lighthouseblues Posted February 28, 2012 Share #1 Posted February 28, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all! I'm new here and I currently own a Hasselblad, which I love! But because of bad back and shoulders, I would also like to have a Leica that is much easier to bring along at for example city walks and street photography. So I want to humbly ask for help and advice what model to look for. I want to have an analog camera, wide angle, normal and telephoto lenses. Light meter I have, and know how to use, so if the camera does not have it so it does not matter. I want fast lenses with the possibility of shallow depth of field. I would be very grateful for some help in this matter. Best regards Marie Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 28, 2012 Posted February 28, 2012 Hi lighthouseblues, Take a look here Model advice please?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Stealth3kpl Posted February 28, 2012 Share #2 Posted February 28, 2012 You're going to hear all the models suggested so ignore all subsequent posts. M2. All mechanical flare resistant viewfinder Frame lines for 35/50/90. No annoying flashing lights of a meter smoooooth Beautiful Cheap Pete Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbretteville Posted February 28, 2012 Share #3 Posted February 28, 2012 Marie, An M2 is a good choice. Just remember that regardless of the model you choose, factor in the cost of a clean-lubricate-adjust service to ensure everything is up to spec (unless it has had it recently). An old camera can do with a CLA now an then (as in every 10 years or so). Carl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maarten Posted February 28, 2012 Share #4 Posted February 28, 2012 That's easy: my advice an M2 as well, take a CLA into account. Maarten Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted February 28, 2012 Share #5 Posted February 28, 2012 As you say you want to use a wide angle lens I'm dumbfounded as to why anybody should suggest an M2, fine camera that it is. You really want a camera with the 28mm frameline which at least gives you a fighting chance of enjoying your photography without the need for additional viewfinders and the clumsiness they introduce. An M4 or M6 would be a good choice, an M7, or MP if you have more money. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted February 28, 2012 Share #6 Posted February 28, 2012 M2 and 35, 50 Summicrons, and a 90 Summicron or Elmarit. If money isn't an issue get a new MP and 35 Summilux, 50 Noctilux Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted February 28, 2012 Share #7 Posted February 28, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Marie, welcome. My vote is M2 as well. I have an M7 and an MP and have had M6 and M4. The M2 is the best of the bunch. On the wideangle point, you need to define what you mean by "wide" - Steve's absolutely right - the M2 only goes up to 35mm framelines - but the widest framelines in any M are 28mm... if you want to go wider you are in to accessory viewfinder territory anyway. Personally I would still go M2 and live with a finder. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted February 28, 2012 Share #8 Posted February 28, 2012 M6/7, 28/35mm, 50mm, 90mm. Once upon a time I owned an M2, M3 and M6. Used the M6 most of the time - only used the other two as back up bodies. Preferred the M6 for the meter, wider frame lines, faster loading and faster rewind. I still have the M6, the other two are long gone. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pgk Posted February 28, 2012 Share #9 Posted February 28, 2012 As a working camera I would suggest an M4 - they are younger than the M2/3 superbly built and can be found at surprisingly reasonable prices at the moment. Its worth bearing in mind that even M4s are 35+ years old now so paying more from a dealer and getting some sort of warranty might be worth considering. Also a CLA might be worth budgeting for - I've just picked up an (admittedly battered) 1974 M4 which I sent off for a CLA this morning despite the fact that its working fine. The repairer is perfectly happy to work on M4s and spares seem plentiful. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomB_tx Posted February 28, 2012 Share #10 Posted February 28, 2012 Whatever M model you find in your price range! I have M3, M4, M5, M6, and M9 - and a CL. All are excellent to use, and more similar than different. M2 and M4 fit your needs well since you use an external meter, but M5 and M6 are often a bargain, and the meters are convenient. M3 and CL are less convenient for wide angle due to the finders. