cebes_johnson

As stated above, and as an owner of a BP MP, go for the MP if at all possible. It is genuinely, once again, a superior camera.

The refinements and quality of this camera are far superior to any other you will find. It inspires complete confidence and the quality does surpasss the M3.

Be prepared however, and I am not joking, if you are struggling with funds, etc. and/or are genuinely serious about photographyp...well, the MP is a camera you will never be able to sell or have great difficulty selling. Trust me on that.

It is truly the best, and once you have the best, it truly makes it difficult to handle anything else. It becomes very *personal*..how can I say?

It honestly becomes more than a tool, but an instrument. It feels like a quality timepiece, and is constructed likewise. There is a difference. It's a tank though and will take all sorts of hell.

I have travelled with mine to many, many countries (13) and use it constantly. Even the dust and heat of Afgahanistan did not phase it and the film survived completely intact and safely. Oddly only paint wear that exists on mine is the lever and the rewind knob?! (And I could also recommend it as a weapon as I beat someone over the f@#king head with it in a "situation" I had... brass is nice...<laugh)

A pleasure to use and I know it will endure like nothing else. I owned an M6 titanium and a chrome ttl..

The refinements are that apparent, and teh MP has the craftsmanhip I had been searching for in the others. (The M6 titanium is merely laser coated, not solid titanium as the new M7 Special Edition..my mistake. Yet who can afford a special edition?!)

The chrome ttl is nice, but it is chrome, which I don't like, and I did not like zinc of the others)

At any rate, My M6 titanim film counter stopped working because the gear is made of plastic, for example...these things have all been attended to in the MP and refinements in the gearing is like cutting through butter by comparison to the M6.

First time I handled an MP and wound the advance (while owning my M6s) I said aloud, "whoa...".

The shutter braking has also been refined...it feels quite simply like an entirely different camera which oozes quality.

It depends if you are sensitive to these refinements or not?

It is the perfect "artists" camera. I would never let go of this camera, would use an M6 as backup, yet never let this one go.

I am not a sad obssessed leica gear fanatic, but Leica is a great, great camera. There is not another maker that offer such a quality camera as the MP. Period.

I may also add it is the end of the M line. It's a special camera for that reason as well.

I can compare it to a Porsche in some respects. The earlier models are great, some have their quirks, etc., but all in all, it is best to get the latest model you can afford. The latest models have the most refinements.

But again, it depends what you want, the "qualities" may not appeal to you or be necessary. The M6 is a fine tool without question.

Best wishes.

@Johnnycake:

Have not been here in quite a long time...even when here, I didn't say much.

Nevertheless, had to log in once again (fortunately remembered password) to say that is genuinely a great shot.

Good thinking!

ciao

Hello

Well, I understand your position all too well. There is some very good advice above as well

i might add...

One must get over these things as artpieces. People express them to be tools, yet I prefer

the term "instrument". A worn instrument is immeasurably more beautiful than a new one

you understand? It does not mean it was not well taken care of, simply used. It has a

history...you grow out of that mentality in time.

I first purchased an M6 chrome years ago, TTL. Gave it to my wife. So, I of corse wanted

something special for myself, so I came across an outstanding Ti M6.

I became so tired of worrying about scratching the d@mn thing as well, due to it's

collectability, etc. So upon testing the then new MP (blkpaint), I was truly impressed, no,

floored with the qulaity and feel of the camera. There are the endless debates and talk, but

it feels heads and shoulders more refined than the others I had.

This said, having expressed my needs to sell it, a well as, my 35 ASPH (as I truly could not

justify the price of it) concerned about losing its value due to scratches, etc.

I bought these things to USE, and perhaps the problem was they were a bit out of my leaue

to begin with.

The other reason I opted for the MP, honestly is due to fact that it is supposed to wear out.

.and looks better if it does in my honest opinion. As foolisha this is to write, what a relief

it was. ..

Still, occasionally there is that concern as yours, however, my wife (a professional photog.)

made a simple comment as clear as could be:

"You bought it, then use it. What does it matter if it gets scratched or not. You already

paid for it. It's yours.... It wasnt like it was a bottle of wine you got, was it?"

Perhaps i simply needed to hear it, but truer words have not been spoken.

I did sell the ASPH, it never did leave me floored as I'd imagined, and I simply sould not

justify a $1300 lens...I mean, who am I?

I purchased a pristine, timewarp CL kit. 40mm cron, 90 Elmar, and could not be more

pleased. and Ive gone through several lenses to find one that "draws" the way I wanted it

to.

IF however you are interested, as mentioned above by another, another less expensive

body may be the ticket.

