m2

[rhysatkinson]

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hey this is my first post, im looking at get my first leica camera, so far im looking at m1, m2 and m3, i was wondering if anyone had any advice or reasonable price estimates.

[andybarton]

Welcome to the forum!

 

My first Leica was a 1960 M2, made 9 months before I was born (think about it... ). It came with a 50 Summicron from 1973, which is probably still one of my best lenses.

 

Since then, I have bought an R8, an R4 and an M7. I have had various lenses for Ms and Rs. But, the M2 is still my baby, and still my favourite

 

Buy one. You will love it.

[earleygallery]

Hi,

 

I don't think you would want an M1 (its a rare version without the rangefinder, meant for specific applications like copying).

 

I also have an M2, it's more versatile than the M3 as it has viewfinder frames for 35/50/90 mm lenses whereas the M3 is 50/90/135 - of course it depends which lenses you prefer to use ?

 

Prices vary a lot depending on condition and whether you buy privately or from a dealer with a warranty - if it's your first Leica I'd advise the latter, or buy privately and budget for a service which is about £150.

[Nando]

I usually refer to the following website for price estimates.

Leica M Mount Camera Price and Information Guide

 

Please be aware that the M1 does not have a rangefinder or viewfinder. It was a specialized camera for scientific work or for use with a Visoflex.

 

If you shoot primarily with a 50mm lens, the M3's viewfinder is hard to beat.

Here's some good info on the M3

Leica FAQ - Leica M3 - the original M rangefinder

 

If you shoot with a 35mm regularly, I'd choose the M2 as the M3 does not have 35mm framelines. I'd also consider the M4 and M4-P.

 

Edit: I see that James already made the same points. Sorry.

[earleygallery]

Snap Nando! The antique camera link is interesting, not seen that before.

 

To add, I bought my M2 a few years ago and paid about £400 - it was an e bay purchase and when it arrived the first thing I noticed was the shutter was sticking Fortunately the seller was genuine and offered to pay over half the cost of a CLA, since then its been perfect.

 

So - take care if you decide to look on e bay. Check the for sale section here too, but if you are tempted by e bay then you can ask advice here on any specific cameras.

[Nando]

The prices one that website are good estimates for prices in N. America. I know that in Europe, prices tend to be higher. I'm expecting the prices for bodies and lenses to fluctuate due to the frenzy over the M9. I'm not really sure how the market will react. When the M8 came out, there was initial wave of people selling off great gear to raise funds for the new body. I was able to take advantage and got some good deals. However, I've observed that soon after, the prices of lenses went up perhaps due to the demand by the new M8 users.

 

Also, in regards to the M3, I just want to say that the lack of 35mm framelines doesn't mean its the end of the world if you'd like to shoot with a 35mm. I think that if one already has a nice 35mm lens, an M3 is not the best choice. However, if one doesn't have a 35mm lens, an M3 can still be a sensible choice due to the availability of the 35mm f2.8 Summaron with goggles (which was specifically made for use on the M3). Once the lens is mounted, its goggles demagnify the 50mm framelines to approximate 35mm. This lens is truly a masterpiece! Its resolving power is absolutely astounding both in the centre and in the corners and at all apertures. However, even beautiful examples of this lens remain relatively inexpensive and accessible. For me, the goggles aren't that big of a deal. They do dim the viewfinder a tad but it never bothered me.

 

Of course, I'd also highly recommend non-goggled version of the 35mm f2.8 Summaron if one was to get an M-body other than the M3. The non-goggled version is slightly more expensive though.

 

Personally, I have two M-bodies; an MP and an early M3 'Double Stroke'. I purchased my M3 for $700 from a friend. It worked perfectly but the viewfinder was slightly dim. Cosmetically, the chrome was excellent with no dings, just a few bright-marks, but there was a big rub mark on the back that exposed the brass. It also sported a white lizard-skin covering, which I liked but I got a bit tired of the attention it drew. I had the camera repainted black by Robert Jagitsch of RangefinderRestorations.com and CLA'ed by Youxin Ye for $400. So for $1100, I got a practically new M3.

 

[roguewave]

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rhysatkinson, good choices, both. I love my M2 & M3 SS. I bought my first M3 SS in 1973. If you are older, the M3 has the brighter & larger viewfinder. It is my all time favorite camera. Nothing feels like the M3 in your hand. As far as the 35, I use my 35 Summilux on my M3 with a wonderful 35 finder that sits atop the shoe (if need be). Truth is that I have used this camera so much I already know how to frame without the external finder. It's not difficult. If you love any of the superlative 50's as a prime lens, the M3 is tops. I use the first version Summilux 50 with my M3 and that kit is the best I own for film. I did own & then sold the 35 Summaron 2.8 with goggles. A very fine lens, but it made the M3 too heavy. The one without the googles is a pleasure with or without an external finder. Good luck choosing & finding your first Leica kit. You will always thank yourself for making such a fine choice. All the best.

[rhysatkinson]

after having i look around, im not to bothered about which body, although thanks for the advice on the m1 i might give it a miss.

 

Although my main decision maker is the price as im abit strapped for cash, i have my saving for a new Canon 7d (i know the dreaded digital, but i need it for college), now im not going to get this camera till just before christmas.

 

So my plan is to buy a leica body and a reasonbly priced lens, if i get the job i just applied for and then earn the money back before christmas, btw im only 17 so money like this is hard to come by at the moment.

[huubl]

..... Please be aware that the M1 does not have a rangefinder or viewfinder. It was a specialized camera for scientific work or for use with a Visoflex.

 

Nando, you're correct that the M1 lacks a rangefinder. However, it has a viewfinder and it even has parallax corrected frame lines for 35 and 50 mm. The M1 was mainly used as a document camera and later replaced by the rangefinder- and viewfinder-less MD (and later MDa and MD2). They make excellent bodies for use with a Visoflex though. Below is my M1/micro visoflex combi, a slow bue gorgeous SLR

[Nando]

I got the M1 and the MD mixed up. Thanks for the correction.