 

I have a number of digital cameras including slr and leica d-lux 3 but I want to purchase a film slr + lens to learn about the process of taking good pictures. I would like to get Leica SLR kit and have been looking at used Leicaflex SL , Leica RE , R3, R6 which are reasonably priced. I am looking for advice on lenses, which would be best as a general lens for beginner and also where to get the best prices.

 

Thanks,

 

William

 

Hi William,

 

First of all, welcome aboard the forum !

 

Since I'm the first one, can I be a pain in the .. erm.. rear ? And propose you a radical change ?

 

You mention something of the likes of a Leica R6 and such..

 

Don't knoe where you live but thats 800 to 1100 usd ...

 

If you want to have something different and well, depreciation proof, bump that budget a bit ( 300 usd more or so ) and for 1000-1200 usd you can get a Leica M6.

 

It will have a internal meter which helps greatly, you can buy a second hand, good lens to go with not for much ( you can get a good CV for almost peanuts ) .

 

This will provide a complete different view of photography for you , to look literally OUTSIDE the picture frame.

 

The big plus of buying a M is that is virtually depreciation proof : in a year or two you will sell it for the same price tha you bought it.

 

R cameras will depreciate much faster, there is always a good demand for a good M camera.

 

Good luck on yuor journey !

[stunsworth]

William, if you want a Leica SLR I can't think of a better camera to choose than a Leica R8. Some will recommend a Leica SL, and they can be fantastic cameras, but they are now very old. The viewfinder on the R8 is fantastic, and I think the ergonomics are great.

 

Looking at the UK dealer Ffordes, you can buy a Leica R8 for 399 GBP, and a 50mm Summicron for 179GBP. I'm sure you can do the conversion to your local currency.

 

The M range is excellent - I use it myself - but it is more expensive, and you did say you wanted an SLR. The cheapest M6 that Ffordes currently have in stock is 899 GBP - and that's without a lens.

[monkstown]

Hi,

 

Thanks for the responses, much appreciated.

 

I've been looking at the Leica R & M ranges and it seems that the M is the way to go, great lenses, beautiful cameras etc., but at a price. The one "M" type option open to my budget seems to be the CL which I believe would get me to M lenses. Any advice, opinions etc would be most welcome.

 

Thanks a lot,

 

William

[earleygallery]

Go for a nice user M2 instead.

 

The CL has many fans but it you will probably need to have the meter replaced (unless you buy one which has already had a new cell fitted) and it only has frame lines for the 40mm and 90mm lenses which were specifically made for it.

 

The M2 has a better rangefinder, frame lines for 35/50/90 mm lenses, and is better made. There's no meter so you need to use a handheld one or the Sunny 16 rule.

 

An M2 and a 50mm Elmar (any version) will be a great but relatively inexpensive introduction to Leica rangefinder photography. However I wouldn't disregard the Leica R route - the lenses are mostly identical in performance (OK the latest M asph lenses are another matter) and it is a cheaper way to go. The main factor to decide is if you want an SLR or are happy with the rangefinder bearing in mind the pros and cons of each.