🔴 Leica Film Camera BUYER'S GUIDE

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

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[@jacovanlith5082]

I have been using the Leica M3 since 1965. Street photography had already been invented before Leitz introduced the Barnack and M cameras. In 1912 street photography was done with 13x18 cm SLR cameras. Any camera brand and format, any film speed and aperture and any focus and lens coating will suit to do street photography all year around.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jaco! Very good point!

[@nickdrf]

Hi Matt...As a Leica and rangefinder enthusiast, I just wanted to say that I really enjoy your videos. Thanks for your efforts and the manner you pass on everything. All the best...Nick

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Nick! Much appreciated

[@nickdrf]

Nice of you to get back. I must say I can see why you are Mr Leica! I have just bought four lenses for my Leicas, Nicca's and Leotax's all of which were reviewed and liked by you and it was a great help. All the very best to you....Nick

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@nickdrf thanks Nick, when you see a video to follow you will see I’m dangerously close to going against my name but hopefully people will stick with me/ understand 😅

[@danielbdbe]

hello Matt , this is the top best video about Leica film cameras ! the content is very valuable . Leica should pay you for this work ! many thanks for sharing your experience and for your contribution to users and new comers in the Leica world . Daniel from france

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Daniel! I appreciate your feedback. :)

[@2549Discovery]

I have a Leica IIIg with the 50mm Summicron f/1.2, 35mm Summaron f/3.5, 90mm Elmar f/4 and the 135mm Hektor f/4.5. I just put my first roll of film through the camera after a 40-year break. I'm looking forward to getting the scans back from the lab. Your videos are very helpful. Keep the great content coming!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Liam! Great to hear you have loaded up some film again and a great setup. I hope you got some nice shots! :)

[@ZippyDChimp-mr1tf]

The other Leica M camera with light metering is the CL, though you sometimes have to have the metering adjusted due to existing battery voltages. It also provides 40mm frame lines. Also, the original M4 has 35mm frame lines as well.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks, ah yes I should have mentioned the CL too, I’ve done that video but still worth mentioning, thanks. Did the early M4 have a single 35mm frameline like the M2? (Thanks for a previous message you sent with link attached, sadly YT blocked it I think because of the link maybe?)

[@erichartke4331]

I have a M2 + Canon 35 1.8 and a iif + Summitar 50 f2. I love them both for different reasons. I got the iif because I was curious but quickly fell in love with it and got it a much needed service. I like being able to give these old cameras a new lease on life.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Eric, I feel the same! I have 2 cameras currently away for CLA and another I need to send (well at least 1). Beautiful cameras!

[@jonlouis2582]

You certainly do a well thought out presentation. I have used both for years and like both. In this day and age I think a big consideration is what you are able to get serviced where you live, and what you can afford. M series and lenses have become so valuable I don't really feel good about taking them out in public. I get good results with the Barnack type cameras and don't mind all the faffing about using them, so I am happy with those. I bought three over the last few years and had them serviced, so I should be good for as long as I will be around.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Great thinking John and thanks. Yes agreed I don’t use my M6 now hardly as too expensive (plus I prefer other bodies). The Barnacks are my go to day out cameras.

[@jonlouis2582]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Nice. I don’t have much occasion to do studio portraits like you, you lucky dog.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@jonlouis2582 I guess were never happy. I rather shoot on location / in hotels when traveling. The studio is plan b / last resort :)

[@LucyS565]

Great advice! Thanks Matt for your brilliant professional expertise.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Lucy! 🙏🏻

[@whogogofd9240]

Was binge watching all your Leica related videos and decided to pay my respects to the OG (and to be honest my wallet 😅) and got a iiif with a summitar f2 🙏🏼

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks for binge watching and congrats on your iiif!! Great camera.

