Film M camera ... here I am again

[cesc]

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I began my Leica journey with film cameras, owning the M6, M3, M2, and MP. However, I eventually made the switch to digital, selling all my film cameras to acquire an M10. As time passed, I found myself missing the analog experience, and I couldn't help but feel a bit 'homesick.' This nostalgia led me to purchase an M9 Monochrom, thinking I could enjoy the best of both worlds. However, this decision made me realize how much I truly enjoy shooting with film. So, I find myself returning to the Leica Users Forum (LUF) film threads.

Now, I'm in search of a film M camera body once again. I've come across comments suggesting that the new film M cameras might not provide the same experience as the classics. Given my background of transitioning from digital, I'm a bit apprehensive about choosing a new M film body. I know this question has been asked many times before, but I'm curious, after returning from the digital realm, which film M camera body would you recommend?

Thanks for your comments!

Edited October 18, 2023 by cesc

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[250swb]

After being there and then come back to the idea if you don't know now you never will.

We don't know what lenses you have, but it's not about the camera, it's about what you want to photograph that can decide.

[logan2z]

1 hour ago, cesc said:

I've come across comments suggesting that the new film M cameras might not provide the same experience as the classics

In my experience, I think that's nonsense.  I have an M-A, an M2 and an M4 and the M-A is every bit as good as the 'vintage' cameras.   

You say you've owned an M6, M3, M2 and MP.  I'm not sure which year your MP was produced, but did you notice anything lacking with the MP when compared to your other M film cameras?

If you want to have a new camera with a full warranty then go for an M6 (2022), MP or M-A.  The only difference between them is the presence/absence of a meter and cosmetics.  If you'd prefer a vintage camera, then I don't think you can really go wrong with any of them.  Just choose the one with the features you want and the selection of framelines that match your preferred focal lengths.

[twogun]

I love the M4 and would recommend it!  

[madNbad]

M4-2. Passed them over for years and bought one on a whim. Replaced the flash block, had DAG service it and it’s been my constant user. Nothing fancy, just a reliable user.

[Pyrogallol]

28 minutes ago, madNbad said:

M4-2. Passed them over for years and bought one on a whim. Replaced the flash block, had DAG service it and it’s been my constant user. Nothing fancy, just a reliable user.

Just bought a second one of them.

[jakontil]

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The only M film that may be noticeably different is the M6 TTL for its slight 2mm heights compared to the rest when holding it, though i still consider it giving the same satisfaction as much as when using my M2-R or MP in this regards 

[Anbaric]

14 hours ago, cesc said:

I began my Leica journey with film cameras, owning the M6, M3, M2, and MP. ... Now, I'm in search of a film M camera body once again. I've come across comments suggesting that the new film M cameras might not provide the same experience as the classics.

I would trust your own experience over what you may read in comments that often exaggerate the differences. You've already used a wide range of Leica Ms, from the original classic to a model that's still in production, and another that's been revived with relatively minor improvements. Which was your favourite model last time? As long as the camera you buy has framelines for the lenses you want to use, and you make the fundamental decision about whether you want a built-in meter or not, your experience won't vary that much between models once you get down to the business of shooting, except perhaps for outliers like the M5 and M7. If you care about the style of rewind and wind-on, or want a faster loading system or a flare-resistant finder or a larger 'reversed' shutter speed dial, then choose appropriately. Consider serviceability now and in the future if you buy a metered camera.

Edited October 19, 2023 by Anbaric

[Jewl]

For me it would be always an M with light meter. Whether new or used does not matter. I chose new. Had a little trouble but overall I like to have warranty and know what has happened to the camera overall!

[Martin B]

Matter of price and personal preference. All your former film M cameras other than the M6 had no internal light meter - is this something you prefer? If so, the M4-2 has currently one of the best price/quality ratios of used film M out there. Much more expensive are now analog M cameras with internal meter. Prices for used M6 versions get close to getting a used EX+ condition M-P camera instead. If you shoot predominantly 50 mm and longer, the M3 has the best viewfinder with its 0.91x magnification. If you tend to shoot wider, I would select one with more choices of available frame lines. 

[j.scooter]

My recommendation would by the M5.  

I know it may not be the prettiest for some (I love how it looks), but functionally and ergonomically it just makes sense.  

