CRed1983 Posted August 16, 2008 Share #1 Posted August 16, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi all, I've been an avid digital photographer for around a year now and although I do still very much love my EOS 400D (stop booing!!) I've been looking to purchase something with a little more character! I've spent the last 2 weeks searching ebay for a Leica film camera. This is where my question begins; I live in Leeds UK, other than e-bay, where is the best place to purchase Leica film cameras (the older the better and can be an online retailer)? Also, having never even picked one of these cameras up, which Leica do you suggest I look at with a budget of sub £450 (this doesn't need to include a lens at this stage)? I guess it doesn't even have to be working at this stage either as I'd like to learn to repair them too. I understand that this type of question can be frustrating but any advice would be much appreciated. Cheers all! Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted August 16, 2008 Posted August 16, 2008 Hi CRed1983, Take a look here Where though...?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
andybarton Posted August 16, 2008 Share #2 Posted August 16, 2008 ffordes photographic : Main Index David Stephens in Manchester (http://www.leicas.com) For that money, I would buy an M2 (no meter) and have it Cleaned Lubed and Adjusted by Leica in Milton Keynes, or Malcolm Taylor (do a google for him). My M2 was my first Leica, and it's still the best. I would also consider a 35 Summaron f2.8 as a great, cheap lens to start with, or a 50 Summicron if you prefer a "standard" lens. Once you have picked one up, and played with one, you will buy one. An EOS 400D, they ain't Good luck with your quest! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRed1983 Posted August 16, 2008 Author Share #3 Posted August 16, 2008 Thanks Andy! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted August 16, 2008 Share #4 Posted August 16, 2008 PS - don't even THINK about trying to service one yourself, unless you want a shoe-box full of bits to leave to your Grandchildren. You know it makes sense Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
gyoung Posted August 16, 2008 Share #5 Posted August 16, 2008 ffordes photographic : Main Index David Stephens in Manchester (www.leicas.com) For that money, I would buy an M2 (no meter) and have it Cleaned Lubed and Adjusted by Leica in Milton Keynes, or Malcolm Taylor (do a google for him). My M2 was my first Leica, and it's still the best. I would also consider a 35 Summaron f2.8 as a great, cheap lens to start with, or a 50 Summicron if you prefer a "standard" lens. Once you have picked one up, and played with one, you will buy one. An EOS 400D, they ain't Good luck with your quest! your nearest Leica dealer is Harrisons in Sheffield, I have bought stuff there but last time I went there was not a huge selection. Gerry Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Douglasco Posted August 16, 2008 Share #6 Posted August 16, 2008 Hi Chris I have just bought a Leicaflex sl its a brilliant camera well built and will last me a few years. one online shop I can recommend is https://www.leicashop.com I have had great service from them. I hardly use my 400D now Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted August 16, 2008 Share #7 Posted August 16, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I''d also recommend MW Classic Cameras - Rare and Collectable Photographic Equipment – MWClassic.com for good prices, accurate descriptions, prompt and courteous service and interesting stock, and Aperture Photographic Tel. 020 7242 8681 likewise. Andy's right about the M2 - I have one, and it is, IMO, the perfect combination of "pure" M-ness and practicality. Before the M3 people object, I say so because the M2 has the 35-50-90 framelines so is therefore more practical than the M3. I also second the suggestion of the Summaron, but I would suggest looking for a 3.5 as well - they are remarkably cheap, and a crisp and satisfying performer. For 50, it has to be a Summicron of the period. Personally I have a Dual-Range, but there are others, both rigid and collapsible, that will fit the bill. Complete the "Holy Trinity" with a 90 Elmar or Elmarit and you have a go-anywhere set that will satisfy you for years to come. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRed1983 Posted August 16, 2008 Author Share #8 Posted August 16, 2008 Thanks for all your comments guys you've all been very helpful. I've decided to go for the M2. I'm also going to buy one for "spares or repairs" so I can take it to bits (I'm taking your advice Andy) so if anyone sees a broken one for sale let me know. MW Classic & ffords seem to be the best places so I'm going to grab one from there over the next few days. Thanks for making me feel welcome at the forum all and hopefully I'll get to know you all better over the coming months. Thanks Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted August 17, 2008 Share #9 Posted August 17, 2008 M2 = GOOD CHOICE !!! And welcome to the forum, of course ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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