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User comments btil June 2003

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Guest

I've had my M2 21 years this year. I too love it to death; sufficiently so to have recently bought a seriously beaten up M4-P to take some of the work off the M2 to help keep it in lovely condition.
If you have to wait until the summer to be able to appreciate it with the 35 you want - why not splash out a much more modest sum in the meantime and get yourself a worn but serviceable 50 2.8 Elmar? In fact there are a couple of collapsible 50 f2s on
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the links to on-line store...secondhand...leica. Quick, quality service.
 
G

Guest

I picked up several M2's a while back from a paper I worked at. One was used as parts to repair the RF in the other. I had it CLA'd and then loaned it to a friend a few years ago. The vulcanite was already half off. When I just got it back last week I took off the rest. The camera looks kind of cool this way, but I think I'll have it recovered.

The camera looks really beat but it still works wonderfully.
The shutter and RF are still accurate.
Check it out for yourself at
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If you worried about a camera being able to take a few knocks and still work take a look at the images of this camera.

Remember, I didn't inflict this abuse. I simply rescued the camera from an abusive situation and gave it a new life.
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G

Guest

One of my professional workhorse camera bodies is a 1989 Canon N. I too got it used. It looks pretty bad but it still keeps the dust out and makes great pictures (though not as wonderful as the leica). Some years ago when the local paper changed to digital cameras they sold all of their film cameras for next to nothing. This one actually survived Desert Storm. My first medium format camera was a TLR Rolliflex made in the early 1960s with zeiss glass for $150.00 and it too worked really well.

Good for you on the rescue. Cathy in Atlanta
 
G

Guest

> Any of the previous 35 f/2.0 Summicrons will provide superb images if used properly. So a used Summicron will still make you a happy man. So will the Voightlander and probably the Konica. Although much has been written about compatibility with the Konica line, I suspect it may be more of a quality control issue than a deliberate design problem. The people who really know aren't talking....

I have seen excellent photos taken with many cameras which have a lesser reputation than Leica. The biggest factor is still the person behind the camera.....
 
G

Guest

> [I got some totally tremendous results delivered this morning, all taken with this lens. I refuse to keep my mouth shut, Phreak, in extolling its virtues. I have never used a lens which can compare with its beauty. Mike]
 
G

Guest

Dear John,

Apologies for the late reply, we have been away for the weekend.

At f/8 the red-scale Elmar is comparable to a modern lens.

At wider apertures it is also not far behind.

I use mine on a Minolta CLE. A very compact combination.

Sincerely,

Justin
 
G

Guest

Hi Justin,
I bought a LTM to M Adaptor to use the Red Dial Elmar on the M2, whilst I was at the shop, I had a look at the VC 35mmf1.7 Ultron($315), very nice, but not quite Contax G built quality, then the dealer said that a new 1.2 will be out in the spring - very interesting! I wonder how it will compare to the Leica 1.4? Anyway, I also looked at the VC 15f4.5 wide angle lens after hearing the good reviews on this lens, and for only $280 new, I bought one! Well, I think it's time to take some pic on the M2!
 
G

Guest

Well John, you will certainly take some dramatic shots with 110 degrees. Best wishes, Justin
 
G

Guest

Hi, John,

I think you've got a very good dear now. I tried CV 15mm before and find that it is very sharp. Suggest you use f5.6 and above. BTW, where are you staying? The CV lenses at your shop seems very cheap. Maybe I will ask you to get one lens for me one day
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G

Guest

Im looking to purchase my first set of Leica gear. I have limited funds (dont we all), so i am looking for a well used body but one that is mechanically sound, i.e. accurate shutter speeds. my first lens will probably be the 50mm 2.0 summicron, then probably the 35mm summilux (if I can afford it).

I saw a "combo body," (m2 bright lines, m4 loading, m3 body) on ebay. It has everything i would like and at a good price right now; $400 2 days left, but I don't know if i should stay away from these combo cameras. Does anyone have any suggestions.
Do the m4, m3, and m2 users get used to not having a meter? Do you ever think you have missed a great shot because of not having a meter, whats the key? Any reputable dealers with good used equipment? After selling my Haselblad equipment I will make the purchase.

Thanks to all for any input. I have been reading the threads for a little while but this is my first posting.
Thanks again,
Joe
 
G

Guest

Joe,

Unless any M2, 3 or 4 that you buy has had a recent CLA you should expect to add another $300 to the cost of the camera to have this done. "Mint" ex&les of these cameras are MORE likely to need a CLA than "user" ex&les of these cameras. Why? It's just like exercising your body. If you don't use it you lose it.

Right now as a user camera the M2's are the better deal. There were more made than the M4's so the price stays a little lower. You don't want the M3 if you are going to be using a 35.

If you can somehow swing it I would suggest that you try to get an M6. Like new M6's are going for around $1,200 right now on Ebay. If you shoot slide film having that meter in the camera is wonderful. If you have a hand-held meter you'll be fine with the earlier M's. You might also be on the lookout for an M4-2 or M4-P.