The spot metering, the meter layout, changing shutter speeds while looking through the viewfinder - make it a joy to use.

[cesc]

Thanks for your comments. I know I haven't been very specific about my needs. I'm curious about what makes you happy with your kit. About 95% of the time, I'm shooting my kids to document their childhood. Most of these moments happen inside our apartment, so I'm familiar with the kind of lighting it usually has. However, a light meter can be handy for quick snaps when I can't think too much about the light.

I've been shooting with a M10 and a 35mm FLE lens, but my eyes and compositions lean more towards the 50mm focal length. In the apartment, the 35mm behaves like a 50mm due to the limited space. However, I find the 35mm too wide when I'm outdoors. So, I'm thinking about getting a 50mm lens now instead.

Considering this, I'm torn between a  classic chrome M6, because of the light meter and framelines for both 28/35mm and 50mm, or an M2, which has been overhauled and repainted in black, and is available at a very similar price to the M6.

I'm a bit hesitant about the M3 since I'm worried about losing the 35mm frame lines (if most of the action could take place indoors), even though I was happy focusing with the patch while keeping both eyes open when I had mine

Thanks for your help and time here!

 

[cesc]

And also.... should I keep the M9 Monochrom or sell it and invest in lenses instead....

Edited October 19, 2023 by cesc

[Martin B]

7 minutes ago, cesc said:

And also.... should I keep the M9 Monochrom or sell it and invest in lenses instead....

I would keep it. Successor versions of this camera mainly improved in high ISO - if you are not going after black bats in black caves (kidding aside ;)), your M9M will be more than sufficient for daylight scenes. I am using the M 246M, and I wouldn't trade it for a newer M10M or M11M. It is good to have a digital monochrome camera as alternative to shooting with B&W film which is on a slope of getting more and more expensive. I am still using B&W film but much more selectively now after getting the M 246M. 

[cesc]

14 minutes ago, Martin B said:

I would keep it. Successor versions of this camera mainly improved in high ISO - if you are not going after black bats in black caves (kidding aside ;)), your M9M will be more than sufficient for daylight scenes. I am using the M 246M, and I wouldn't trade it for a newer M10M or M11M. It is good to have a digital monochrome camera as alternative to shooting with B&W film which is on a slope of getting more and more expensive. I am still using B&W film but much more selectively now after getting the M 246M. 

That's fantastic advice, and I couldn't agree more!

[madNbad]

Since you're chasing children around, it might be best just to skip the film camera and buy a decent 50. Instead of an M6, buy a Summilux. There will always be film cameras.

[a.noctilux]

Hello Cesc,

I'd say each M camera can do what you want to photograph in your house,

even the M3, just adding a "goggled" 35mm *, cheaper than "M2 type".

In use, these  35mm are "at home" on M3.

I used them when I had MP 0.85, another experience.

...

M5 would be my choice for it's nice analog lightmeter.

Another goody is I can see in VF the set shutter speed and changing (if not fast enough) without removing my eyes from the VF.

Not talking about the always visible "how far from ideal exposure", only analog lightmeter can show, in this case only on M5.

 

 

 

 

* Summaron, Summicron

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Edited October 19, 2023 by a.noctilux

[kivis]

I have been an M3 guy forever, Shot with a 50mm and a 90mm. Old Leica ones. Since 2020 I bought my first new new Leica: a Black Chrome M-A. use a new version CV 35mm 1.4 and CV 50mm f1,5. Wow how much I love shooting a 35mm lens. The plan was to eventually upgrade to Leica glass but the results I am getting out of the CV's is remarkable.

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[cesc]

Nokton classic 35 1.4 vm II? I had the FLE and now I am using this Nokton, it's smaller and faster to focus... Not great at 1.4,,f compared to the FLE but enough for me.

A little voice in my head is always remembering me it's not a Leica glass... But I guess everyone has these thoughts 

[Anbaric]

17 hours ago, cesc said:

Considering this, I'm torn between a  classic chrome M6, because of the light meter and framelines for both 28/35mm and 50mm, or an M2, which has been overhauled and repainted in black, and is available at a very similar price to the M6.

An M6 usually goes for around double the price of an M2, so I suspect you are paying a lot for that paint job (or the M6 is a bargain!).