Re: [Leica] which M for me?

["Paul Klingaman" <pklingaman@hotmail.com>]

Eric,

I know just where you're coming from.  I recently made the move from 
nikon slr to leica m.  I wish now that I'd done so a long time ago.  To 
answer your question, I'd say, (IMHO) that you've got to weigh what's 
important to you.  In the past 5 months I'd been looking extensively for 
an M3.  The meter wasn't that important to me, and I figured I'd save 
some cash by purchasing the older m3.  The thing is, that later M3's run 
in the neighborhood of $900+ due to their collectability.  M4's and M5's 
are just way too pricey for shooters becuase of their collectability.  
Because you will be shooting with the camera, rather than putting it in 
a case, or on a shelf, my advice would be to go with either the M4-P, or 
the M6.  If you could do without the convenience of an integrated meter, 
the M4-P can be fairly reasonable.  However, the metering system on the 
M6 is great, but you will pay for it.  In my search for an M3, I came 
accross a chrome M6(non TTL) in mint condition for just $1400.  It was 
just about 400 dollars more than most later M3's, and a whopping 700 
dollars less than the new TTL M6.  Which brings us to the next concern: 
for about 300 dollars more, you can get a brand new M6 non-TTL with a 3 
year passport warrenty.  Many people consider this added insurance well 
worth the cost.  I think you'll also find the framelines on the M6 to be 
supurb for the 35, 50, and 90 setup.  With M6 prices the way they are 
right now, and considering your usage of the camera system, my advice 
would be to bite the bullet and go with an M6.  You won't regret it.  
Personally I've found my 'deal' on Ebay, but I have also seen completed 
auctions for M6's that make me say, "What where *they* thinking?"...Be 
careful.  Don Chatterton(on the web) also seems to have reasonable M 
prices, and some members of this list will also be able to refer you to 
some really great, honest dealers.  Be patient, consider shopping for 
your M camera like searching for a spouse.  You will grow deeply fond of 
it quickly.  Have fun, and ENJOY whatever you decide to purchase.

Best Regards,
Paul Klingaman

>From: "Eric Chong" <shutterbug@pacific.net.sg>
>Reply-To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
>To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
>Subject: [Leica] which M for me?
>Date: Thu, 01 Apr 1999 00:50:22 +0800
>
>hi all LUGers
>
>I'm getting quite knee deep abt Leica M stuff. I'm presently still a 
manual
>Nikon user. After reading, touching and discussing abt Leica M stuff 
with my
>Leica friends... I'm thinking of switching to Leica M.
>
>I'm particularly drawn to the M4, unfortunately. The used price is even
>higher than the M6s. And they are quite rare.  Now.. in all goodness...
>could u experience pp out there.. pls tell me.. which M body offers me 
the
>best value for money? I think I'll using 35, 50 and 90. I like to take
>travel shots, available light pics and portraits.
>
>P.S. I need to sell away two F bodies, 3 manual lens to finance a Leica 
M
>body. So your opinion counts.
>
>ericssan
>--
>Chong Yen Yong, Eric
>Educator/Photographer/Mac User
>Yishun Junior College
>Department of Mathematics
>
>ICQ: 1280 5335
>* This mail is been sent out by my most wonderful Apple Powerbook G3
>(a.k.a.Yuffie)!

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