Thinking about a Leica

[jgredline]

Hi Folks...
I have really been pondering and looking through ebay in search of a good leica film camera...But honestly, I don't know what I want..Are the lenses interchangeable from one leica to another? Pretty much, there are only two lenses I would need.
a 28mm and a 50mm, perhaps a 35mm...

Budget, I would like to keep it under 1k for the whole system...if possible, if not, I can go more..

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated...

[Xia_Ke]

Uhoh, the Leica bug is quite an infectious disease from those I know that shoot with them. Kiss your money goodbye now...LOL

For a system with a 28mm, a 50mm, and a body you could do it for under $1000 but, not sure I would recommend it. There are 2 types of the Leica rangefinder cameras, the old screwmount versions and the newer M-series. Not sure what you use for metering but, IIRC they didn't come with meters until either the M5 or M6 in which case you will not be under a $1000 for a body and a 50mm. The lenses will make a huge difference in the price of your outfit. Let me send a pm to Greg. He's the Leica man with the answers

Aaron

[Greg McCary]

Well you have the older LTM screwmounts and I have a IIIa, but the film is a booger to load. Each film leader has to be trimmed and the newer M mount lens won't work. If I were you I would go with an M mount. The M5 was the first with a built in meter but won't take the screwmount collapasable lenses because of the location of the meter cell. With all of that said I think the M6 is the best choice. I have and M6 and Aaron is right. It is very addictive. Photography at it's roots. The M6 or newer will take the old LTM screwmount lenses with the right adaptor. The less expensive Voigtlander lens work great on my M. I currently have a Voigtlander 15mm Heliar, Voigtlander 40mm Nokton, Voigtlander 75mm and a Leica 50mm Summicron. You will never look back. A Leica will last you a lifetime. My IIIa is 75 years old an out performs any RF I have ever had other than the M6. I studied long and hard before getting the M6. Feel free to ask questions or even PM me. Good luck.

[Greg McCary]

Also I don't think I would get one off of e-bay. Check Adorama's used equipment. A good M6 body only will set you back about 1000-1200. You can get an M3 or M4 for less but they will not have a built in meter.

[jgredline]

Thanks Aaron, Thanks Greg..I have decided to double my range and Greg, you are right..Forget ebay on that one.. I do want one with a light meter,

[Xia_Ke]

Better put away the credit cards. Before you know it you will be popping for a Noctilux f/1.0

[Greg McCary]

Check the reviews here. I wrote one on almost all of the lenes and the M6. The Nokton 40mm 1.4 is a great lens for the price. Very sharp, very fast... Also the 35mm framlines on the M6 are deadly accurate for the Nokton. But if you are looking at 50mm then a 5cm Summicron would be my choice there.

[jgredline]

Aaron, Thanks for the advice, fortunately, I do not have any credit cards... Been there, done that, never again...

Greg, Do you a shortcut link to the reviews?

[Xia_Ke]

Javier, if you go into anyone's profile, there is link to see all reviews by that user. Here's a link for all of Greg's reviews:

http://www.photographyreview.com/rev...se=photography

[jgredline]

Javier, if you go into anyone's profile, there is link to see all reviews by that user. Here's a link for all of Greg's reviews:

http://www.photographyreview.com/rev...se=photography

Aaron, Thanks. I never new that.
Time to read..