I don't think the price difference between M6's and earlier non-metering M's is great enough to warrant buying them today if you plan to actually use them.
 
G

Guest

Jim,
Thanks for the advice, after shopping around a bit I'm beginning to see what you mean about the insignificant price difference. Do you have a favorite 35mm lens? I've read the 2.0 is a little bulky compared to the 35 summicron, is it significantly larger. I am in the Annapolis, MD area and the only store, within about 100 miles, that has any leica equipment for me to check out and handle is Penn camera and right now they have next to none.
 
G

Guest

I've had the last version of the pre-asph Summicron for about 10 years. It's a great lens.

Is the newer asph summicron better? Yes, from what I've read. If you see yourself shooting a f2 all the time you *may* see some improvement at the corners. But that assumes you are viewing test images made from both lenses side-by-side. By the time you hit F4 both lenses are identical. You may want to see the Erwin Puts review of these lenses at
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<P>

You are right in that the Summilux is bigger and heavier. Also important is that the Summilux and newer asph are longer than the older 35/2 pre-asph Summicron, which means they extend more into your field of view into the lower right corner of the viewfinder.

Remember, it's easy to fall prey into the belief that if you don't have the most recent version of the lens you won't make good photographs. I catch myself at times doing that.

I have an M2 that is beat to hell (not by me) that I had CLA'd a few years ago. That camera has a 35/2.8 Summaron that is pretty loose in the barrel and looks like it has some cement separation or something surround the edges of the front element. The back element is still pristine. That lens STILL makes images of amazing quality.

My advice, especially when you are trying to keep prices down, is to go for a used pre-asph summicron. If the prices are close go for the asph. I've seen mint asphs going for about a grand, which in Leicadom is a great deal. An M6 with a 35 Summicron is a great package.

If I shot in really low light all the time I would add a 35/1.4 Asph. I would still keep my 35/2 summicron for times I don't need the speed and want the smaller, lighter package.
 
G

Guest

[I bought a 1.4 35mm Summilux in'68(that's pre asph all right) It is still my favourite lens. Absolutely magic for interiors, available light, and stopped down for landscapes, happy snappies etc. ]
 
G

Guest

Dear Joe

I've come in on this a little late.

In relation to your question about TTL metering and Ms. I've personaly found when you don't have TTL metering your method of working is different. eg. you become more aware of changes in the ambient light conditions and can react to it more or less instinctavely with some experience under your belt. Paradoxically, not having the conveinience of TTL gives you a certain freedom. You are forced to be prepared in terms of SS and Ap. settings. Using the depth of field scales to set focus at the hyperfocal for particular Aps. also helps you to react quickly when the need arises. A bit like sail v. power boating. Under sail you are made to be constantly aware of your environment.

For critical stuff I use a spot meter. However, I've found the later versions of the M4 type Leica meters are quite handy for a quick check of what the light is doing.

I can't think of any shots that I've missed by not having TTL. I'm from the school that beleives to get the most of your M you use it regularly. When I have the supposed flexiblity of a Nikon with AF and Matrix for work, I'm lost. It tend to want to fight the camera. The techies in Japan do not know what my lighting conditions are or where I want my focal plain to be. I do not subscibe to be view that auto-go-magic functions necessarily frees you technically to concentrate on image making.

The M2 with 35 cron or lux is a perfect uncomplicated combo that will give you so much freedom in your photography. Once you hit the groove you will never go back. Its the only way to shoot.

On the matter of "Frankenstein" Leicas. It's a great advantage of Leica Cameras that planned obsolecance is not part of the phylosophy at Solms. They still make the all the parts for older models, and if you want you can tailor make a set up that suits you. Also, I and every body else here can still fit a 50 year old lens to a M body even the brand new M7. How many Nikon and Cannon CRFs do see used these days? Can't use EF and ED glass on them.
There are still plenty of folk out there quite happily cliking away on their 40+ year old Leicas and getting great service out of them.

good luck craig.
 
G

Guest

Thanks to all for your comments, i do appreciate them. i have my heart set on a nicely used m2, 35 'cron or 'lux. Although i would like a black body it seems out of the early cameras the M4 in the same condition is higher priced, because its more collectible (from what I've heard)? I heard you can paint the chrome on M's and it would not be worse than the paint leica used back in the day, I think some collectors out there might strike me dead for even mentioning it, but is there any validity to this at all.
 
G

Guest

One day after I win lotto I'm going to one of the big Leica collectors auctions and buy an fully boxed unused M3 or 2, unpack it, put film in it and start taking pictures. Might not get our alive but boy that would that be fun!!!

craig
 
G

Guest

you might check at b&h bhphotovideo.com, they had a black body m2 the other day in the used section for $800, and rated at an 8. if it's not gone, it might be a good buy. good luck.
also, i've seen websites of people who offer the service of repainting M's. it's expensive, about $1000, I think. good luck.
 
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