With this kit I purchased, is an absolutely pristine, as if purchased new yesterday, in the

original packing and box Leica CL I intend to sell when I get around to it for $400. If

interested, drop me a note.

I really wanted to keep it for a second body, but I must remain realistic I feel. It would

make me feel far too spoiled...as I am already quite fortunate to have what I do.

If you are concerned about theft, as advised above, investigate getting insurance and sleep

well at night.

They were meant to be used, USE IT.

Hope this was somewhat helpful.

Best wishes

Dear Robert

Having recently gone down the same garden path and reviewed/researched all related past/present posts online I have found this hood option...and it is ideal.

I too having read all the (good) suggestions/descriptions and work people are doing to use the rectangular lens hood (which I like very much and used on my 35ASPH) and just didn't want to go that route either.

As others have mentioned in other posts, the standard 39mm filters and hoods can work fine. Simply stop when they become "snug".

I have read glowing reviews on "redleica1" on ebay by posters/researching the rangefinderforum, and even contacted the guy directly.

He posted one, I bought it, a month later I ask where it was and he said he refunded my paypal account as it had a "scratch in it".

I contacted him a few times afterwards and he responded with flaky replies and then none at all.

Long story short (yes, too late), I preferred the tapered style hood far more than the "heavystar" hood. From images seen online, I simply do not find it at all pleasing..

Purchased a tapered hood from a seller named "digibatterycity" (or something to that effect...Do a search for 39mm hood) and am very pleased with it. Very good quality, compact, aluminum exterior with proper matte interior. Again, very well built.

No messing about and it fits/suites the camera perfectly. Simply stop when it gets snug/tight. People I feel (having read/researched *before* actually receiving the 40 c-cron) were truly making too big a deal about the thread issue here. the *standard* 39mm thread works just fine. You will simply have ~1.5mm added to the lens length as it does not seat fully to lens body. Nothing more, and serioulsy don't worry about it.

It is a diamond of a lens. You'll love it.

Hope this is somehwat helpful.

best

C

(PS: No affiliation with these people. I am genuinely trying to offer help)

I honestly do not understand why individuals would have a problem with their photo taken unless they have something to hide. Certainly silly aspects such as insecurity play a role for many....

Above all, the paparrazzi (sp?) have ruined it for all. This, I feel, is why all has changed.

I have absolutely no problem anyone taking my photo. I am rather eccentric and travel often Euorpe and notice as well some taking my photo when doing things or nothing at all...

Of course studying photog. and doing the same many times, I try and conceptualize their shot, and think (or say) good idea..... or "how banal..."

My wife is studying photog here. She and others are the only ones who bother me as they ask me to "wait" or "do this" or ..

Hey, I got no problem if you wish to take my photo, but I will not model or act for you!

It *is* about the moment after all!!

ciao

All I can say is I love film and mechanical cameras upon reading this article.

With something that is very rarely said on this forum board, "Thank you for posting."

I enjoyed reading the article nonetheless. That would be a very enjoyable trip no doubt....

Best regards

C

I cannot agree more with all the positive comments on the 40-C above. One other note is how incredibly fast *working* it is due to the short cam throw.

It requires far less movement to bring objects into focus therefore.

You cannot go wrong with the 40-C. I cannot believe prices are still what they are for them...

Get yourself the 90mm Elmar-C as well and have it all covered. You won't be disappointed. I promise you.

best of luck

C

Oh come on guys....

It may be a story, but it may be true. I think everyone needs to remember the subtlety of situations.

Sure anyone can buy a lens to dissect and analyze. But do you want to make it public?

Scenario 1:

You are one of the top engineers of, well, anything. You are working on problems, you have ideas, wants, etc...

Suddenly something comes to your head while viewing a colleague's famous Leica lens...

...so you begin to think more about whatever your idea, goal, or thought/problem is/was and this item becomes more and more a part of the project (off the record of course, and between engineers/researchers on the same project...)

You people think any company wants it on record that they are spending $1 on another make/models equip. to research instead of their own development idea or *original* creation?!

Shame on you all!

You wanna buy *anything* receipts, invoices, etc *ALL* must be created...

And the ore people in on it the more people talk and secrets get out...jeezus...look at the CIA for heavens sake these days...

It happens all the time in engineering, architecture, design, advertising, etc...

A very believable story. Who knows..

regards

C

Hello

What Vinay states above is very interesting and something I did not know. This is most certainly your answer then, however, I feel the need to confuse things a bit.

A bad circuit or grounding to the body in time can create (due to a continuous electrical charge running in effect through/to the body) paint to bubble and/or flake off.

This happens to other similar cameras in past eras and was an interesting comment while working with a long time camera repair person when the topic came up.

Having done electronics of all sorts restoring English cars, it certainly made sense!

