I must be going nuts... I'm interested in a Leica.

[dmora]

I thought these were just the cameras of the trendy and well heeled or Bresson followers. I need another film camera since one of mine became damaged while traveling.

After playing with a Leica MP of a TPF member while in Istanbul i decided to give them a look. I was intrigued by how silent they were and how small it was. I really liked it a lot.

Then i went pricing today. HOLY POOP These suckers are NOT cost effective AT ALL. I found a used MP on the rangefinder forums for like $2500.
I should just buy a large format for that much.

Oh well. It was a nice thought at least.

[ngoduyviet]

The thing about Leica is, if you don't like it after a while, you'll get almost as much back selling it. I'd love to own a few Leicas again, but bills can't wait. I'll probably get a couple M bodies & glasses back once I save enough to get them.

[toverman]

Leicas are the small, strong, silent type and that's the whole point. I'm interested in owning a Leica someday, but am not chomping at the bit to get one. I'd rather keep my car than buy into such an expensive system just yet!

[dmora]

Originally Posted by toverman

Leicas are the small, strong, silent type and that's the whole point. I'm interested in owning a Leica someday, but am not chomping at the bit to get one. I'd rather keep my car than buy into such an expensive system just yet!

Yea... I was astounded that they're so expensive... I mean, i could seriously get a large format for that price.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by dmora

Yea... I was astounded that they're so expensive... I mean, i could seriously get a large format for that price.

But you can't use a LF like you'd use the Leica.

[Murph]

True but you get such wonderful large negatives from LF that you can enlarge much further than 35mm.

Originally Posted by groovyone

But you can't use a LF like you'd use the Leica.

[venchka]

Back off. A nice M3 or M2, with a fresh CLA by Youxin Ye can be had for under $1,000. Same size as the MP. Pick the M2 if you crave a 35mm lens. Pick the M3 if you crave longer lenses. A clean M4 is probably the best of the early M bodies. The M5 is the best. Do it.

I traded an M5 body for a 1D Mk III body. The jury is still out.

[dmora]

if i were to get one. I'd want to get it with a 35mm lens. I love that focal distance on my D700. Different animals i know... i just dont like 50mm

[dmora]

Originally Posted by groovyone

But you can't use a LF like you'd use the Leica.

i'm 100% i would not mind.

[venchka]

All M bodies from the M2 (newer than than M3, go figure) onward accept 35mm lenses and have 35mm framelines built in. The M3 doesn't. Canon rangefinder bodies are an acceptable alternative for substantially less money.

[crackhead]

Professional Camera Repair on Richmond had a very clean M4-2 w/ shoe meter for sale when I was in there last.

[dmora]

Originally Posted by crackhead

Professional Camera Repair on Richmond had a very clean M4-2 w/ shoe meter for sale when I was in there last.

Do they have a website? I live in Austin and dont own a car.

edit:
it would seem they do.... sort of. http://www.professionalcamerarepair.com/Home.php

[snommisbor]

dmora I got a M6 TTL last year from Precision and I love it. I paid 1400 and it had the box and was in mint condition. I think they have some in there now last time I checked. The lenses are why you shoot a Leica plus when I go down to 6th for some street photography the camera is so small and retro looking people never get intimidated when you shoot them most of the time. A great stealthy camera. I would recommend a M6 or the classic M3. Just a solid piece of equipment that is a beauty to behold. So simple to use so refreshing from my D300 on some days.

[dmora]

none of those aesthetical reasons really offset the huge cost disparity. :(

I did some price checking and it'd be like $3000-4000 for a used camera and a 35mm lens....absurd.


I still would like one tho. :(

[ngoduyviet]

Originally Posted by dmora

none of those aesthetical reasons really offset the huge cost disparity. :(

I did some price checking and it'd be like $3000-4000 for a used camera and a 35mm lens....absurd.


I still would like one tho. :(

Just like everything else, you pay for quality.