My collection of old M film cameras now extends to six models—two M3s (single and double stroke), the newly acquired M2, an M6 TTL, an MP and an M7. All have films in them and I dither around taking one camera out at a time, choosing another for another day. As a result (and largely because I mainly do digital work for this blog) my films can be weeks or month in gestation. I have now resolved to use one camera at a time and finish the roll as rapidly as possible. Otherwise I forget what I’ve taken.
On the other hand, delayed processing leads to the odd surprise and a few happy memories. So it was that I was pleased to find this reminder of a July lunch with my friend Yao Zhao of Washington, DC, in a Soho restaurant. It’s a case of the snapper snapped—Yao with his iPhone and me with the year-2000 M6TTL which I picked up at the Bièvres Camera Fair back in May.
In the meantime, Yao has just completed a tour of Taiwan and Japan and has some wonderful photographic records of the journey. His site is well worth a visit.
Hi Mike
You must get an M4. I have owned all of the M film cameras over the years (including an M5 and an MDa (!)), but for me the M4 is the pinnacle. It might seem a strange comment, but I think with the M4 Leica reached its zenith in film cameras. It feels very special in the hands, and of course was made in Wetzlar (well the majority were, some were ELC products and are rare). Feels especially good in black paint with a bit of brassing…
Then you’ll have one for every day of the week.
Regards
John
Ah, except for Friday when I’ll need one of those odd looking M5s. Yes, I have heard that the M4 is the one to get. Or is it the M4-P? Call me new fashioned, though, but for serious work I do prefer having a light meter and find the M6, latest MP and M7 easiest to use. But I suppose they’re not for the purist.