[@Seapatico]

I'm with you. It's pretty simplified, but for 50mm portraits, or anything that requires faster action, it's the M3 all day. But the Leica ii/iii is perfect for landscape -- it's slow, light, cheaper, and those old lenses are at their best at landscape apertures like f8.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Sean yes agreed! :)

[@DM-wf3rp]

I bought a Leica 111g from a German flo markt(flee market) 36 years ago and have used it regularly ever since.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Amazing! Great to hear it. If you see my newer videos I still love mine.

[@barthonhoff5547]

I agree completely. I brought a Leica IIIc converted to a IIIf. Great with my Summaron 35mm/3.5. And indeed you need a CLA, before you start using it. I opted for the M2 because of my Jupiter 35mm/2.8 lens.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Bart! Nice. You could use the J12 on the Iiif too?

[@jllanesphoto]

Great video/ info. Love Leicas. Best camera ever.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Jerry, agreed!

[@trueblack6760]

Hi Matt, I'd enjoyed this video as well. I've been using M3 and Leica II. The size and the style of the black Leica II is my favorite but for the portrait shooting definitely M3 wins. Btw the photo you had taken with M3 looks so beautiful! And she looks so cute.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! Yes I’m the same, M3 for portraits & nice small Leica iii for walk around :)

[@jeffmoss5822]

As always Matt great presentation.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank you Jeff!

[@MB-or8js]

Great video, I second the points. Just one additional thing to consider is that there is a minor focus difference between Russian and Leica LTM lenses. Supposedly this has to do with a helicoid thread pitch used formerly by Zeiss and copied by the Russian manufacturers after the war. This is different to the helicoid thread pitch used by Leica. Russian LTM lenses come with a curved rangefinder lens element whereas Leica LTM lenses don't. Japanese LTM lenses use the Leica helicoid thread pitch on RF which makes them accurate for Leica rangefinder focusing. Just something to keep in mind when working with older LTM lenses. Regarding most favorite Leica film camera, I best answer it which I would buy now: this is the M7. Because prices of the M6 have reached M7 level, and the M7 is newer and will be fixable for many years to come. I would use it in combination with a M3 which itself is more suitable for IR film and faster 50 mm lenses due to its larger viewfinder magnification.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Martin, yes a strong argument for the M7. I’ve yet to try one. Do you notice a difference with FSU lenses on Leica and v.versa. I know the flange distance is slightly different but I never see any issues. Maybe if I put a fast / f2 lens on a FSU camera I would or the J3 on a Barnack but the f2.8 lenses seem ok.

[@MB-or8js]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom so far I didn't. I only tried two, and I had no trouble focusing correctly. But both lenses were f/2.8 Russian LTM lenses - not really fast ones

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@MB-or8js yes for most lenses I think no issue. I guess a possible common option that may not work is Canon 5014 on FSU

[@MB-or8js]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I think the issue is more with Russian LTM lenses on Leica cameras and less so with LTM lenses on Russian cameras.

[@jeromearnould9940]

Super video ... lot of great infos. Thx My m3 with 50mm f2 and m6 ttl with 35mm f2

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thank Jerome and nice setup!

[@gperpetuo]

I kind of fell in love with the iiif when I saw Leica Cameras at a store but once I tried it... with my glasses, that view finder is so hard to look at. I need to move around to see each side of the frame and potentially scratch the lenses... since I do like 35mm quite a lot I would have to use separate viewfinder anyway but... it not so good to put it inside my pocket... didn’t buy any for now... maybe the M2 or M6 (lightmeter) one day if I see I use rangefinders and compact cameras more often... so many cameras I still want to try some day... Mamya C220, large format 4x5, etc 😅

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes I understand. See my Bessa videos if you shoot 35mm. Large format coming soon!

[@MashkProd]

So in love with my M2 & Elmar 50mn f:2,8

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Nice! Great combo, I have both.

