opt817 Posted February 27, 2022 Share #1 Posted February 27, 2022 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hello, I'm looking for a help with first film Leica M camera. I prefere newer model with built-in light meter. I intend to use it only for B&W film photography of people, nature, mountains. For my shooting style I prefere 35 or 50mm focal length. What type of camera you suggest and best budget lens for start? Where you can buy it second hand in EU? Thanks a lot for your suggestions. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted February 27, 2022 Posted February 27, 2022 Hi opt817, Take a look here First film Leica M camera. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Danner Posted February 27, 2022 Share #2 Posted February 27, 2022 (edited) IMHO, the M6 classic is an excellent option. Edited February 27, 2022 by Danner 4 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
opt817 Posted February 27, 2022 Author Share #3 Posted February 27, 2022 I'm looking for source of Leica M in Europe? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
LocalHero1953 Posted February 27, 2022 Share #4 Posted February 27, 2022 (edited) For what you specify, I think the only options are M5, M6 Classic, M6 TTL, M7, CL and MP. M5 is an acquired taste in style M6 - getting quite expensive - >£2k. M7 - most complex/sophisticated CL - budget option, less accurate rangefinder MP - current model, based on M6 Classic. With your requirements, and money no object, I would go for M6 Classic or MP. If on a budget, for a first camera, perhaps to move on later, then a CL. Edited February 27, 2022 by LocalHero1953 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.noctilux Posted February 27, 2022 Share #5 Posted February 27, 2022 Vienna, Leicashop France, Leica Camera occasions Photo Suffren and many more ... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hans-Dieter Gülicher Posted February 27, 2022 Share #6 Posted February 27, 2022 Take the M3 (1954). Price in Germany about € 2000. Regrads Hans Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
250swb Posted February 27, 2022 Share #7 Posted February 27, 2022 Advertisement (gone after registration) As you say you want a meter then the most recent are the M6 or the current MP. I wouldn't go with an M7 because they are becoming difficult to repair. Buy from a dealer so you get a warranty. If it was me buying I'd want an MP. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
opt817 Posted February 27, 2022 Author Share #8 Posted February 27, 2022 I've checked prices which are very high and get following Leica M5, working OK,1200€ Leica M4-2, perfect working order, 2100€ Leica M6, black 0.72 overhauled, 2400€ Leica M7, good condition, 3000€ Only last two have metering system built in? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham (G4FUJ) Posted February 27, 2022 Share #9 Posted February 27, 2022 The M5 also has built in metering. 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Prime Posted February 27, 2022 Share #10 Posted February 27, 2022 (edited) There are also 3rd party meters available which slide into the hot shoe. I haven’t tried any myself as I use an iphone with a free lightmeter Ap instead (works remarkably well). In addition to some old light meters there are some new technologically modern meters which slide into the hot shoe and are relatively small and sold on-line in the usual places. With such a solution you can then look at the classics and amongst those I’d suggest the M2 or M4 model range because they have frame lines for 35mm and 50mm lenses; I chose an M4 (I already had an M3) because I wanted an internal frame counter. Some people have said they prefer not to have the built in meter of the latest M-P because the LED’s are too bright in evening (dim) light and they “cut into” the frame lines - I've never seen one myself though. Edited February 27, 2022 by Mr.Prime Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.noctilux Posted February 27, 2022 Share #11 Posted February 27, 2022 For first film M, M6 is the best choice. Less sexy than MP/M-A but M6 has the best user friendly features, like articulate comfortable film wind-on, rewind is easier, accept winder/Leicavit M if need be. Quick loading foolproof and repearable for years to come. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
