Leica starter system MP or M7

[mholdef]

I own an M7 and am looking to get a second body.

I own a 0.72 M7 and am considering a 0.58 MP that would allow me to use some of the wider angle lenses notably a 28mm as with the 0.72, the 28 bright lines are really a bit "tight" for my taste.

The MP is very tempting but my concern is the difference in metering (not having TTL on MP)

How different is the metering?

Mark

 

[mholdef]

PS - I don't intend to use flash with the MP but what I meant is if the metering were any different compared with the Leica M7.

Mark

 

[mholdef]

I just did some research and realised that the MP is TTL but just not for flash!

Sorry for the bother!

Mark

 

[wilsonlaidlaw1]

David,

If you're still set on a Leica, look at Ebay Item number: 3825114897. If you buy it, have it sent by Fedex as the duty to the UK via them always seems to be about half what other carriers get charged plus they don't charge collection and processing fee. Just to confuse the issue, have you looked at a Hasselblad XPAN II. That will be my next rangefinder. Wilson

 

[jtrevino]

David, for me it boils down to two things: Do you really need the AE of the M7 and what lens fits your vision better.

I'm long in the teeth regarding photography and learned early on that built-in meters more frequently lead you to mistakes than plain good sense and sunny 16. Light situations are not that fleeting. Usually you can estimate the exposure to 1/3 of a stop. That said, I've had nothing but grief out of trusting any AE system blindly, even the most sophisticated. They seem to be OK for common situations but then for those I don't need a meter, I know the exposure by heart.

On the lens, I shoot 90% percent of the time with a "normal", be it a 50 in 35mm, 80 in 6x6 MF and 150 in 5x7 LF. Thus, I'd recommend a 50. However, there are people for whom their normal is the moderate wide angle, in this case the 35. In any case, I would recommend the Summicrons as a much better alternative over the Summiluxes, unless you're ready for the new Summilux-ASPH 50. I have a Summicron 50 and it's to this day the best 35mm lens in the world.

If you need the extra stop, get a Nokton. I have one also and it's practically on par with the Summicron, Superior to the Summilux and the price can't be beat. It's a very well made lens too; enameled or chromed brass. Leica charges extra for that finish.

 

[wbesz]

...well, I have both the M7 and the MP.

Over the years I have used manual, and finally sold my last one, the FM2n most recently.

David is looking at M7 & MP, with a slight bias to the fully manual MP.

I love both cameras, but even so, I miss the AE whenever I am out and about with my MP.

The M7's AE definitely speeds up your shot for spontaneous moments.

You can always switch in "manual" if you need to, and thus have both.

But if the "inner-brain" needs manual, then the MP.

As for the lens, you should go for f1.4 (if you have the money).

And as to 35/50, only you can decide (I seem to use the 35 most often).

 

[dmchadderton]

Thanks so far for the discussion ... Whilst I do want the MP, I may just have to be sensible and edge for the M7 with a 50mm/f1.4 Summilux.

Has anyone got any experence of just using the 50mm/f1 Noctilux as their 'standard' 50mm lens? I ruled it out earlier after a few adverse comments but find myself strangely drawn back to the f1.0 lens ...

And again, what are people's thoughts on the 999 M6TTL models available with 'limited edition' 50mm/f2 Summicrons - I can still source new M6TTLs and lenses and think maybe this would also be a reasonable way to start with Leica.

Thanks - keep the answers coming!

 

[Mgreenhill]

I'm a happy user of a M6ttl. I had a Konica for a short time and I appreciated the auto exposure facility. Thus I would go for the M7 and I might buy this body in due course. I'm also interested in the proposed digital M body.
As far as one lens is concerned, I advocate the Tri-Elmar. The three focal lengths available are a boon. The f4 maximum aperture is not such a big issue for general photography in view of the availability of excellent 200 and 400 films.
A further advantage of the M7 would be in conjunction with a Visoflex where there would be more chance of accurate exposure, particularly with long focus lenses and also micro-photography.
Incidently, I've aquired the new close-focus 90mm Elmar and now am the proud owner of a compact, light and versatile outfit.
My Summicron set, previously permanently in my gadget bag, now always seem to be left behind at home.
In the 60s, I had an outfit based on an M2. A marvelous camera. Always regreted selling it, but was seduced by a Hasselblad outfit.
My pennyworth.
Michael Greenhill

 

[garth]

Hi Mark,all-

Mark, two important things you left out is the type of photography you do as well as the lens you currently have for your M7. If you are talking about getting your second body in .58 to utilize a 28mm lens, I'd assume you are using a standard 50mm on your present M7?

IMHO, you would benefit greatly by having your second body be as similar to your first. I think there is much greater mental efficiency when you are using both bodies at once.

Of course the thing with the AE is that you don't have to use it, right? How much do you use it already?

My response to David is similar- what type of photography are you doing? What type do you want to do? How much do you rely on AE with your present camera?

I do documentary/reportage/personal work. I use an m6, I had a 50mm Summicron for the longest time. f2 is completely adequate, had an slr with 1.4 previous and didn't miss it. fully able to take night shots too. A few months ago I was finally able to get a 35mm summicron and the 50mm collects dust... (though I don't have a mind to sell it!).

I also have a 90mm lens which I carry to get longer shots, ie,, speakers, crowd shots, portraits. I would not go longer than that with range finder- too hard on moving stuff. I think an slr with 135mm is great for that end of things.

My next lens is to get a 24mm, for when I'm so within a scene, it's most useful.

My ideal setup is:
MP .58 with 35mm Summicron (main camera)
MP .72 with 24mm (switchable with the 90mm when needed)
and SF20 flash when needed as well.

I think it's a simple and elegant enough combination to do a LOT of work.

That's my humble opinion, good luck!
Garth

 

[Colin645]

If I could source out a new M6ttl .72mag. in silver chrome, I'd buy it at the drop of a hat!
Don't understand the comment regarding Visoflex use,long lenses and closeup and M7 accuracy.
I use an M6 with Visoflex on occasion and have never had exposure problems. How can an M7 be more accurate? Total AE without "thinking" is never accurate unless one is photographing a grey card.
David, A Noctilux is a very special lens. I don't think you will like the results other than at f1. If you are going to shoot constantly wide open with limited depth of field, it maybe the ONLY way to go. If however you are going to do general photography, it is an expensive,large,heavy, non-starter. Rather like driving a Ferrari in London's rush hour. Nice car, but isn't happy doing that sort of thing.
Colin