[@peringemarson3898]

Hi Matt keep posting it's a joy following your chanel. I have just bought my first Leica and I'm building my lens wardrob. Not the money for Summilux yet. Can you recommend some manual old pancake lens for street photo. I have an adapter LM to L I think I prefer 23→ eq 35 mm but open for your ideas. keep posting and I w i ll keep following Per

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Per! If you check my lens playlists you can find some amazing small lenses. There are a few but 35mm f2.5 is a great start 👍🏻

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

..Voigtländer Color Skopar*

[@stefanmelzer9943]

Besides the Leica M2 a Leica M6TTL with 0,58 magnification has single frame lines for a 35mm lens as well.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah thanks Stefan, I was not aware of this, thanks!

[@atf2940]

(Preamble: I own and use occasionally a IIIf.) In my "view", the viewfinder is the (near) knock-down argument against alle non-M Leicas. Not because it isn't integrated with the rangefinder or because it lacks framelines for other than 50mm lenses -- but because full frame composition even with a 50mm lense is impossible (or guess work). There are two ways around this: a lense-specific extra viewfinder or the universal viewfinder VIOOH. The latter is such a fantastic tool for composition that I even use it on my Ms ;-)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! I’ve never used one actually. I try to get as small as possible finders usually or light ones (see my viewfinders vid I did a while back). I’ll try to test one sometime.

[@Gramayr]

I'd love an M camera such as the 2, 3 or 4 as there's a vast array of lenses for them by other manufacturers. But stuck with the Barnacks as they usually only take vintage glass (unless you have a Japan Market Summicron that are about £2k second hand... Or the Voigtlanders iirc) So it's also down to whether you want a modern look or the vintage look to your photos. Although the Elmar 5cm f2.8 I have on my iiig is really sharp stopped down (and not bad wide open). Another thing to take note of is the wierd shutter speeds (and apertures on older lenses) on the Barnacks (apart from the iiig). 1/75 at f3.2 for instance on a iiif with a Summar. At least the iiig and M cameras have the modern shutter speeds.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Rhys, good points. I think the shutter speeds changed on the later iiif models as you can get those with old and new speeds I think. That said I rarely notice as negative film is so forgiving it doesn’t matter too much.

[@Gramayr]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom on the iiif they do change but only slightly. On the black dial (which I had) they're 1; 1/2; 1/4; 1/10; 1/15; 1/20; 1/30; 1/40; 1/60; 1/100; 1/200; 1/500; 1/1000 and B. Compared to 1; 1/2; 1/5; 1/10; 1/15; 1/25; 1/50; 1/75; 1/100; 1/200; 1/500; 1/1000 and B on the red dial. Not a big deal, but guess it'd confuse some as to which closest setting to use off a lightmeter. As you say, they aren't fast cameras to use so you can ponder about which speeds to use.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@Gramayr thanks yes that was my understanding too. I just use the closest number and over exposure not under expose where possible/ enough light.

[@oscarlopez2052]

hello sir leica, i have a leica iif and i know you have one too, i have a question, in my iiif I see a small black spot in the upper left part of the framing window i wonder if yours has it too? or is it normal Thanks for your help

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Oscar! Is it dirt in the VF? Mine camera is currently away for a CLA so I cannot check I’m afraid.

[@michaelc4917]

Among the Leica III cameras, which one is the best, excluding the g model. Is the III F red dial much better than the black dial?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes RD are said to be better but not a huge difference. My iif is a RD. I’d need to refresh my brain but it is the later model so 1/1000 vs 1/500 from memory.

[@ACTPOHABT]

Hi Matt, thank you for your informative videos! A bit off topic question: any specific shoe mount external range finder you would recommend?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi see my Voigtlander Perkeo camera video. I use the ones In that video.

[@ACTPOHABT]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom thank you, will take a look 👍

[@cataraxis]

Do you have experience with the AUFSU waist level finder?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Sorry I don’t

[@haroldminuskumar]

Great vid Matt! Are you considering on reviewing the new Voigtlander 50mm 1.5 ii a lot of hype over that lens now and I’d like to know your thoughts!