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jpattison Posted February 28, 2012 Share #11 Posted February 28, 2012 Marie, Welcome to the Forum, I would suggest finding a Leica dealer in your area, and trying out the various models they may have in store second hand. You won't regret any model, but check here first to get an idea of the differences between them..... Leica M Guide lenses here... http://www.kenrockwell.com/leica/lens-reviews.htm and check the WIKI http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-wiki.en/index.php/Main_Page some dealers here... Leica FAQ — Where to buy online Regards, John Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lighthouseblues Posted February 28, 2012 Author Share #12 Posted February 28, 2012 Lots of thanks to all of you guys! :-) I'm quite overwhelmed and thrilled over all answers! I have to read more about the different models, and then talk to my dealer. I have a rather good dealer not so far away, but I want to know more before I talk to them, but now, thanks to you, i'm on my way to beautiful Leica!! Once again, THANKS!! :-)) Marie Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
E.M Posted February 28, 2012 Share #13 Posted February 28, 2012 M6ttl , has a meter , larger shutterspeeddial is easier to operate and turns the same direction as the newer M's . Good luck ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted February 28, 2012 Share #14 Posted February 28, 2012 Hi all! I'm new here and I currently own a Hasselblad, which I love! But because of bad back and shoulders, I would also like to have a Leica that is much easier to bring along at for example city walks and street photography. So I want to humbly ask for help and advice what model to look for. I want to have an analog camera, wide angle, normal and telephoto lenses. Light meter I have, and know how to use, so if the camera does not have it so it does not matter. I want fast lenses with the possibility of shallow depth of field. I would be very grateful for some help in this matter. Best regards Marie My sympathies for your back, but let me suggest that a Hasselblad can be lighter on your back than a Leica M. I cope by shortening the strap so I can use the normal finder, and in a pinch a 45 degree finder. If you want to carry a few fast lenses, the load will be heavy regardless of Leica or Hasselblad! IMHO. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeverettfine Posted February 28, 2012 Share #15 Posted February 28, 2012 To me the body matters less than the lenses. I recommend an M2 or M4 body. You say you want fast lenses (you being a Hasselblad shooter means f2.8 and wider)...one of the great advantages of Leica is the compact size of most of the lenses (exceptions are 90 Summicron, 135 Elmarit, 75 Summilux). My favorite suite would be a 35mm Summicron f/2, a 50mm Summilux f1.4 and an 90mm Elmarit-M f2.8 (the older Tele-Elmarit is almost as good and is smaller as well). You will probably never have to buy anything else. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broadside Posted February 28, 2012 Share #16 Posted February 28, 2012 M4 and a 35mm lens - all you need! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lighthouseblues Posted February 28, 2012 Author Share #17 Posted February 28, 2012 M6ttl , has a meter , larger shutterspeeddial is easier to operate and turns the same direction as the newer M's . Good luck ! I will definitely check it out! :-) Thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lighthouseblues Posted February 28, 2012 Author Share #18 Posted February 28, 2012 To me the body matters less than the lenses. I recommend an M2 or M4 body. You say you want fast lenses (you being a Hasselblad shooter means f2.8 and wider)...one of the great advantages of Leica is the compact size of most of the lenses (exceptions are 90 Summicron, 135 Elmarit, 75 Summilux). My favorite suite would be a 35mm Summicron f/2, a 50mm Summilux f1.4 and an 90mm Elmarit-M f2.8 (the older Tele-Elmarit is almost as good and is smaller as well). You will probably never have to buy anything else. That is exactly what I want, and what I love about my hassie, never bother anymore about "the newest" ! I think your choise of lenses are excellent, thanks! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted February 28, 2012 Share #19 Posted February 28, 2012 Hello Marie, Welcome to the Forum. If you think you might have an interest in 90's & 135's you might also look into an M3 for those days when those focal lengths would be your choice. The image in an M3 range/viewfinder is perhaps the best of all the M's w/ a 90. Also w/ a 135 w/o goggles. If you are willing to have a 90 which is around F 2.8 &/or a 135 around F 4 you might find their compactness & ease in handling sometimes makes them more versatile than their somewhat larger apertured siblings. Perhaps an M3 to go along w/ an M2. Best Regards, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lighthouseblues Posted February 29, 2012 Author Share #20 Posted February 29, 2012 Thank you Michael. That sounds very interresting, and yes I'm interrested in those focal lenghts, so I will definitely check that out! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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