Leica Newb - am I on the right lines?

[nickdando]

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Thanks once more for all the replies. As always fate took a hand and I've ended up with an M3. I couldn't help - it was made in 1954 (as was I) and it handles so beautifully. Clear viewfinder, quiet, crisp action - I fell in love with it. And the money I saved on the M6 was more than enough to buy a decent Kenko light meter. I bought a 50mm Color Skopar which I reckon I should be able to trade in for a Summicron at a later date.

 

Don't forget that you've got a Leica expert just over the border, down Aymestrey way. Malcolm Taylor can give your purchases a check over and make sure that they'll in tip-top condition.

 

Nick

[Xmas]

trade in for a Summicron at a later date.

 

Hi

 

I'd not do that the little CV lens should be comparable with a cron, the type iV was introduced in 79 and is showing age, the CV is compact, light and has good ergonomics.

 

If you wanna trade the other option is the ZM Planar.

 

If you are really fussy shoot a brick wall & check the corner bricks

 

I'd a suggested a M2 myself but the M3 finder is the best for a 5cm lens.

 

Be happy.

 

Noel

[al-fresco]

There doesn't seem to be an "I love my M3" thread so I guess I'll put the picture here!

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[roguewave]

Alan, congrats. I doubt you will EVER sell this camera. Save you pennies and when you can purchase the summilux 50, version 1. It's relatively inexpensive. No need to buy the newer lenses and they are way too expensive right now. The M3 & lux 50-v.1 are amazing. Two suggestions for B&W film with this kit: 1)Trix 400 for days & Neopan 1600 for low night/nightime. Go shoot a lot of film & post your images when you can. Good choice you have made.

[sandro]

Alan, welcome in the dangerous world of Leica, which you will soon experience as beautiful, and rightly so. You made a wonderful decision in buying the M3, which looks very good! Don't trade the M3 soon because you'll find out how wonderful the finder is. Make sure everything works as it should. Enjoy the times with the M3!

[carbon_dragon]

The way I did it was to buy an old user M2 and a 50/2 DR summicron. Any 50/2 Summicron of 50's vintage isn't a bad first choice, with an equivalent vintage 35/2 and maybe a 90/4 Elmar to stay cheap. Nowadays, there are other options -- Zeiss ZM lenses at about $1000 apiece (sounds expensive, but not with leica) and Voigtlander (quite decent lenses at $300-400 on average with the more exotic ones nearing $1000). But the M6 would be fine and you would get a light meter which is good (and more viewfinder frames).