I must apologise for asking such a question, and for the argument between pro and anti-Leica people. I agree with some of the points stated. I really need to try out RF shooting before I can decide if Leica is really for me. I thank those who have suggested cheaper alternatives and I think some of you were spot on about me, I would like to own a Leica camera at some point in my life, so buying a cheaper camera body is not an option. Trying out the lenses on my XP1 is a good shout and I will do that soon. Lastly, may I know where I can rent a Leica for a day to have a feel of the camera and the type of shooting?
Desire to own a Leica
- Thread starter zekk67
- Start date
You can rent a Leica system at the Leica boutique at Raffles Hotel.
For camera bodies, unless you must have a Leica for the RF experience, to allow the Leica lenses to perform at its best and the red dot, then the M240 with live view, otherwise the M9. But note that Leica digital bodies have very high depreciation.
Leica's claim to fame is the lenses. If I am on a budget, most of it will go to the lenses. They are expensive for the edge they have over many other lenses.
Lastly, as an ex-XE owner, I would avoid the Fuji for Leica lenses. The reddish-brownish tint is not my preference. Also the refresh rate is very slow, too slow for MF. Although I do not have an A7/7r, I think it would be a better alternative than the Fujis if used with M lenses no wider than 35mm - I prefer the colour rendering.
Perhaps. I also find RF focusing easier but may need to ensure the lenses and bodies before the M240 are properly calibrated for critical focusing with the fast lenses.
To get the max out of the Leica lenses and the RF experience, a $10k price gap between a GXR and a M240 could be too much of a luxury for many.
Bro , I am very sure I shouldn't be judging about whether Leica is a yea or a nil
I've been through similar arguments coming way back from why splurge on a smaller MFT sensor when one can buy a APS-C DSLR for the same price and I understand if u r clear abt it, go ahead. Pls do rent before buying though , most of us don't have $1x000 to play with. I'm a civil servant too and the amount I spend on watches is well , enough to buy a few Leica M240s , it's all about financial prudence and managing it well & never getting into debt other than for the house and car.
U can do a rental at Camera Rental Centre. Last time I was there the M240 is around 188 per day , include a 50/1.4 it's a total of lesser than $240 per day.
If u rent a M8 , it's even cheaper at $88 per day and so on.
U can call them at 9650 4158 or simply google for the website
Have fun.
sillbeers15
Member
Renting is a good way to test out a lens or camera before buying. But sometimes life has its way of playing things up, you might either discover little during trial period or already know what you want before trial. My rational may differ a little, go for a Leica lens + body your desire. Either build a system from there if experience is positive or just keep as an additional camera to your current DSLR system. Many RF diehard will tell you how great RF system is and how easy, fast is to focus manually. My own experience tells me that firstly it limits to the range of 28mm to 135mm in theory as the RF window only supports. Realistically, it is only good for 28mm to 50mm and for focusing f2 and below for hitting general sharpness. I started with an M9 + 50mm Fle (before M240 was available) and very soon ditched the M9 for the M240 for the reason of live view availability and much greater resolution dynamics of a 24Mp CMOS vs 18Mp CCD. Lots of details can be salvaged from underexposed section of files. As I did not wanted to keep a DSLR system, live view on M240 opens up the availability of lenses beyond Leica M lenses. I find the 80-200mm Vario Elmar R to be versitile and useful when I travel and my 180mm APO Elmarit R can be used to take further objects. I honestly cannot get sharp focus on my Noctilux 0.95 wide open on RF focusing. Live view & EVF becomes absolutely necessary for me. Besides, liveview also supports lenses wider than 28mm which 21mm was a strugle for me on earlier my M9. Liveview also allows you to compose the DOF as what you see is what you get. Money wise, a used M9 + lens and a new M240 system can range S$9k to a cat B COE. I hope that sharing my experience in using a digital M startup helps you a little to decide on where to start.
my 2 cents worth. I think the main deciding factor in whether one can get used to a Leica rangefinder is the ability to pick up on the manual focus. this is often overlooked in the enthusiasm to own a rangefinder. try one out by all means before you commit as it could be an expensive exercise. if one is able to persevere and willing to master the manual focus, it can be achieved but it takes time & systematic elimination of the possible problems. it can also be very frustrating if you do not have guidance to solve your focus problems and lots of people give up. good luck.
the best answer IMO is whatever your wallet feels most comfortable.
or as someone suggested earlier, rent the M9 from leica @ raffles before committing.
sillbeers15
Member
Not very sure if there are anymore M9s from Leica store, perhaps ME?
Even buying a used M9 now should not be too much of financial lost if one decides to download it in near future.
Please elaborate, I am not sure what you mean.
sillbeers15
Member
M9 has been discontinued late 2012 and replaced by ME.
The rental service in Leica store is to encourage purchase as a final objective so I'm not certain if there there are M9's available for lease?
As for rental MEs, I'm sure there are available.
But then again, I found a good selection of used M & R lenses in my last visit to a Leica store in Taipei. One never knows.
I was referring to your last sentence about the financial loss in buying a used M9.
sillbeers15
Member
The current going price for a used M9 is $4k to $5k. If you pick up a used M9 and decide to ditch it in favour of a M240 later, your financial lost will be minimum as the selling price of used M9 is kind of stable until the next M arrives in 2.5 years time?
sobrietyanonymous
Senior Member
Maybe u want to try a film leica. You will never have to worry about any depreciation if you buy it at average price. By the time you sell it, you may not have made any loss or may even gain a little. Film is not for everyone though.
TS, you can get a M8 to try out, coupled with a 35 cron asph. This combi should set you back ard $5+k (2nd hand for both). Since it's the first time you are getting into the RF system, you may not want to spend so much on a system just to satisfy the desire to own a leica. You may not be able to understand the system well from renting since period is too short.
If die die need to own the Leica M, try getting it overseas, much cheaper.
If die die need to own the Leica M, try getting it overseas, much cheaper.
try Voigtlander R2A or R3A first ? cheapest way for RF beginner
