George Stoichev Posted March 20, 2022 Share #1 Posted March 20, 2022 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi, I had Leica M6 classic. UPS lost the package and obviously I’m going to get the insurance.Now I have to see what to buy. My Leica M6 was super, but I have to recognize that the manual exposure control and manual focusing make me slow. I lose time and distract from what I shoot. From one side M7 seems to be a very good option, from all reviews I see the owners aré happy and enjoy it. I know M7 is with electronic exposure and M6 is fully manual , but is M7 serviceable? Is M7 so bad? And because I’m not sure wether I’m going to find M6 in same mint condition like one I had, the another option is to buy brand new MP. I know MP is “mechanical perfection” and it is nice and mechanical, but it is with manual exposure. what are your recommendations? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted March 20, 2022 Posted March 20, 2022 Hi George Stoichev, Take a look here M7 or MP. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
cesc Posted March 20, 2022 Share #2 Posted March 20, 2022 Hi! i recently went to kind of a same path, not exactly , but I end up buying a brand new MP. I had M6, M3 and M2. M7s are mostly electronic so my thoughts were... That they probably risk to be hard to fix in case of a problem (probably I am wrong tho) MP was the closest I could get from M6 with the build quality of M3. I feel the more you shoot the faster and confident you get in your exposure band focus, no need of a aperture priority Anyway, that's my thoughts hopefully they help you Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr35mm Posted March 20, 2022 Share #3 Posted March 20, 2022 you should buy both cameras! I did it last year 🙂 3 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
George Stoichev Posted March 20, 2022 Author Share #4 Posted March 20, 2022 4 minutes ago, mr35mm said: you should buy both cameras! I did it last year 🙂 Share your impressions from M7 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huss Posted March 21, 2022 Share #5 Posted March 21, 2022 I have both. In manual mode the M7 is exactly like using the MP, except with a bigger shutter speed dial. In auto mode - well the MP doesn't have that! - the M7 can be much quicker to use, and the exposure lock with half press of the shutter speed dial is very useful. If you want to get the shot as quickly and accurately as possible, the M7 is the tool to use. If you like to do everything manually all the time, then the MP. The M7 also has TTL flash, which works incredibly well with something like the SF24D. 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knipsknecht Posted March 21, 2022 Share #6 Posted March 21, 2022 I own a M6 "classic" and a M7, and if I would have to choose I would always opt for the M7. For me as a streetphotographer the ability to shoot in aperture priority makes the M7 my "weapon of choice" when it comes to film photography. But does it make the M6 a "bad" camera? No way! Both are very similar in almost any aspect, but for me, personally, the M7 adds just a tiny little bit more electronic comfort, so I can focus more on taking photos than on setting the right parameters in the camera. 2 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldwino Posted May 31, 2022 Share #7 Posted May 31, 2022 Advertisement (gone after registration) The other question that was not answered: what about service? I’m sure adjusting the rangefinder, etc is not the issue, but rather the shutter and it’s associated electronics. Is Leica still servicing these? Do they have parts? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Richardson Posted May 31, 2022 Share #8 Posted May 31, 2022 The M7 was only discontinued four years ago. It was in service for 16 years. I am sure that Leica has the parts still (the EU mandates that they need to keep them for at least 10 years, I believe). I agree with Knipsknecht. I have had all three of these cameras...M6 classic, M7 and MP. My favorite is the M7. It is the quietest (no slow speed escape sounds), best ergonomically with the rewind knob and upgraded VF and shutter speed dial with matches the direction of the metering arrows. It also shows the shutter speed in the viewfinder in aperture priority mode, as well as proving a countdown timer for long exposures (and a count up timer for bulb, I believe). The speeds are always spot on because of the electric timing. The downside to the M7 is really just the electronics (which are not that extensive). There can also be some issues with the DX reader, but Leica was fixing them for free for years, so most should be updated by now. I think the main question is do you want to buy a camera for today, or a camera for 20 years from now. I would say the MP is more likely to be working in 20-30 years, though the M7 could well do so too (I am using my Mamiya 7II for the last twenty years myself, and it is working fine.). My own M7 a la carte is from 2005 or so and still working like clockwork. These cameras are pretty solid and the electronics are fairly rudimentary. If it were me, I would get the M7 and enjoy the camera now. If Leica announced that they are going to stop repairing them or that they no longer have parts (as they recently did for the M6 meters), then you can sell it. I think the most important thing is that you feel that the M6 slowed you down and distracted you more than you like. I felt similarly at times. The M7 is a nice cure to that. All the Leica experience that you want, but increased speed via AE at the same time. 5 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kivis Posted May 31, 2022 Share #9 Posted May 31, 2022 I had an M3 and M6, sold them to get an almost new M7. All three are wonderful cameras. Kept the M7 for 11 years but got the itch to go back to absolute basics. I sold the M7 and become the owner of a brand new M-A (my first new Leica ever) almost two years ago. That's my take. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
a.noctilux Posted May 31, 2022 Share #10 Posted May 31, 2022 😁 M-A IS the answer (for me also) but all other M are great "picture making tools". 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pixie Posted May 31, 2022 Share #11 Posted May 31, 2022 I own a M6TTL. Aside from a lousy frame-lines and a plastic counter it's OK. Being 'slow' is about being prepared. It comes from practice not 'mechanical perfection' or metering. Stop worrying about exact exposures.. Take a 400 ISO BW film shoot it from 50 ISO all way to 1200+ ISO. Order or make small prints and see what you get! They should all, ALL be visible. Some contrasty others grainy and few bold tones.. If and when my meter packs up, will order a new compact meter for accessory shoe. Not Leica. The M7 has no more parts.. The MP may have same meter problems as M6, M6TTL. Find a camera body in good shape, test it and decide if it needs a CLR. Most do not! My M3 is 55 years in use professionally. I would hesitate to buy because of age and balsa glues holding viewfinder together.. Any M4 is great. Practice zone focus, learn to see and frame. Condensation between filter and lens. Lecia M3 35mm Goggles-Summaron. 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! Quote 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/330871-m7-or-mp/?do=findComment&comment=4445092'>More sharing options...
