menos I M6 Posted February 20, 2011 Share #1 Posted February 20, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Today, I tried 4 different second hand MP bodies in a shop. I had this crazy idea about switching my M6 classic - mint, no issues, smoothest advance, I have ever tried on a camera. The exactly only trouble, I have with the M6 is, that it flares. It is my film body, I use for my 28mm, but it flares. This is the only reason, why I tried the MPs. None of the MPs, I tried could get close to the precise and perfect smooth advance of my M6. The feel a bit rough - similar to my M7. The finder (all 0.72, as my M6) surprised me. It flares less than my M6 (so this would be a check), BUT, it is nowhere near as clear and perfect without any flare, as my M8.2 finder. The body is about 2.000 EUR, has no visible wear, has a slightly loose preview lever (as all MPs, I tried), has slight play in the film rewind, when pulled out It's got a serial 2921*** Is there anything about Leica MPs, one should know? Would you swap a perfectly smooth, mint M6 to this MP? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 20, 2011 Posted February 20, 2011 Hi menos I M6, Take a look here need help, buying used MP - should I ?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
!Nomad64 Posted February 20, 2011 Share #2 Posted February 20, 2011 I understand that it's not the camera itself to flare, but the viewfinder, right? If so before switching you'll want to first identify which are the situations in which the inconvenience occurs. And possibly avoid them. Not necessarily by giving up to shoot, but changing your position. Then you may want to try to change how you hold the camera, namely stretching some fingers in order to shade the viewfinder. It might be annoying a bit, but for sure it's cheaper than buying another body which you say doens't convey the same smoothness feeling that your current one. Hope this helps Bruno P.S. Oh, and by the way I'm not exactly sure I'd switch the M6 for an MP. If you're happy with the M6 I'd go for another one. Otherwise I'd consider older bodies, such as M2, M3 and M4, whose robustness and reliability were tested. But that's me, of course. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slamram Posted February 20, 2011 Share #3 Posted February 20, 2011 I would upgrade the M6 finder to MP and treat her to a CLA. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stratherb Posted February 20, 2011 Share #4 Posted February 20, 2011 go, for 2000 go... ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
norgas_co Posted February 20, 2011 Share #5 Posted February 20, 2011 I you're still happy with the M6 feel, perhaps stay with that. As mentioned by others, you can just get your vf upgraded to the MP non/low flare type. Had an MP for more than a year but never really warmed up to it. Although I gave it some time, I had similar observations to those you mentioned. Still have an M6, will certainly opt for vf upgrade next time it goes for cla. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
menos I M6 Posted February 21, 2011 Author Share #6 Posted February 21, 2011 I understand that it's not the camera itself to flare, but the viewfinder, right?…Hope this helps Bruno P.S. Oh, and by the way I'm not exactly sure I'd switch the M6 for an MP. If you're happy with the M6 I'd go for another one. Otherwise I'd consider older bodies, such as M2, M3 and M4, whose robustness and reliability were tested. But that's me, of course. Thanks Bruno ;-) I am aware of the counteractions to the viewfinder flare. I even wrote about it here: the anti rangefinder whiteout tape trick As my M8.2 works flawless and shows NO issue with flare and my M7 is quite a bit better than the M6 (although it has a 0.85 viewfinder, which is reported, to be hampered more by this issue, than the 0.72 versions), I see myself often in leaving the M6 at home. I would upgrade the M6 finder to MP and treat her to a CLA. That is a thought, that came to mind. I will certainly think about it, now, that I know, how good my M6 actually feels compared to the fabled MP ;-) go, for 2000 go... ! ;-) I you're still happy with the M6 feel, perhaps stay with that. As mentioned by others, you can just get your vf upgraded to the MP non/low flare type. Had an MP for more than a year but never really warmed up to it. Although I gave it some time, I had similar observations to those you mentioned. Still have an M6, will certainly opt for vf upgrade next time it goes for cla. I like the feel of my M6. I like the brassing black paint of my M8.2. I found yesterday, that I actually like the film rewind of the MP. I must have an internal meter. I think, I will give it a try with the MP - there are still some unused Nikon lenses around. The 70-200 has to go - maybe along with the never used 24 1.4 AF-S. I might also consider, finally selling the EPSON R-D1. I will discuss this with the shop owner ;-) Thanks for your input everybody. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
