Thinking about a digital M...

[mikoto06]

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I've been lurking here reading about Leica M digital rangefinders. They have always been a curiosity of mine. My quick history is that I started shooting with Nikon DSLR's (D50, D700) then moved through various mirrorless setups (Olympus and Panasonic) and then was with a Fuji X setup for years (X-T1 and X-Pro2). On the X-Pro2, I absolutely loved using an all manual lens, Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 and the manual controls on the X-Pro2. I ended up recently selling the Fuji gear to get into a Sony A7iii since I'm doing more video work, which the Sony is technologically awesome. Eye-AF, AF speeds, burst, video controls are all top notch.

I type this just because I'm losing the desire to just go out and shoot for fun. Photography is becoming boring and has lost it's fun factor for me. I'm looking back fondly of the X-Pro2 and the Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 and enjoying 1 focal length, manual controls, manual focus and just shooting with that.

Which brings me back around to a Leica digital M. I've been doing a lot of research into either a Leica M10 or typ 240 (used for both) and a 35mm f/2 ASPH Summicron. I'd love to try a combo out and truly experience a rangefinder setup (since the X-Pro2 isn't an RF) to figure out if a setup like that would be fun to shoot with again.

Does anyone have any advice on where to buy used (KEH, UsedPhotoPro, B&H, Adorama or even eBay), what kind of things to look out for and if this idea is crazy or not? Thanks for any help.

[Luke_Miller]

Can't speak to what might be fun for you, but my digital Ms are what I pick up for enjoyment.  Long time Nikon DSLR shooter and enjoy the results I get from them.  Using them, not so much.  The Ms are more challenging and that is a big part of their appeal.  If you like manual focusing I believe you will enjoy a M.  My dealer of choice is Popflash and I buy their Demo or used bodies and lenses.  Alex and Tony are good people and stand behind their products.

[a.noctilux]

Welcome mikoto06,

Leica M is so unique that it is NOT for everybody.

My suggestion is going to  "try and see" in your nearest Leica dealer (or shop)  and see by yourself if using Leica M can do it for you.

If you have a Leica M user near where you live, ask him (or her) to hold and "try" the M spirit.

The journey can be very expensive (or not depending on your income ! ).

 

As side note, M240 family can be a very good first digital Leica M,

only M240/246/M-P240 can do "decent video" .

If you don't need video, M262 is "better choice" (less is more !)

 

As usual, my opinion as ex-Summicron-M asph. 35mm lover, I'd go for 35mm Summarit-M as first lens.

[pedaes]

Welcome to Forum.

Although useful to try, and you may decide instantly not for you,  if you are 'wanting' it probably has to be leap of faith. The learning and familiarisation is quite quick, and don't forget you can view and focus with lens cap on, but the crazy exposure reading will give you a clue!

Both Zeiss and Voigtlander lenses are excellent.

Edited June 29, 2022 by pedaes

[Jeff S]

As others note, you could buy used and decide or stop by a Leica dealer for a demo. Another option, particularly if you live in the US, is to rent (Lensrentals). If buying, I would stick to a reputable dealer with warranty and return policy. Not everyone bonds with the RF experience.

Jeff

[Ouroboros]

On 6/29/2022 at 11:34 AM, mikoto06 said:

.....I've been doing a lot of research into either a Leica M10 or typ 240 (used for both) and a 35mm f/2 ASPH Summicron. I'd love to try a combo out and truly experience a rangefinder setup (since the X-Pro2 isn't an RF) to figure out if a setup like that would be fun to shoot with again.

 

M10 is a better camera than typ240 and it's a good time to buy a used M10.  You shouldn't have any trouble finding a good, lightly used M10 and the same applies to the 35mm summicron asph, a great little lens that feels nicely balanced on M10 and film M cameras.      

 

 

[pippy]

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Hi and welcome to the forum.

If you really wish to get into the situation where you assume complete control over the camera then you might enjoy using a Digi-M. On the other hand you mention that, previously, with the Sony;

"Eye-AF, AF speeds, burst, video controls are all top notch."...

...where none of these will be available to you in the M system.

I will - very much - repeat the views expressed by previous posters in that the 'Rangefinder' experience isn't to everyone's taste nor, it has to be said, within everyone's ability simply in terms of their eyesight's capabilities. On the upside? If your #1 lens of choice is a 35mm and you are not perpetually searching for "Ultimate Boke!" then (whisper this) absolute 100% critical focus  isn't always a deal-breaker...

Tell us more about your experience/needs/likes and we will probably be able to make more relevant suggestions.

Philip.

 

[pgk]

On 6/29/2022 at 11:34 AM, mikoto06 said:

I type this just because I'm losing the desire to just go out and shoot for fun.

Buying new gear won't change this I'm afraid. The desire to photograph is not dependant on gear, although some gear may make the experience more satisfying (for many reasons). Deciding on the subject matter that motivates you and then thinking around what it is that wll improve your appreciation of both subject matter and how and why you want to portray it might.

[mikoto06]

On 6/29/2022 at 4:04 PM, mikoto06 said:

I've been lurking here reading about Leica M digital rangefinders. They have always been a curiosity of mine. My quick history is that I started shooting with Nikon DSLR's (D50, D700) then moved through various mirrorless setups (Olympus and Panasonic) and then was with a Fuji X setup for years (X-T1 and X-Pro2). On the X-Pro2, I absolutely loved using an all manual lens, Mitakon 35mm f/0.95 and the manual controls on the X-Pro2. I ended up recently selling the Fuji gear to get into a Sony A7iii since I'm doing more video work, which the Sony is technologically awesome. Eye-AF, AF speeds, burst, video controls are all top notch.

I type this just because I'm losing the desire to just go out and shoot for fun. Photography is becoming boring and has lost it's fun factor for me. I'm looking back fondly of the X-Pro2 and the Mitakon 35mm https://vidmate.onl/ https://mobdro.onl/ f/0.95 and enjoying 1 focal length, manual controls, manual focus and just shooting with that.

Which brings me back around to a Leica digital M. I've been doing a lot of research into either a Leica M10 or typ 240 (used for both) and a 35mm f/2 ASPH Summicron. I'd love to try a combo out and truly experience a rangefinder setup (since the X-Pro2 isn't an RF) to figure out if a setup like that would be fun to shoot with again.

Does anyone have any advice on where to buy used (KEH, UsedPhotoPro, B&H, Adorama or even eBay), what kind of things to look out for and if this idea is crazy or not? Thanks for any help.

I got this,..