Looking to buy a Leica M4P or M6ttl or classic

[AnnTerese]

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I am not a photographer myself so I don't know much about these cameras. I'm wanting to replace a camera my dad had that was stolen. He is recently retired and took up photography as a hobby. It's something he has wanted to do since he was a kid. He got a little taste of it when he was in the navy but was getting rattled by all his peers so he switched up to SSG. I roughly 2k to spend on this and wanted to get the best deal I could find but not knowing much about the product makes that hard so I am here basically asking for some help and to see if I could find what I was looking for and gain some more knowledge. Hopefully that's ok. 

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[a.noctilux]

 

Welcome here AnnTerese

if I understand correctly, this is for your father.

Why don't you ask him what was stolen ?

- to begin, 2k ( $, £, € ) budget would be enough for M4-P + one lens

- would be very hard for M6 TTL or not plus (cheap) M lens

- then can your dad use without meter ?

 

Anyway you can ask more questions, we will answer at our best.

 

Arnaud

[250swb]

Be sure he wants to go back to film photography because it's one thing buying a film camera and lens but another when it comes to getting the film processed or having the enthusiasm to develop it yourself. And then there is scanning film or darkroom printing. In other words using film comes with baggage whereas digital cameras can basically just be plugged into the PC.

[Danner]

At your price range, the M4-P would be a realistic option with a used Zeiss or Voigtlander 50mm lens.

[nitroplait]

As much as I love the thought behind this, I'd advise you to either ask him precisely what he wants, or give him the money to buy it.

I am speaking with the experience of age. As you get older, time is more precious and life is too short for spending the time using something your child gifted you with the best intentions, just because you don't want to hurt the the child's feelings.

Make sure to give him a chance to do what he didn't have a chance to do. Don't rely on other peoples well meant advice. He'll love you for that.

[jaapv]

And then there is the question whether he considers migrating to digital. I might be of a similar age and I consider it one of the best photographic decisions I ever made. You really should involve him in the choice.

[andrew01]

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If you do buy a used Leica film camera I recommend buying from a trusted dealer that specialises in Leica and offers a warranty.  In my experience the prices are not that different from ebay, and in many cases better.  

[Graham (G4FUJ)]

I agree with Andrew.

Just bought an M4-P from a dealer.  It was 2/3rd the price of one on eBay, which didn't have any warranty.