400TX Posted February 21, 2011 Share #7 Posted February 21, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) . None of the MPs, I tried could get close to the precise and perfect smooth advance of my M6. The feel a bit rough - similar to my M7. Would you swap a perfectly smooth, mint M6 to this MP? YMMV, but I would keep the M6 and buy the best example of the MP bodies that are available. Then I'd send it to Sherry Krauter Sherry Krauter.com -- Home of the Golden Touch. for an overhaul, even though it would have to cross the pond. Yes, she's that good. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
menos I M6 Posted February 21, 2011 Author Share #8 Posted February 21, 2011 Thank you, I will consider, having my M6 upgraded, if I get the MP or not. It appears, to be a 2003 MP - has there been any change of the Leica MP in construction/ details since 2003 apart from later offered a la carte options? Are there any known issues with early new MPs? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBA Posted February 21, 2011 Share #9 Posted February 21, 2011 My first Leica was an M6. My second Leica was an MP. The difference in handling and flare was so dramatic that I bought 2 more MPs that I happened to find cheaply and sold the M6. I vastly prefer the MP wind lever and especially the button rewind. I've added rewind cranks, which is vastly quicker and more comfortable than the M6's canted rewind crank. The MP feels more substantial, and it's a joy to watch the black paint slowly (or quickly) brass. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
aesop Posted February 21, 2011 Share #10 Posted February 21, 2011 Thank you, I will consider, having my M6 upgraded, if I get the MP or not. It appears, to be a 2003 MP - has there been any change of the Leica MP in construction/ details since 2003 apart from later offered a la carte options? Are there any known issues with early new MPs? ...no known issues. As to differences in construction, there may have been internal tweaks, but the only external difference I can think of is the film speed dial on the rear of the camera. Earlier models (c. 2003) sported an "M6-style" film speed dial, but this was later changed to the cheaper-looking current version. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym911 Posted February 21, 2011 Share #11 Posted February 21, 2011 Having never owned an MP I can't really add much except that: 1.After I had my M6 overhauled at Leica it was butter smooth and a delight to use.Can't imagine anything being smoother....until: 2.Purchased an M2 from Bill and had that overhauled and was even smoooother! My M7 feels like it has sand in the gears compared to both of the above I think I have the best of both worlds with the M2 and M6...although I can understand the temptation of an MP Not now though....too many dollars for me. Good luck with your choice though Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephen.w Posted February 21, 2011 Share #12 Posted February 21, 2011 A couple of months back I passed over a similar deal on an MP (around 2000 Euros) and screaming good deal on a M6 TTL Millenium edition (1800 Euros) and instead went for a nice, clean M6 classic. They were beautiful cameras, but I know myself and I would've ended up babying one of them instead of treating it as a tool. Also, it left me with 1000 Euros to put towards a lens. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xmas Posted February 21, 2011 Share #13 Posted February 21, 2011 ...Purchased an M2 from Bill and had that overhauled and was even smoooother! Hi Andy I'd suggest a can of 5222 (Double-x cine), daylight loader, 40x IXMOO (Leica cassettes), & box of Rodinal bottles, would have been better than overhaul. An MP cannot do IXMOO. Noel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym911 Posted February 21, 2011 Share #14 Posted February 21, 2011 Noel you may be right but I have this 'peace of mind' thing best andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
menos I M6 Posted February 22, 2011 Author Share #15 Posted February 22, 2011 Thank you all again - I have picked it up today. I only had the chance, to shoot one test roll through it on my way back, but the first impression, comparing it to the M7 was: - as sleek and precise, as my M6 - quite a bit heavier than my M6 - feels very nice - heavier a bit less smooth advance than my M6 - judging from the status of the paint (actual mint, not "minty"), the camera has spent its last 5 years in a bubble wrap cushion camera case or in a collectors cabinet I guess, it is just not driven in yet with the film advance - it looks completely unused (not even a scratch on the shutter speed dial or the edges of the bottom plate) - I will change that ;-) The view finder is gorgeous - it is the first Leica M, that I bought, which didn't come with a misaligned rangefinder. I have the feeling, I will like it very much. So far, there is only one inconsistency to my liking - the knob rewind is indeed much slower at first glance as the crank rewind. