lonersam Posted September 16, 2008 Share #1 Posted September 16, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) Hi there, I use the M6TTL, M7 and MP. I love them all. As I get much familiar with the Leica rangefinders, I think I am ready to go further back to using those without TTL. Any suggestions of models I might check out? M4 is in my mind and there are M4-2 and M4-P to choose from, but then either one looks too much like the ones I have. Besides, if I am to get another one, I would prefer a screw mount. I have been thinking of IIIg or IIIf. I like the compactness of them, but consider me a bit naivee - those knobs on top make the camera look rather arduous to handle ... Guys, educate me please! Thank you. -Sam Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 16, 2008 Posted September 16, 2008 Hi lonersam, Take a look here OT: Want to buy a non-TTL Leica. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
echorec Posted September 16, 2008 Share #2 Posted September 16, 2008 I recommend the IIIg. The viewfinder is much nicer than the one on the IIIf. Screw mount Leica cameras are a joy and easy to use and the (separate) rangefinder is very precise. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted September 16, 2008 Share #3 Posted September 16, 2008 Hello Sam, Let me declare my allegiances from the outset... have an M7, 2 and IID. The M2 is the "purist" M, nothing inessential, everything spot-on. The Barnacks are a bit more of an acquired taste - the separate view- and rangefinders are not to everyone's liking. That said, the IID is my "carry-everywhere" choice, for it's compact simplicity. Don't worry about the knobs - quite the contrary - they are part of the tactile joy of a Barnack. My advice would be either an M2, or a IIIc - the latter are relatively cheap and plentiful. Pair it with a 5cm 3.5 Elmar for the full experience, and trust yourself to 400ASA and Sunny-16. Whatever you end up with, budget for a CLA. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted September 16, 2008 Share #4 Posted September 16, 2008 If we keep talking up the M2, Bill, we'll be able to retire soon "The M2 - what an M camera is really all about" Leica - please feel free to buy this strap line from me, any time you like Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
stunsworth Posted September 16, 2008 Share #5 Posted September 16, 2008 My first Leica was a IIIC, my next was an M2, the once after that was an M6. A IIIC is a good place to start, as is an M2. Personally I'd go for the M2, it's worth it for the far superior viewfinder and general ergonomics IMHO. The IIIC is an interesting 'object', but I enjoyed using the M2 far more. M3 is an alternative if you use longer lenses. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
luigi bertolotti Posted September 16, 2008 Share #6 Posted September 16, 2008 Handling and operating (i.e. loading...) a SM body is really a leap to the past when one is accustomed to the M models you have... but if you like the gear, don't worry on the knobs... simply a little less quick to work with: regarding the models, the advantage of IIIG's VF is very significant, but a fine IIIf, for me, is sexier. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
abrewer Posted September 16, 2008 Share #7 Posted September 16, 2008 Advertisement (gone after registration) I think the M7 is the obvious choice to accompany the MP as it offers you a rapid response to situational photography; almost point and shoot save for the focus, which you can always work around with zone technique A veteran Leica-shooter warned me of lug-strap light leaks on the older M's i.e. M6 so I'd be wary of that choice without some right of return when purchasing Thanks Allan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted September 16, 2008 Share #8 Posted September 16, 2008 If we keep talking up the M2, Bill, we'll be able to retire soon Shhh! Don't tell everyone my cunning plan! I have a Lehman Brothers broker interested already, I'll have you know... And don't tell Chris L - he gets very upset every time I let the M2 secret out! Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alifie Posted September 16, 2008 Share #9 Posted September 16, 2008 Take the battery out... ... or the IIIg with a Summarit 50/1.5 and 90 Elmar is a very competent kit. Oh, and get a Weston lightmeter. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don'tknowmuch Posted September 16, 2008 Share #10 Posted September 16, 2008 I haven't been amongst you for long enough to really tell anyone off, but I'm going to. Do you think you could all stop recommending the M2 to each other, please? It's going to take me a good few months, well into 2009, before I can get the funds sorted for my M2, and there might not be any left by then. Lay off the Summaron's too. Jim. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alifie Posted September 16, 2008 Share #11 Posted September 16, 2008 Go for a Barnack (what better tribute to the designer than to use his name for a type) I have a II, it is wonderful going out picture taking with a camera stripped down to it's basics. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonersam Posted September 17, 2008 Author Share #12 Posted September 17, 2008 Dear all, I thought of the former generation say IIc or prior but I am a bit concern about older cameras' shutter timing. I guess I would probably go for the IIIG. Thank you all for the suggestions! -Sam Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lonersam Posted September 17, 2008 Author Share #13 Posted September 17, 2008 BTW, I even thought of considering this,which is available in one of the local camera stores (brand new); but it seems that it is indeed a collector's item than a good (further) compact daily use screw-mount rangefinder to me. -Sam Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alifie Posted September 17, 2008 Share #14 Posted September 17, 2008 I wouldn't worrry about the older shutters' timings, they where good enough for slides when made and after a CLA will still be good enough for slides. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted September 17, 2008 Share #15 Posted September 17, 2008 BTW, I even thought of considering this,which is available in one of the local camera stores (brand new); but it seems that it is indeed a collector's item than a good (further) compact daily use screw-mount rangefinder to me. -Sam Don't, unless you know what you are doing. This is as faraway from even an M2/3 as a Model T Ford is from a Mondeo. Very interesting camera, but not something for everyday use. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
alifie Posted September 17, 2008 Share #16 Posted September 17, 2008 Indeed an interesting camera, only slightly faster on the draw than a 5x4. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dcoombs Posted September 17, 2008 Share #17 Posted September 17, 2008 One variable to consider in making your choice is how good your eyesight is. The M3 had the best focusing ratio of them all in the rangefinder (.91 to 1, I believe). The IIIG had the same. The trade-off is that you don't have framelines for anything wider than 50mm, and would have to use adaptors. So it also depends on what your favorite focal lengths are. Doug Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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