Pangur Ban Posted July 25, 2012 Share #1 Posted July 25, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) I've been through something of a rangefinder expedition over the past few years since buying my M3. I've rattled through a number of Leica's plus a Voigtlander, a Zeiss Ikon and a Minolta CLE. I have sold some over the years but still have, er, several. I'm seriously considering selling the lot and with the proceeds re-buying an MP. I had one before so I know what they're like and I'm feeling like simplifying my collection down to one 35mm rangefinder, so I may as well get an MP to replace the current line up of M3, M2, M8, IIIa, R3A, ZI, CLE plus Fuji GA645i, oh as well as a couple of Nikon Fs. I'm clear that I don't want a M9, the M8 has proven to me that I really do like film cameras for my main choice and I do have a Nex-3 for times when digital is more convenient. So here's the thing - I'm a bit sentimentally attached to some of the cameras: they've been with me through some special moments and I've learnt a lot from them. Selling them on to replace them with a parvenu feels a bit faithless, but the convenience of an internal meter and the longevity of the MP is attractive. It wouldn't do anything the others can do already but as a single choice it feels the right one. Should I buy a brand new MP (whilst I can) or get a secondhand one (and save £1000)? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted July 25, 2012 Posted July 25, 2012 Hi Pangur Ban, Take a look here Time to sell the collection and get an MP?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Joop van Heijgen Posted July 25, 2012 Share #2 Posted July 25, 2012 The best M cameras you do already have: The M3 and M2.... The MP is no better camera is quality way. Yes it haves a built in light meter with leds.... A lot of money for a built in meter. When that's the point you can better buy a M6. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted July 26, 2012 Share #3 Posted July 26, 2012 Hello Pangur Ban, Or for even less you can buy a really good light meter. Using a hand held or clip on light meter is not the end of the World. Best Regards, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocker Posted July 26, 2012 Share #4 Posted July 26, 2012 Buy a second-hand MP from a good dealer. I bought one 4 or 5 years ago from Ffordes and don't regret it for one moment. And its worth more than I paid for it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AB007 Posted July 26, 2012 Share #5 Posted July 26, 2012 Not sure whether it would be a wise decision to get rid of your M3 and M2 and get a MP. The choice is yours. I enjoy my M3 and I love my MP too. I shoot more with M3 than MP. When I shoot 35mm, I bring my MP. If you WANT an MP, then get it but I would not suggest getting rid of M3 and M2. If you shoot 35mm, I gather M2 is ideal ...MP too. I have not used M2 so I cannot comment much about it. I can live with M3 and MP without the M2. Missing the lightmeter? You can always get the VC II. How are your lenses? If there is a gap/void, I would consider a lens rather than a MP. If you have enough then get a MP Life is short, enjoy! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fgcm Posted July 26, 2012 Share #6 Posted July 26, 2012 If I were you, I would buy a M6ttl or a M7 and a couple of new summarit. MP is a weird think: you pay a lot of hard earned mony to get an inferior product. Franco Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted July 26, 2012 Share #7 Posted July 26, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) ....but the convenience of an internal meter and the longevity of the MP is attractive. And so it should be. If you feel it is a better bet to get more pictures, and a higher rate of accurately exposed pictures, go for an MP. The very fact that you are thinking about the useful productivity of a camera is a good sign. The typical 'gentleman photographers' would have you living in the past indefinitely. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
xalo Posted July 26, 2012 Share #8 Posted July 26, 2012 I am keeping the M3 (my first Leica), CLE and a second hand MP 35/50/90 from Meister. There is more cash bound in this body compared to an M2 (which it replaces for me in the end), sure. Perhaps there is not much reasoning and it's closer to love at first sight. However, this is the camera that gives me the greatest satisfaction in use and the built-in meter allows me exposing slide film with much more ease and accuracy then my late M2. All three M bodies have different finder magnifications and complement each other well. Everyone his/her mix of reason and folly... Alexander Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
honcho Posted July 26, 2012 Share #9 Posted July 26, 2012 If I were you, I would buy a M6ttl or a M7 and a couple of new summarit.MP is a weird think: you pay a lot of hard earned mony to get an inferior product. Franco Eh???? :D Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted July 26, 2012 Share #10 Posted July 26, 2012 If you want to END your life as a collector, MP as the only RF is a good choice. If you are still in the "collector mindsettting" or think to comeback to it one day... throwing away M3+M2 is always a mistake... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sterlinstarlin Posted July 26, 2012 Share #11 Posted July 26, 2012 Do it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cheekyguille Posted July 26, 2012 Share #12 Posted July 26, 2012 Sell everything except the M2 and M3, then carefully hunt for the right pre-owned MP. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlet Posted July 26, 2012 Share #13 Posted July 26, 2012 Unless you're really good at estimating exposure get the MP or an M6TTL and sell - at least - the Ms and the CLE. They're redundant and simplified kit is a blessing one only truly understands when one has it. Then swear never to buy another M Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fgcm Posted July 26, 2012 Share #14 Posted July 26, 2012 Eh???? I know I infringed the first Commendment of the true Leicaman and I will burnt at the stake Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmooney Posted July 26, 2012 Share #15 Posted July 26, 2012 How many lenses do you have? I think I'd rather have an M6 with a 35mm and another M6 with a 90mm mounted and maybe a wide angle in a bag than one MP then have to change lenses all the time. Also gives you the option to load one with B&W and one with Color. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbelyaev Posted July 26, 2012 Share #16 Posted July 26, 2012 Go with used MP. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michael Geschlecht Posted July 27, 2012 Share #17 Posted July 27, 2012 Helo Steve & Scarlet, MP minus M3/M2 or MP minus M3&M2 = a very expensive light meter which only has advantages in a few circumstances w/ an MP. Using a separate lightmeter whether clip on or hand held is not the monstrous, unknowable bogieman some people might think. A clip on is pretty much an inboard. A separate, handheld lightmeter that will spend most of its working life in your pocket can do most of what an inboard meter does in most situations & can usually do it equally easily. Some it does better. It can also teach quite a lot about exposure that an inboard meter cannot. Best Regards, Michael Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest sterlinstarlin Posted July 27, 2012 Share #18 Posted July 27, 2012 M3 and M2 bodies are becoming relics. Sell them and get something better, like an MP, and then, if you need a second body, buy an M7. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted July 27, 2012 Share #19 Posted July 27, 2012 It can also teach quite a lot about exposure that an inboard meter cannot. I suggest that the vast majority of people in the position to buy an MP are already perfectly able to use a light meter and don't need to learn about exposure. A hand held meter has its uses, but it can't compete with a meter that is integrated in the viewfinder as you are composing the scene and responding to changes in light and action. Steve Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted July 27, 2012 Share #20 Posted July 27, 2012 I'm not convinced that the built in meter of the MP would be that much 'quicker' than using a hand held meter, in fact, I'd bet that in practical use, an incident meter is quickest. The MP meter is like a fat spotmeter, which changes with every different focal length you use, so you need to keep imagining which 'spot' you are reading with and meter accordingly. With an incident meter - for shooting outside in fairly constant light conditions - you take a reading, set the camera and forget about it. That said, if you want to rationalise your equipement then why not treat yourself to a brand new MP - go a la carte and really make it your own! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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