Again, take it fwiw, but it is something that apparently happened with other non-Leica cameras in the past. I thought it was interesting and worth mentioning.

regards

Paul

Hey....

These are some nice shots man... I enjoyed looking at them.

Thanks for posting them.

best regards

Dear Larry

Fwiw, I realized the point you were making and it was an interesting and important one. Enjoyed the review/thoughts on the M8.

Say what they will, I cannot get turned onto digital. Not for anything. No I am not old, I am computer literate, fine artist for a living, wife a pro fotog with pro canon slr's...Iknow the song..(another topic)

Honestly, theyd have to pry the MP from my cold dead hands. No, I am not romanticizing..(why must we always blanket-protect ourselves while making a statement here from the cheap/neg. comments?!)

The thing I am finding curious is, well, how the prints come out to yours (and others) eyes...in terms of that "signature". you know what I mean?

Although a poor source to make any judgements whatsoever really, one can see at least similarities and common qualities upon viewing many, many images from the same lens, etc over time online.

What I find interesting (and question in my mind)is whether the digital sensor truly translates the qualities of the (Leica) lens?

People seem to be completely overlooknig this fact in their many criticisms. We are talking 1's and 0's here after all, not silver halide. Many seem to forget that this *magical* electronic translation process that we all forget about is what makes or breaks everything, is of paramount importance.

And it does not come down to counting pixels does it?

Vis a vis, we are not viewing the direct representation of light on the retina (for example), but the sensor's *translation* of the light.

Sensors vary from camera to camera. Nikon has rep. for rendering flesh badly from many, etc. etc..

If a 50mm summicron or noctilux were placed on the Canon MkII or Nikon for example, they woulkd not render at al the same as my MP, would they?

I hope my thoughts are reasonably expressed?

Nevertheless, I find it interesting how I genuinely am seeing 50mm summicron quality/footprints in the M8 images I view online, summilux 35 images, etc. etc..

Remarkable when you think about it.

Excuse my ignorance perhaps..

Looking forward to additional images.

kind regards.

Found exactly what I am looking for.

Take a look at these:

www.zeroimage.com

Fine quality/craftsmanship, small enough to fit into the Hadley with a small telescopic tripod with the rest of my gear...(which I pride myself in limiting...<grin>)

Ideal.

(Also have a section within "flickr")

Interesting....

Well, perhaps LeicaGoodies may be my best solution when they get going again. I recall reading a 21mm (equivalent) available.

Basically what I was trying to do is replace the need of carrying a tin canister or shoebox with a simple lenscap in my bag..

I will need to experiment. Interested in distorted, wide angle, holga-like artistic effects.

Multiple holes could prove interesting as well..

Again, I truly appreciate the time taken to reply.

Best regards

Results?

In fact, as I think of it now, reading somewhere some time ago I recall (perhaps) someone stating results were nothing extraordinary.

Merely blurred images. Effects were not as artistic as hoped...etc.

The camera being so refined (film plane, etc.) that it really was nothing special.

Again, I can recall only a hint of this attitude.

To refine my query, what type of results have been achieved by those using pinhole on the M?

Thanks again for your time.

Hello

Has anyone experimented with using/creating a pinhole bodycap on their M?

I would be be very appreciated to those who take time to reply with their

experiences.

Kind regards

Dear Steve Barrett:

That's a portrait..Well done.

Thanks for posting.

C

Dear John:

Please spare me. Mirrors in my house?

Read their listing #1.

#2: We are talking about taxes here. Please do not speak to me about morals. You want to pay all of your taxes go right ahead sport...

Use whatever "logic" you wish, but it seems ever so strange to this fellow the logic of our systems that state we are obligated by law to pay whatever tax amount unlce sam requests at the year end, however, we may use whatever means necessary to get out of paying them. It is all so silly.

I work with an attorney that is so good in finding loopholes that the IRS closes them directly due ot his abilities.

Of course you may state that stating it is a "gift" when it is not is fraudulent, however, I am sure you pay all of your taxes like a good citizen, have no foreign bank accounts, don't trade, don;t own a company/business, don't have oral sex in Idaho, stay beneath the speed limit, ride your bicycle with a helmet at all times, etc. etc.

In fact I can almost guarantee you that there is not a day that goes by that you do not break some given law.

And that's a fact jack...

You go ahead and pay all your taxes then John and sleep well.

regards

c

Richard,

You are asking a question that no one can really answer well for your needs.

You need to research it yourself.

I have been humbled lately regarding a similar question regarding the Zeiss Biogon..

I suggest doing a google search and really digging in prior to asking such a generic question. There are many outlets available online. Reviews, forums, etc.

Begin at www.rangefinderforum.com. I did not find it the first time, but they have a "Search" window within each forum.

