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Leica starter system MP or M7

Hi Again:

Why do I begin to get an uncomfortable feeling that you are milking this subject about as far as you can? One must suspect that you now have received about all the advice one mortal can receive about the cameras and lenses in question. How about saying you have made up your mind, and finally go out and buy the darn things. Then take some snaps, and let us know how you are doing? I don't want to appear too unkind, but enough is enough David. We can go on, literally, forever with you posing more questions on top of more answers.

Next thing one knows you will have decided instead on the R series, and the cycle will repeat...

Elliot--> [Delete this line and type your message here]
 
Hi Ellie,

I take your point, but I want to ensure I get all the advise possible (and yes, maybe I've got it now) before throwing £3000+ at a new camera and lens.

I'm still wrestling with my 'buy an X-Pan II and all 3 lenses and get that great travel panoramic feature' demons (a fact I didn't share) but the reality is that I WANT a Leica.

It's been something of a dream since my intro to photography 10 yrs ago and I'm now in a position to buy new ...

I've just about settled on the .72 MP with a 35mm/f1.4 Summilux. At least that's the starting position when I eventually make it to my nearest dealers (about 2 hrs away!).

Thanks for all the advice so far. I'll keep you all informed!
 
Garth - I have a 35mm, 50mm and 90mm with my M7 and really use all three lenses.

I've been thinking about a 0.58 a) to be able to use a 28mm more comfortably and b) have a 2nd body.

I see your point about having the same body in terms of adjustment from one to another.

Only thing is that the MP is so tempting, one of those things. I admit, may seem "illogical" to go for the MP but then again Leica owners are never really "logical" when it comes to such things!

happy.gif


But honestly, if I did get the MP I might have to rserve the M7 for moments when light is changing rapidly and/or for slide film when it helps to be able to get a bit more precision in exposure (On other hand one could argue that you can always play around with shutter speed dial / aperture ring of course to get that).

With negative film and notably when shooting B&W which I do lots of this is less of a problem.

Mark
 
David,

I can wholly understand your desire to own your own new Leica - been there done that and there's nothing quite as satisfying as coming home and opening that lovely quality box and pulling out your own new Leica. One final thought - have you considered taking a cheap flight to New York, having a fun week-end there, buying your Leica M7/MP + 35mm Summilux (absolutely the right decision on lens) and still coming home with money in your pocket. US prices are substantially less than UK. I recently bought a new Zeiss 90mm G Sonnar in the US, which was less numerical dollars than pounds and with GBP/USD about 1.75, tourist rate, that was equivalent to about 50% of the price. Wilson
 
David - I have just got my X-pan with both 45 and 90 lenses. If you want to get a Leica, go fot it first and get the xpan later. The xpan is a different camera altogether in handling. I still prefer my Leica M7 & M6 over the x-pan for handling.
Rgds
Daniel
 
David,
The choice is always one point to start in the world of our job or passion.
I use Leica M6, because I liked to use one completely mecanical camera. You decide about what you want, without surprise of the electronic and some decision. I travel with two M6, and the 21/2.8, the 35/2.0, and the 75/1.4
To decide to have all of this I had to spend a lot of time. I'm sure that we can decide without to think about price or weight or other detail, but when we need one kind of lens it happends not only one time but everytime. We need to satisfy our eyes or mind, because it is our view of reality that make the decision, nothing else. But for this we need to take time and to see which kind of view we always need in our adventure in potography.
About XPan, the difference is that it is one completely automatic camera, without autofucus. The problem is that if you don't have battery you can turn at home, and the battery fall down in only few seconds, you don't have time to take one more picture.
But what you have with the panoramic camera, is very exceptional.
The viewfinder is better than the LeicaM, and when you use the tele the view is adjusted, bigger.
I find the handling of the XPan good enough. With the M6, I need to use the handgrip, and with this it is better than the Xpan.
Make the good choice.
Regards
Laurent
 
Colin Elliot, Regarding unthinking exposures. This is far from the case. I assume that the camera has been tested with the films in use to ascertain the accuracy of the particular camera meter and the iso dial set accordingly. The exposure reading is carefully ascertained via the viewfinder. This is relatively simple with the M6, M6ttl and M7. It is just less hassle with the latter, in particular in conjunction with the visoflex 3.
Otherwise with 200 and 400mm lenses I imagine a spotmeter would be advantageous.
Bracketing exposures when using slide film just to be extra sure.
David, why not hire an outfit for a weekend and see how you get on?
Don't be scared of buying pre-owned. You will save money. The camera is unlikely to have been abused.
It's decision time. Take the plunge. You will be delighted whatever you choose.
Another pennyworth
Michael
 
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