jakontil Posted May 31, 2022 Share #12 Posted May 31, 2022 5 hours ago, a.noctilux said: 😁 M-A IS the answer (for me also) but all other M are great "picture making tools". After owning MA, now i know why… im glad i took the plunge 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Capuccino-Muffin Posted May 31, 2022 Share #13 Posted May 31, 2022 For me, M7 only on top of full manual M, as a third or fourth camera. First two at least must be regular M. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huss Posted May 31, 2022 Share #14 Posted May 31, 2022 4 hours ago, Capuccino-Muffin said: For me, M7 only on top of full manual M, as a third or fourth camera. First two at least must be regular M. Do you have an M7? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Richardson Posted June 1, 2022 Share #15 Posted June 1, 2022 I find it interesting in this thread where the original poster felt slowed by a lack of AE and seems to want an M7, how everyone who has an M7 is telling him to go for it and everyone who doesn’t is telling him that he should buy a meterless camera. My M6 went 35 years without a service (it was my father’s) and was still working fine when I sent it in. My M7 was bought new in 2005 and has not had a service other than replacing the dx coder, which they offered free. So far it is still good. I think it is silly to steer someone away from a camera like that when their only real concern with it is reliability. Theoretically it may be less reliable in that electronic parts are harder to replace. But on the other hand, it also is more reliable in terms of speeds…the electronic timing is consistent and reliable, whereas the mechanical timing is prone to shifting over the years as gears wear and lubricants dry out. The M7 is still a young camera in the Leica world, and it surely has decades more life in it. 7 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stuart Richardson Posted June 1, 2022 Share #16 Posted June 1, 2022 (edited) PS, people who think the MP stands for “mechanical perfection” are wrong. It is no better built than any other Leica. I bought mine new in 2003, and soon after buying it it had a shutter error that ruined multiple rolls on a trip to Europe. It was less smooth than either my M7 or my dad’s M6 classic. It had a clearer finder than a M6, but that was the extent of it. It is really just an aesthetic overhaul of an M6, with a brass top and an improved finder. Otherwise it is just another M. My M7 is the nicest Leica I own, but that could be because it is an a la carte… I chose blue leather because I was young and carefree, haha. If I send it in for service one day I will ask for them to replace it with black leather if they can. More appropriate for middle aged grumps such as myself. Maybe another color for my old age... 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 June 1, 2022 by Stuart Richardson 15 Quote 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/330871-m7-or-mp/?do=findComment&comment=4445786'>More sharing options...
becker Posted June 1, 2022 Share #17 Posted June 1, 2022 MP , less is more and its less more hassle free. M2 is a nice alternative and one step beyond reduced . 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ouroboros Posted June 1, 2022 Share #18 Posted June 1, 2022 Never had a problem with my MP, bought new in 2006. I discounted the M7 at the time because I didn't want or need AE and I prefer the black paint MP over silver or matt black M cameras My son bought a new M-A a few months ago. Inexcusable QC issues aside (he's now on his third replacement new camera body since buying the first one in January 2022!), I prefer the frame lines of his M-A to my MP but I prefer the black paint and the shutter sound (there is a noticeable difference between them) of my MP. Unless you really need AE, although I don't see how a manual exposure camera will slow you down with a bit of user experience, I'd buy a new MP rather than a used M7. With Leica M cameras from the M4 on, it really comes down to which of the fairly minor differences between them feels right for you. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
becker Posted June 1, 2022 Share #19 Posted June 1, 2022 You named it M4 a beauty in black paint as well and comes with nice "modern" return knob. M4 M2 MP ( black painted ), no one needs more 😉. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huss Posted June 1, 2022 Share #20 Posted June 1, 2022 (edited) 9 hours ago, Stuart Richardson said: PS, people who think the MP stands for “mechanical perfection” are wrong. It is no better built than any other Leica. I bought mine new in 2003, and soon after buying it it had a shutter error that ruined multiple rolls on a trip to Europe. It was less smooth than either my M7 or my dad’s M6 classic. It had a clearer finder than a M6, but that was the extent of it. It is really just an aesthetic overhaul of an M6, with a brass top and an improved finder. Otherwise it is just another M. My M7 is the nicest Leica I own, but that could be because it is an a la carte… I chose blue leather because I was young and carefree, haha. If I send it in for service one day I will ask for them to replace it with black leather if they can. More appropriate for middle aged grumps such as myself. Maybe another color for my old age... 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! That is beautiful. Do not change to boring black! Edited June 1, 2022 by Huss 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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