... very helpful people there, and a forum dedicated specifically to the Zeiss Ikon.

I am sure there may be one here as well.

No offense but this is the Leica forum.

Yes it accepts Leica lenses.

Have fun

No offense guys, but give me a break. I become a bit impatient with people who are not well travelled.

No wonder our economy sucks and the dollar is losing its strength...in fact the reason is nobody wants to invest in *us* these days as no one trusts *us*.

I have been buying and selling internationally for years and have never had a problem...and on very valuable items.

As always, buy the seller and not the item.

They are reputable. As they are in Japan does not make them less reputable...or wherever they may be..the best "deals" in fact can be found in China (for photo equip. that is).

I have found asian countries incredibly reputable. In fact I purchased an M6 from HK.

Perhaps it is me, but scams are almost too obvious. People that want something for nothing usually are those who are defrauded.

Contact them, call them, verify their identity in every way, etc. *Know* who you are dealing with. An honest seller will do (within reason) all he/she can to assist. If they don't, walk...that simple.

What is paramount is to *know* who you are dealing with. More problems/scams arise from buyers than sellers. Believe me.

The only insurance is secure packaging and use FedEx. Have them place a lower value on it (ie. gift item). That's it.

I hate to be rude, but it's merely common sense folks...and I have bought (and sold) all over the world without problem for years now.

As to the original post, I purchased a Zeiss Planar from them and I intend to purchase another Zeiss Biogon (upon selling my ASPH 35). They have my full trust.

no affiliation whatsoever. and no I am not asian.

*sigh*

Best

C

Ah hell...I forgot about flickr and did not find the posts within the rangefinderforum until afterwards. My apologies.

Nevertheless, the replies above were immeasurably helpful and what I am looking for.

Will check the images at flickr and your as well Matt.

Many thanks.

PS: I realize this may be asking a lot, however, I am unfortunately unable to get my hands on one.

thx again.

Hello

I have researched all I can find online regarding this lens. (searches, forums,

etc). I use an Mp and Leica lenses only for what I do and have schooled myself

only recently on Zeiss optics and therefore have no direct experience.

From all I have been able to gather online and what I have read:

This lens compares rather well to the pre ASPH 35/2 Summicron.

It is not as contrasty as teh Summicron and not as sharp at center as the

Summicron but retains a flat field better than all other compared lenses (that

is Leica, Voigt, Canon).

Also what is interesting (apparently) is how it renders out of focus objects

with very nice transitions and corner to corner sharp focus.

As a note, I do not prescribe to the ideas and/or logic of "pixel counting,"

mtf graphs and the like.

And i realize these things are so subjective and one really needs to try for

themselves. It is a very personal choice how a lens "draws" and the qualites

one is searching for.

That all said, and information being rather difficult to come by on these

lenses from users that is, are there any who would be willing to describe their

experiences with this lens? Confirm what has been said above? Its performance

wide open *in the real world*?

I would also be very interested how the results appeal *above all* emotionally

to you. Do you feel there are some subtlties that make it simply not cut it

with you personally? (those personal qualities which feign description...)

Also, I recall reading *somewhere* that Zeiss black lenses had a reputation for

wearing fast. That is, the finish was not very strong and was prone to wearing

prematurely. True / false?

Can anyone substantiate this. I read it somewhere online (a review or

something) but after a while as you know it all becomes mush in the brain where

you viewed this and that...

Thanks in advance all who reply. I do genuinely appreciate it.

Best regards and happy holidays.

C

No, no, I feel the interview went very well. HCB is the exact type of person I envisioned.

One must remember, he was very old here. Amazing to have such a presence of mind at this age still.

It was obvious he was very hard of hearing. Rose of course trying to cover up all aspects of his mind and hearing passing and trying to keep him focused and on track.

Further, it was interesting to see Rose's apparent, well, awkwardness or shyness around such a personality. A personality one rarely finds. One cannot predict that is. One where you are uncertain which sensitive button you may touch and he will get up and walk out.

Personally, from all of what I have read and hype heard, etc, one comes away with a truly strong understanding of the man from this interview.

It was refreshing to know that although I understand him as anarchist in thought, that is I feel, his hatred of "institutions," he always struck me from what I have read as someone a bit embarrassed to be known as a photog. to downright disliking photography.

The type who wishes he was a painter, and wanted to be remembered as such...

But, he demonstrated a sincere respect for the craft, which honestly surprised me a bit.

Thank you for sharing it here. Never would have thought to search for such a thing online.

best

c

indeed...outstanding work.

Thank you for posting it. Nice to see something useful on this forum for a change.

regards.

@Ray- Well said, both times......

regards

C