Any Digital Photographers comtemplating a Leica M (Film) Body Purchase?

cant beat that TRX feeling man.

Going against the grain, if you want to return to film and would like to use an RF, then consider a <a href="

http://www.leicagallery.com/mediumformat.htm ">medium format rangefinder</a>. With a maximum of 16 shots on

120 film, you'll learn to value every one over 36 35mm frames. I find developing b/w MF film easier than developing

35mm, and the larger format is ideal for enlarging/printing in a darkroom. There's still a wide selection of 120 and 220

films available, including Kodak's colour Portra series, Tri-X, T-MAX and a range of Ilfords, including the Pan-F

50. Fuji does a number of reversable films in this format as well as its own b/w Neopan. And the cameras (usually

with lenses) can be had for prices well below those of used Leica bodies. <P>However, if you're absolutely stuck on

a

Leica, then go for the M6.

Not anymore. My M3 arrived on Monday. It will join my venerable Nikon FTn as an occassional shooter. Like you I had previously owned a Leica. In my experience, rangefinder cameras encourage a different style of shooting than SLRs. I regretting selling my modest Bessa R kit when I switched to digital a few years back and recently picked up a used Epson R-D1. This led to the purchase of some used Leica glass, and coming full circle to an M3 similar to the one I owned in the mid 70's. I think the M series Leicas are among the most beautifully designed cameras ever made. There's probably more emotion than logic in that purchase but It pleases me. My wife doesn't understand but hopes this will help speed the disappearence of the last of the outdated Provia from the shelf in the freezer door.

Regards

Bob

Definitely get a Leica. Prints from film look way better than digital...in any case, the Leica is a vastly superior instrument to

any Nikon, Dwhatever included. There is simply no comparison.

 

Get an M3, if you can. It is the best of the lot. You won't regret it. All this crap about AF, digital, etc, is all just marketing

malarky, in my mind. They are bigger, noisier, and heavier, and the crucial moment of firing the shutter is done in darkness

with an SLR. With a leica you can keep your eye on the action, and it is small and inoffensive. There is no comparison for

me.

To me it is amazing that in 60 years or so, Canon/Nikon etc, have never once matched the M3.