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Harold, Voigtlander are sending me some new lenses to test. They should arrive today so I’ll do a post on Patreon later,

[@paznit]

Hi Matt, I love all your videos and your content is awesome thank you. You have inspired me in realtion to digital camera bodies with Leica and other vintage lenses. If you want a Full Frame body, the choice seems to be Leica or something like the new Sony Ac7. Would you recomend going to Sony or maybe buying a Leica M-E (Typ 240) to have a digital body with the older lenses? Thanks

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hello thanks! I would go M240 as I use one myself and i'm not a Sony fan. Leica glass and M lenses work better on M bodies FYI

[@salduaij]

Nice video matt👍🏼 Can you do a video on the M5 ? 😁

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks! If I ever get to play with an M5 yes, the same for the M7 and MP etc :)

[@lugentaubner6853]

By my lights, it’s a toss up between the M3 and the M-A. These two (and the MP) have the best VF/RF, and also they have the rewind knob, the advance lever, and the loading mechanism the way they should be. (I prefer purely mechanical, so no MP for me.) For portraits the M3 wins, but then again I prefer SLRs to RFs for portraits anyway, so this consideration is not decisive for me. The M-A has the front appearance of the M2, which I prefer to that of the M3. My perfect M would share the framelines with the M3 and everything else with the M-A.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Lugen, good points. I’ve not tried a M-A but agree with lever and single framelines.

[@barrysmith4094]

Why were cameras in days gone by so diffecult to use? To load the film, the shutter speeds etc.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Because they'd just been 'invented' ..M cameras are easy and Leica iii almost as easy once you cut the film

[@CM-cb2km]

I like the 35mm focal length so I got the M2.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Yes you can’t beat it for 35mm!

[@neilpiper9889]

Loading a Barnack. Hmm. I think I will go with a M2. But if I wanted easy quality I would get a Pentax 6x7 or a Yashica Mat Tlr. Which is what I did. No regrets. 35mm is inferior to 120 cameras. Bigger is better.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Neil! I use MF too :) but I love these small Leicas.

[@j-s-m-photographymc5317]

I’m gonna go for an M3 or M6 always wanted a Leica I couldn’t justify the price I didn’t realise there’s a great second hand market always looked at the prices brand new with the latest models but I guess the good news is most people who ha e had a leicas look after them I doubt there’s many abused I’d spend 2500 on a body but 5be. It’s finding a decent lens at a decent price as mat said a Leica is for life closest I got to a Leica is a Fuji x pro 3 (before you all puke it’s digital I own the rest of my collection are film ) I have some money coming next month so I can afford a body so it’s ether a second hand M3 or M6

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Congrats on the Leica news! Yes I bought mine used. I would say get an M3 is you will shoot 50/90mm get M6 if you want lightmeter, option to use a flash, option to use 28mm-90mm lenses and have a newer body (but pay more).

[@Jack-qn6vy]

I’ve enjoyed many of your videos, so thank you! Was wondering if you had any thoughts on which would be a better film camera, cost not being the primary factor, for someone shooting with a 50mm Voigtlander 1.2 II. The choices are the Bessa R3M, Leica M3, Leica MP .85 or Leica M-A .72. I would lean towards M-A because it is newer, but it has lowest magnification. I would prefer M3 over R3M but worry about buying one in bad shape.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Jerry, thanks for stopping by. Assuming you will not want to use flash I would 100% say find a decent M3. The VF is still the best.

[@MrRom92DAW]

Maybe I’m crazy, or maybe just a masochist. But I enjoy the Leica IIIs much more. I only find them to be a pain for portraits, in which case… I’d probably prefer any SLR to any rangefinder.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Totally agree to loving the Barnack way of shooting and pairing with an SLR is a great argument. That’s my current setup! Leica if + 20mm & Nikon FG-20 & close focus 5018 pancake. Killer setup! :)

[@robertmathieson97]

I like your reviews but I always struggle with the audio...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Robert, the Mic is on max and close to my face. I'm afraid it is just how I speak I think.

[@jacovanlith5082]

Silver or black Leica cameras.? Remember the Leica green safari look..

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Green is the new black for Leica with the Reporter series.

