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Post by Michael Fraley on Nov 24, 2006 19:34:58 GMT -5
I am going in circles as to whether or not I should get a Leica.
* which one?
* Zeiss Ikon (the new one) instead?
I like the *idea* of the MP -- sturdy, mechanical. Any word on its reliability? Does it need service often?
The M7 has been described as more practical because it has AE. But then I'm not a huge fan of AE.
Maybe a used M2/M3 would be a better choice? Like buying a used car that already has dings & dents, I wouldn't baby it and agonize over the first blemish.
Or should I just use & enjoy the cameras I have?
And finally, should I *really* be buying a digital SLR at this point instead of another film camera?
Color me confused,
Michael
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Post by jennyandernie on Nov 25, 2006 3:54:38 GMT -5
My view for what it is worth !!
Which camera you chose to own and use depends on three factors in my opinion.
1. What type of photography you do; sport, nature, portrait, general etc.
2. How much money you can afford to spend.
3. What sort of quality you want in the finished photo.
There are many cameras and even more opinions as to which is best. If you hope to make money look at what the pro's use not what amateurs use. If it's for fun then think about what is most fun for you; maybe you are the type that gets a lot of fun lugging a large format around ?
One thing I would never do is look at buying a camera for the "snob" value or for the "image".
Personally I think Leicas are over rated these days and the old ones not that easy to use. For quality.there has never been a Leica made that can produce negatives like my Bronica 645RF rangefinder and that is not a big camera to use.
As for digital...........again there is no Leica made that can produce the quality of images under the variety of shooting conditions that can be produced with our Canon 1DS Mk2 using Canon L lenses.
Ernie
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Post by nikonbob on Nov 25, 2006 7:17:43 GMT -5
Some more free advise so you know what it is worth. The only reason not to get another camera is monetary constraint and as you are looking at an MP that is not likely a problem. If you want to earn a living from photography digital makes the most sense. Leicas are just another camera but at some point in life you just might want to treat yourself to a luxury item. At the half century mark that is what I did when a good deal came up on a nice used M4 and a couple of used lenses. That is why I can say they are just another camera but a very nice one. Would I do it again, maybe. Would I buy a second body, no. Would I buy new, no. As for reliability all I can say is that my 30+ year old camera was still working well when I got. I had it CLA'd anyway and expect it will run longer than I will be alive. OTH some of my Nikons are as old and still banging away. As far as loading film goes the M4 and up are very easy especially compared to the scewmount models. If you want or need a built in metering system then your choice is limited to the M6 and up. Have fun deciding.
Bob
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