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBA Posted February 22, 2011 Share #16 Posted February 22, 2011 An MP cannot do IXMOO. Noel You and your IXMOO! OP said he needs a camera with a built-in meter. An M2 cannot do built-in meter. For me, it's Leicavit. I am a total Leicavit junkie. An M5 cannot do Leicavit. Perhaps I should go on the I Love My M5 thread and tell them what they're missing, poor bastards. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted February 22, 2011 Share #17 Posted February 22, 2011 - as sleek and precise, as my M6 - quite a bit heavier than my M6 - feels very nice - heavier a bit less smooth advance than my M6 - judging from the status of the paint (actual mint, not "minty"), the camera has spent its last 5 years in a bubble wrap cushion camera case or in a collectors cabinet The gears will become smoother as you use it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JBA Posted February 22, 2011 Share #18 Posted February 22, 2011 So far, there is only one inconsistency to my liking - the knob rewind is indeed much slower at first glance as the crank rewind. Congrats on the new MP. I never managed to rewind my M6 without the crank escaping from between my fingers and spinning backward so I'd have to take up all the slack again. It ended up being slower than the button rewind, which maintains tension on the film. I would recommend the add-on rewind crank for the MP. It's fast & comfortable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
menos I M6 Posted February 22, 2011 Author Share #19 Posted February 22, 2011 You and your IXMOO! OP said he needs a camera with a built-in meter. An M2 cannot do built-in meter. For me, it's Leicavit. I am a total Leicavit junkie. An M5 cannot do Leicavit. Perhaps I should go on the I Love My M5 thread and tell them what they're missing, poor bastards. Easy on Noel Jonathan ;-) He has got a point! If I would shot A LOT of film and would have stock, I'd love to spool my own and use it in IXMOOs. I shoot comparably little film though (a roll every second day or so at the moment) and buy and develop with a nice lab with very friendly people - I like this more, than being stuck in the bathroom these days ;-) Oh - and I will have a look at the crank, if I like it - pretty strange, I saw a nice second hand one selling pretty cheap a few weeks before and thought: "snatch it - one day, you might have a black MP, to go with it … " and then like " … naahhhh those MPs are just to plain expensive, and the M7 is your film shooter anyways …". I passed the deal of course I am a crank guy actually - I rewind the Leicas and Nikons (even my F5 …hehe) always with the leader out, counting 28 + 3/4 turns and have a very quick rewind with leader out. Sometimes, when the 20 seconds rewind is too slow for me, I might rewind the Nikon F5 with motor, switch rewind off at frame 4 and rewind the rest manually … did I mention, I was cranky? The gears will become smoother as you use it. Thanks Andy - at first look a few days ago, I was sceptical, but then again, it makes much sense. It would be impossible, that this camera has seen any significant use already, as it would show in the paint finish. My M8.2 looks pretty brassy after less than a year of use (and I treat my camera stuff very gently, as the Leica dealer has confirmed to me, as he bought my 2 1/2 year old Nikon 70-200, which according to him looks like new in box ) Yes, I swapped a hulking heavy Nikon zoom + a little money towards a mint black MP. I am pretty happy right now. My girlfriend actually mentioned to me, I must sell all my Nikon stuff and buy Leica gear instead as per the Nikon depreciation rate - I like her very much ;-) … oh and Jonathan - she loooves your flickr stream ;-) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xmas Posted February 22, 2011 Share #20 Posted February 22, 2011 You and your IXMOO! OP said he needs a camera with a built-in meter. An M2 cannot do built-in meter. For me, it's Leicavit. I am a total Leicavit junkie. An M5 cannot do Leicavit. Perhaps I should go on the I Love My M5 thread and tell them what they're missing, poor bastards. Hi An M6 can do IXMOO, at most you need to swap the baseplate or change its latch. It would be bad to buy a MP and find out your IXMOO did not fit? It is easy to use a CV or Leica meter in the cold shoe. An M5 cannot do IXMOO either. I understand about being left eyed, and needing a baseplate lever. I just use my wrong eye. The M4 to M7 crank is easy to release inadvertently mid wind and have the crank spin back, this is very rare with the simple Barnack/MP knob. With the knob you need to counter twist both the knob and the camera together if you are in a hurry. The add on cranks can score the top plates if you are fussy... Noel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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