john_brewton

Once again I thank all of you for your answers. Neil is correct, his is the camera I'm refering to. I plan on using this camera, but hey I get to fondle it also while I'm using it. And yes, I'll probably buy it. In my question I certainly didn't mean to imply that this made the camera defective. I was just curious as to what, exactly, and how this change was perceived by all you "experts". You know what an expert is don't you? The last letter of the alphabet and what comes out of a garden hose. Laugh, it's a joke.

Have been offered an M4 with M6 finder. Is this a plus or minus?

Does it increase or decrease the value? Thanks.

Okay, okay. All I've ever used are SLR's. However, I would like to advance my photography skills with an RF shooting B/W. I'm patient enough to acquire the necessary knowledge and experience to make an RF work for me. I've done extensive research on the various web sites, but I am a bit confused at some of the conflicting information. On the one hand, there are all the attributes of the early M2, M3 and M4 with their all metal construction and the advances made to each over the production years. On the other are the questionable (?) cheaper parts used in later (even current?) production M's. I want something VERY reliable and tough enough to take some hard knocks. This forum seems to be populated by knowledgeable enthusiasts who give a damn rather than other forums I have visited on other subjects which are mostly populated with posers and idiots. Thank you all for your answers.

Gerry, what constitutes a "later model M6"? I wouldn't mind another brand RF, but I want to use my R lenses w/adapter and thus save some bucks. I don't think I want an M6ttl, and looking at all the choices, sometimes I tell myself why don't you just REALLY bite the big one and get an MP.

Thanks to everyone for their responses. Actually I've decided to bite the bullet and spend a little more. So it looks like the decision is between an M4 or for the same money an M6 or M6ttl. Any comments? I plan to heavily use the camera, after all that's what they are for isn't it?

Is the M4-P just as good a camera or is the older model still the

one to get? Quality wise, that is. Thanks for putting up with my

juvenile questions.

I see where Jay has mentioned the fear of no film scare in a (probable) past post. The way I feel about that is best related to what happened to LP's when CD's came out. The true audiophile has a good turntable and enjoys better sound than that produced on a CD! Since I have a Linn turntable I know this to be fact. While the demand for film (and LP's!) may go down, there will always be an industry to serve dedicated enthusiasts of whatever genre.

John, THAT'S EXACTLY what I was planning on. To tell the truth I've never shot B/W with my R! Thought I might try it, though and then decide on an M. However, being a bit of a camera nut, I don't mind keeping an M in the drawer for the hell of it.

Keith, I will mostly be shooting landscape-type shots. I live at the beach, so you know... I was planning to ramp-up my b/w shooting with an M series, but it's a lot of money for a whim...

Will I see a big difference in my B/W photography with an M3 versus

my Leica SLR? (This assumes I know what I'm doing!) I realize this

is a very subjective question, so subjective answers are welcome!

Thanks to everyone for their input. I have checked every resource mentioned and will be ordering most of them.

Thanks Melvin. I believe that is more what I'm looking for.

Looking for book on taking b/w photography with Rangefinder camera.