opt817 Posted February 27, 2022 Author Share #12 Posted February 27, 2022 Hello filmfriends, thanks for good support and suggestions. I'll try to get decent Leica M6 and I'll report back to you. Another question about objective lens - which starter lens do you recommend, preferably focal lenght 35mm, aperture f2 for 500 to 600€? Lens mostly used for B&W photography. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktmrider2 Posted February 27, 2022 Share #13 Posted February 27, 2022 You really can't go wrong with any 35 from Leitz, Zeiss or Voightlander. As far as bang for the buck, Voightlander is the way to go. I have several 35 mm lenses and the one that lives on the camera is the Zeiss 35f2.8 C-Biogon. It is a stop slower than you stated but possibly the sharpest 35 made today. Voightlander offers 35's from f1.2 to f2.8 and each one has its fans. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
madNbad Posted February 27, 2022 Share #14 Posted February 27, 2022 1 minute ago, opt817 said: Hello filmfriends, thanks for good support and suggestions. I'll try to get decent Leica M6 and I'll report back to you. Another question about objective lens - which starter lens do you recommend, preferably focal lenght 35mm, aperture f2 for 500 to 600€? Lens mostly used for B&W photography. The 35 is a good, versital choice for most situations. Being a bit wider, it takes in more of the scene to tell a bit better story. A fifity will give you a view appoximating what the human eye will see. It's a better portrait lens compared to the 35 and many photographers have worked a long time with just a fifty. A good place to start is to go to one of the image threads on this site and see which lens is better suited to your particular style of photography. Good luck and welcome to the forum. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.noctilux Posted February 27, 2022 Share #15 Posted February 27, 2022 2/35 lens for 500-600€, this would be Voigtlander field, even f/1.4/35 Nokton. You can buy cheaper chinese or second hand lenses also, but I don't see as first lens.. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew01 Posted February 27, 2022 Share #16 Posted February 27, 2022 5 hours ago, opt817 said: I've checked prices which are very high and get following Leica M5, working OK,1200€ Leica M4-2, perfect working order, 2100€ Leica M6, black 0.72 overhauled, 2400€ Leica M7, good condition, 3000€ Only last two have metering system built in? I think you should be able to get an M4-2 or M4-P at a much better price than €2100 if patient, but no meter. If you can stretch to an M6 classic that is a great camera and has metering. For reasonably priced lenses I would go for Voigtlander, Zeiss or older Leica collapsible lenses. Any Leica lens made in the last 20 years is crazy money now. I am liking the reviews and price of the Voigtlander 35mm f2 Ultron v2, and this will be my next M lens purchase. It is reportedly very close to the summicron ASPH. I had this lens but sold it because I didn’t feel like it justified its huge price. I have the 5cm f3.5 Elmar and the Zeiss 50mm f2 ZM planar and both are great lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew01 Posted February 27, 2022 Share #17 Posted February 27, 2022 (edited) This was taken with the collapsible 5cm f3.5 Elmar (1954). The only downside of this lens is that turning the aperture selector also turns the focussing mechanism, so not as fast to dial in exposure while holding the camera to your eye. I think these lenses now go for around €400 with clean optics. I bought mine over 10 years ago, so probably paid half that. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Edited February 27, 2022 by andrew01 3 Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/330231-first-film-leica-m-camera/?do=findComment&comment=4391941'>More sharing options...
opt817 Posted February 28, 2022 Author Share #18 Posted February 28, 2022 Hello, i'm waitng for good offer for Zeiss C Sonnar 50mm f1,5 T* | ZM | Leica. What is your opinion about this lens? 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
espelt Posted February 28, 2022 Share #19 Posted February 28, 2022 The Zeiss C Sonnar 50mm f1.5 is very good. Maybe something clean with film. But that's a matter of taste. If you want a 50mm lens, check out the Canon ltm lenses. The "Japanese Summilux" with aperture 1.4. Or the also very good 2.0. Are relatively cheap and have a lot of charm. A very nice travel lens is the Voigtländer Color Skobar. The M fits in the coat pocket. And goes easy on the budget. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
madNbad Posted February 28, 2022 Share #20 Posted February 28, 2022 4 hours ago, opt817 said: Hello, i'm waitng for good offer for Zeiss C Sonnar 50mm f1,5 T* | ZM | Leica. What is your opinion about this lens? If you can get it for a good price, get it and use it. There are a lot of lenses for the M camera and you have to start somewhere. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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