Owem Posted October 19, 2012 Share #1 Posted October 19, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello, I'm a teenager photographer who would like to by a M system on a budget. Possibly below ~850$. Thing's I'd like. -The body must be compatible with the Voigtlander 15mm Screwmount with an adapter. -A meter would be ideal, but not absolutely necessary. -Good viewfinder -At least somewhat stable I don't reall have any specification on lenses, other than I already know I'd get a 15mm 4.5 screwmount. If you have any other opinion such as getting a R setup, please tell me! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted October 19, 2012 Posted October 19, 2012 Hi Owem, Take a look here Help me decide my first M setup!. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
k_g_wolf ✝ Posted October 19, 2012 Share #2 Posted October 19, 2012 (edited) Welcome to the LEICA-Forum.. For a sensible start you could try a LEICA M2. But in case you funds allow an M6, go for this newer model. It has the lightmeter incorporated, VERY useful. If you want to go automatic, have a look at the M7, VERY much recommended. Buying secondhand I would strongly recommend to buy from a reputable dealer and arrange for a warranty. Buying from eBay might lead to the fact, that the seller refuses to take the item back in case of a qualityproblem. Older mechanical cameras do show these from time to time. Don´t hesitate to go beyong your financial limit. It´s always worth with a LEICA ... Best GEORG Edited October 19, 2012 by k_g_wolf 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owem Posted October 19, 2012 Author Share #3 Posted October 19, 2012 Thanks! Would you disrecommend a third party M mount camera such as a Bessa, Minolta CLE or Leica CL? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leonardo_alves Posted October 19, 2012 Share #4 Posted October 19, 2012 Thanks! Would you disrecommend a third party M mount camera such as a Bessa, Minolta CLE or Leica CL? I think Leica CL is a good option for your budget... I have one and like It very much... 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted October 19, 2012 Share #5 Posted October 19, 2012 Check that you can use a 15mm on the CL, it may foul the meter. What about a screw mount Leica such as a lllc? Or yes there are the Voigtlanders. The M2 is one of the least expensive Leica M bodies, don't worry too much about cosmetics as long as the rangefinder/viewfinder and mechanics are good. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kokoshawnuff Posted October 19, 2012 Share #6 Posted October 19, 2012 For meter-less (also battery-less) not much beats an M3/M2. The Voigtlander cameras are very good if you want a meter and they fall within your price range new. A used Zeiss Ikon might also be found within your price range Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owem Posted October 20, 2012 Author Share #7 Posted October 20, 2012 Advertisement (gone after registration) Check that you can use a 15mm on the CL, it may foul the meter. What about a screw mount Leica such as a lllc? Or yes there are the Voigtlanders. The M2 is one of the least expensive Leica M bodies, don't worry too much about cosmetics as long as the rangefinder/viewfinder and mechanics are good. "The CL can take nearly all the Leica M lenses. Exception are some lenses that protrude deep into the body and could hurt the meter arm, these include: 15mm/8 Hologon" Does this mean the Voigtlander 15mm doesn't work on it? If so I can't use it. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheewai_m6 Posted October 20, 2012 Share #8 Posted October 20, 2012 it's so good to hear someone getting into film Leica. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owem Posted October 20, 2012 Author Share #9 Posted October 20, 2012 it's so good to hear someone getting into film Leica. Especially a young whiper snaper such as I! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andym911 Posted October 20, 2012 Share #10 Posted October 20, 2012 I am fortunate to have the M2, M6,M7 and the CL. I use the CL the most by far, and then the others. Main reasons are Very compact Excellent light meter Most intuitive handling Lightweight I nearly always use the 40mm cron or similar as a lens. It is my favorite camera. All the other cameras noted are probably better built but not really noticeable in day to day use. If you want the heft of an M then go for the M2 or M6.If you want to keep budget down but enjoy a marvelous Leica then go for the CL. here the last shot I posted from the CL http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/people/258499-1st-football.html#post2208007 Andy Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted October 20, 2012 Share #11 Posted October 20, 2012 Another vote for an M2. My first Leica was an M2 and I still enjoy using it. I even bought it a new old lens last weekend. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pop Posted October 20, 2012 Share #12 Posted October 20, 2012 "The CL can take nearly all the Leica M lenses. Exception are some lenses that protrude deep into the body and could hurt the meter arm, these include: 15mm/8 Hologon" Does this mean the Voigtlander 15mm doesn't work on it? If so I can't use it. No, it does not mean that. I used the Voigtländer 12mm (twelve) on the CL without any problems at all. The Hologon is quite another lens. The only problem I had with the CL was that the exposure meter worked at times and didn't at other times. That was, however, just this particular instance, and would not be a grave problem for many kinds of photography. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipus Posted October 20, 2012 Share #13 Posted October 20, 2012 Welcome to the forum Owen. Is $850 to include a lens? Then your options will be a bit limited but certainly not bad. The CL is an option - it can probably be had with the excellent 40 Summicron for that money. Barnacks are delightful, lighweight and meterless cameras in their own right and shouldn't be overlooked. I love using my II and the Summitar and even bring it when I go for a jog, it is that tiny and light. Without a lens it's quite easy to find M bodies without meters within your budget. The important thing is to make sure it is optically (VF and RF) and mechanically (buttons, knobs and film operation) in good condition. People pay lots of unnecessary money for cosmetic condition imho. The general rule is to buy from a dealer because they usually offer som form of warranty and right to return which may save peace of mind and possibly cash. If you go the M route the next question is if you like using lenses sider than 35mm without goggles. If no, then an M3 is an option (though being considered as a bit of an icon camera they usually cost a bit more). The VF is really magnificent - you'll find loooots of opinion on this - but in actual use I haven't found the 0.72x VF my TTL to be worse. The M2 is an very good alternative as is the M4 variants. The -P and -2 are usually siginificantly cheaper than the M4 proper. M6 and M7 will cost more but are of course great cameras. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted October 20, 2012 Share #14 Posted October 20, 2012 Definitely M4! Mostly in better condition than M2's, especially when it comes to the clarity of the viewfinder. With Summaron 35/2.8 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
k_g_wolf ✝ Posted October 20, 2012 Share #15 Posted October 20, 2012 Lot´s of good advice already. I would only have a problem with the CL/ CLE-recommendation. There is hardly any repairstation left for these. In case of a failure these two are write-offs. And: an M4-2 and/ or M4-P could also be in >> the limit << and - of course - any BESSA could do the job as well, esp. for a novice.Then a real LEICA will follow in due course, IMO. Then that´s really out of limits financially, once the trigger is pulled ... Best GEORG 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Messsucherkamera Posted October 20, 2012 Share #16 Posted October 20, 2012 It sounds like the CL, M2 and M4-P are some options to consider. I have never had a chance to shoot with the CL or M2 but the M4-P is a great camera. It has no internal meter which is not an issue if you are accustomed to hand metering. Good luck in your search - it's great to hear that people are returning to film based photography. It lacks the instant gratification of digital but more than makes up for it in other ways. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owem Posted October 20, 2012 Author Share #17 Posted October 20, 2012 Thanks for the help and the opinions everyone! I've narrowed it down to getting a Leica CL or M4-2(or M4-P, which ever shows up). I'll be getting a Voigtlander 15mm f4.5 screwmount (with an adapter, obviously), and maybe eventually a 40mm cron from Minolta, or another 3rd party m lens, such as a Zeiss. However, I may save up for a good real Leica cron lens, perhaps lux some day. If there are any objections (such as compatibility, or last notes), please speak now! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
otto.f Posted October 20, 2012 Share #18 Posted October 20, 2012 To start with a 15mm is tough. On film the very wide angles show a lot of grain in the details and they are difficult to find right exposures for starters. If you work with an incident light meter it would help a lot Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
philipus Posted October 20, 2012 Share #19 Posted October 20, 2012 Thanks for the help and the opinions everyone! I've narrowed it down to getting a Leica CL or M4-2(or M4-P, which ever shows up). I'll be getting a Voigtlander 15mm f4.5 screwmount (with an adapter, obviously), and maybe eventually a 40mm cron from Minolta, or another 3rd party m lens, such as a Zeiss. However, I may save up for a good real Leica cron lens, perhaps lux some day. If there are any objections (such as compatibility, or last notes), please speak now! None from me. Interestingly a thread was just begun on the Summicron 40 so if you co for the CL consider that as a useful complement to the 15mm (which I agree is a rather difficult - and unusual, but that's actually a good thing - starter lens). 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owem Posted October 20, 2012 Author Share #20 Posted October 20, 2012 It's sort of like when I bought my D3100 and only would shoot in manual for the first month until I knew how to use it, I think the 15mm won't be as hard as figuring out M to someone how knows nothing about cameras expect for the amount of megapickles. I like a challenge, that's why I shoot film. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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