I had one almost 5 years ago, and it was a lot of fun! I got it for very cheap locally with the Hexanon 50mm f/2, I had already owned a Leica 35mm f/2 ASPH that came with the R-D1 I used to have. The Hexar worked great with both of those lenses.
I sold it off though after starting to go digital, mostly because I knew it was going to get more difficult to find repairs or replacement parts.
Thanks for all the info, that helps a lot.
it has been a LONG while since i used film and most of the time im ok with that. i would much rather have the leica M9 but that is way over the budget once you count in good lenses
I had one when I was shooting with films and liked it very much.
But you have to know that it is more and more difficult to have it fixed if it breaks. Also, it is a bit noisier than other M mount bodies since it has automatic winding/re-winding.
I have used with many M lenses, but never experienced any problem of focusing or anything with them. But if I were to go back to film M mount camera, then I would take M2 for a bit less money and use a hand held meter (or Sunny 16).
ereza wrote:
Thanks for all the info, that helps a lot.
it has been a LONG while since i used film and most of the time im ok with that. i would much rather have the leica M9 but that is way over the budget once you count in good lenses
will keep on reading
Please remember that a used M8 is another option and you don't need to be married to Leica glass.
Well, SO cheap is all relative I agree that they are a deal, but you will stay lay out $2000 for one, which is in the neighbourhood of a 5D2, a camera which many will prefer. In any case, for those who like the rangefinder experience, and want to get some of these great M lenses, the M8 is a really, really nice camera. I am so attached to mine that I find myself hesitating to pull the trigger on an M9.
I'd love to go back and do some careful shots with tripod and maybe some light baffles and proper lighting. I love mechanical detail like that, but they don't allow tripods, and the M8 is not the best camera for this. Those shots were taken with a 5D and 24-105L. I would prefer to go back with the Contax 645/Sinar e54 and Macro lens.
I am actually trying to arrange something like this. I don't know what they allow for more professional shots, both access- and marketing-wise, but I guess I will find out. This is the one place where I am actually more than willing to go the distance to arrange something.
Here are more, from the train and aerospace sections:
carstenw wrote:
Well, SO cheap is all relative I agree that they are a deal, but you will stay lay out $2000 for one, which is in the neighbourhood of a 5D2, a camera which many will prefer.
haha, don't take that as me endorsing the M8. That is the only kind thing i have ever said about it
I saw one go for $1600 the other day on RFF, which really shocked me that the market has fallen out that much on them already. What are RD-1's going for now- a bag of chips? some pocket lint?
I personally would much rather spend ~$2000 on a(nother) D700, or even a 5Dmk1 and 2-3 lenses for it.
But yes, the Hexar is a great camera, if you don't mind automation without a soul.
I agree that they are a deal, but you will stay lay out $2000 for one, which is in the neighbourhood of a 5D2, a camera which many will prefer. In any case, for those who like the rangefinder experience, and want to get some of these great M lenses, the M8 is a really, really nice camera. I am so attached to mine that I find myself hesitating to pull the trigger on an M9.