[@jacovanlith5082]

Close focusing to 0,7 meter is not correct. No problem to do a 1 : 1 shot or evem closer by using a 65 mm lens or a longer focus lens plus a Visoflex, a bellows and a prism or chimney finder.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Both my m3 are 0.7m ..but yes most are 1m

[@crissignori7482]

Does the modification on your M3 reduce its value and if so is it reversible? Also, it seems that many believe that the best made M series cameras were the M3, M2 and M4 and that Leica have never been able to duplicate this quality.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi Cris, the VF might make it more sellable haha but yes it’s not a destructive change. Just a twist of the calibration screw to focus closer.

[@nigelman3001]

DAG will install a M mount on the iii cameras for a cost.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Nigel, woo that's interesting, thanks for sharing that! I'm not sure if I have the heart to cut up a Leica iii but i'll make a mental note, thanks for sharing!

[@Rainyfeels]

Ever used an M5 Matt?

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Hi, sorry i've not. I didn't like the look of them so much when I bought mine but in terms of function they will do mostly the same job as the other Ms and are usually one of the cheaper models.

[@Rainyfeels]

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Makes sense. I've read quite a few people saying the ergonomics/viewfinder are the best shooting experience so I was wondering if you thought the M5 was underrated.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

@@Rainyfeels it probably offers a good entry into Leica but I’ve never used one.

[@euroyank860]

Leica MP however 0.58 VF so "A la carte" (And it's my user)

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Eric! Ah yes I forgot you were a 0.58 MP kinda guy! ;) Nice!

[@saltyroe3179]

Have a 35mm for my M3 that has goggles to make frame and range finder work for it

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ah yes nice! Yes that is a great workaround if using the M3 and want 35mm.

[@tomislavmiletic_]

4500 EUR for a Leica MP / M-A? Yes, I know, it's a new camera, and I'm not hating on Leica, but for 30+ years old technology that's simply too expensive. I mean, for that kind of money you should be able to find and buy a Leica M2, Nikon FM3/A and Olympus OM3Ti, all of them with some kind of a lens on it, and shoot pictures till you drop dead...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Agreed, the older Leicas will keep going so I don’t think you need to buy new. Probably better built too!

[@davepastern]

well, the m2/3 are out of reach of the ordinary photographer now, as are the Voigtlander units other than the Bessa L and T... and unless you're considering new Leica lenses like from 7artisans, original Leica lenses are pretty much out of the pocket too...

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Try Leica iii and Leica R. Both much cheaper. I use all 3.

[@davepastern]

​@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Leica rangefinders interested me more than a full bodied SLR. Really wanted a Voigtlander R3A but they are more pricier than Leica M2 and M3 units and the Voigtlander glass is going for silly money too. I'm looking at a IIIf at the moment, it's around AUD $500 which is my entire budget. It seems the Leica 5cm f3.5 lenses are near $800 AUD and well and truly out of my range too. Tempted to bypass it and just go with a Voigtlander Bessa T body for now, and get a 7artisans 75mm lens new down the track. No dicking around with cutting the lead out. Obviously heavier and not as well built. But, a more modern camera obviously. I haven't shot film since my Canon EOS 1n in the early 00s, but I did start out with a Zenit 12xp back in the late 80s. So, not a totaly idiot when it comes to film lol and fully manual cameras, just very rusty. Where can I get a manual for the IIIF and perhaps a book on how to use One?

[@gilesjazzguitar64]

M2

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Giles! :)

[@victordesabata]

.... that's why people invented SLRs. To get rid of all these hassles......😂

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Ha thanks Victor! Great point! Yes I use SLR too (see all the various Nikon SLR videos) but I’m a sucker for these old RF cameras (and lenses). :)

[@christopherlee5650]

Everyone wishes that he had one. You have too many like Ferrari no one can afford mr.Leica.

[@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom]

Thanks Chris. You probably can afford a Leica if you know which models to get. Many are cheaper than Sony Fuji and other common brands people use. I was lucky to buy mine before the price rise and I chose cameras over a house/TV/heating.. :)