🔴 Better Alternatives to Leica MD/MDa/MD-2 Film Cameras?

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Күн бұрын

Leica MDa Leica MD-2 & MD + Cheaper Better Alternatives? Bessa L Leica ic Minolta CLE Leica CL
▶️ WATCH NEXT: All Film Camera Reviews - bit.ly/3jpiuZS
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Correction* Leica MD = Leica M2, Leica MDa = Leica M4, Leica MD-2 = Leica M4-P/M4-2 (These are the correct pairing and what each scientific Leica M camera was based on, stripped back version with no viewfinder/ rangefinder).
Discussing the need for a bomb proof Leica M camera we look at the Leica MD, Leica MDa and Leica MD-2 cameras. Without a rangefinder or viewfinder these cameras are more drop/ knock resistant vibration damage proof and much more of a go anywhere Leica. Leica MD alternative cameras include the Voigtlander Bessa L and Leica ic and Leica if Barnack cameras (+ the Leica ig) but then if you are using these cameras to zone focus you can also use small lightweight cameras like the Minolta CLE or Leica CL and even the M mount Voigtlander Bessa T if you want a cheaper lighter M mount camera. My favourites are the lightweight Bessa L and vintage Leica ic for running with cameras where I need the lightest possible setup.
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Пікірлер: 77

@RS-Amsterdam 2 жыл бұрын

11:00 minutes of packed and squeezed useable information, no blah blah, man, if others YT-ers would do the same it would save us so much time as YT viewers. Great and solid video Matt, always good to see/watch you !!

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks RS, I appreciate it!

@davidkieltyka9 2 жыл бұрын

Big “Yes!” to the Bessa T. I like using it with Voigtländer 15 & 28mm lenses plus a Zeiss 21mm (same one Matt has) and appropriate viewfinders. Besides zone/hyperfocal focusing you can focus precisely should you want or need to.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks David, great to hear you use the T. Excellent RF on that.

@malfunction8165 2 жыл бұрын

I think the MD range were for attaching to microscopes, although I did manage to convince my mother they were for use by blind people.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Haha and yes correct

@felixwurm1467 2 жыл бұрын

I owen a Minolta Cle, its a fantastic camera. I would also consider a Zeiss Ikon ZM.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Felix. Ah yes I often forget the ZM. Thanks!

@iLeoKen 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Matt! Nice video and thanks for sharing your thoughts about the analog MD range. I totally agree with you, I personally use my MDa and MD-2 for my bicycle tours on my Brompton. The silver MDa on summer days with high ISO-400/800 colour film and the black MD-2 for BW streets always coupled with a 28 summaron.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I just got back from planning cycling photography workshops with a company in Spain so if that sounds of interest keep in touch! Yes I may still end up getting a MDa for cycling if I don’t want to take the CL for example.

@zoltankaparthy9095 2 жыл бұрын

I doubt I will ever buy one of the reviewed cameras but it is good to know about them. Thanks for the work.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Zoltan!

@LucyS565 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative and very interesting! Thanks Matt!

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Lucy!

@a4grtu 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! Nice video as always. I would also recommend Leica M1. You can get one super cheap. It has an optical viewfinder with parallax corrected framelines for 35 and 50mm, and the whole vf is equivalent to 28mm. The best this is that it feels and looks exactly as an M2. Moreover it is perfect for use with ultra-wides with ovf´s

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, ah yes like the M2 finder, I’ve not used the M1 but I probably should at some point, thanks!

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Edit* Correction - Leica MD = Leica M2, Leica MDa = Leica M4, Leica MD-2 = Leica M4-P/M4-2 (Based on these models) ▶️ WATCH NEXT: All Film Camera Reviews - bit.ly/3jpiuZS ✅ CHECK eBay: (US) ebay.to/2F0HoxY (UK) ebay.to/3ijzle2 (DE) ebay.to/3iqDNYs (FR) ebay.to/2ZJ3E75 (HK) ebay.to/32A8xBu 📞 ZOOM: Not sure what lens to buy? Arrange a call today - bit.ly/3lBkdgq 🛎 SUBSCRIBED YET? Monthly Giveaways - worth £30/$40 upwards - bit.ly/3qET0ZO 📷 MY KIT: mrleica.com/kitlist/ ▶️ VIDEO PLAYLISTS : mrleica.com/youtube/ 👤 FOLLOW ME: mrleica.com/socials/ 💫 LEICA PRESETS - mrleica.com/leica-lightroom-presets/ 📝 BLOG: mrleica.com/free-newsletter/ 🎞 NEED FILM - mrleica.com/do-you-need-film/ ☕️ COFFEE: Thank Matt with a coffee - www.paypal.com/paypalme/MrLeica ⭐️ PATREON: More Content? 100+ Videos & Zoom - www.patreon.com/mrleicacom ⛔️ INSURANCE - Aaduki UK Photography Insurance - with since 2014 - www.aaduki.com **Monthly Giveaway** - Please get in touch to claim your prizes!! :) mrleica.com/contact/

@Analogbrain 2 жыл бұрын

Nice video. For light and easy to carry, cheap to buy, solidly built, well engineered, great fun to use, zone focusing cameras with good optics, German compacts from the late 50's and early 60's come to mind. There are several to choose from, by Agfa, Kodak (German), Voigtländer and Zeiss ikon, with Tessar design lenses.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kalle. Ah yes. That’s probably a while extra video but great point. I’d only considered interchangeable lens bodies I’ve used/ know well.

@ginobartali9338 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Matt, yes make a video abouz zone focoussing. I'm using a CL. Size is perfect for travelling. Thee CLE from Minolta is a more modern camera but, when the electronic failed it's difficult and expensive to repair.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gino, ok and yes that’s another reason I didn’t get the CLE. I prefer less electronics.

@andychandler3992 3 ай бұрын

M1. That’s one of those “if there’s a fire in your house and you need to save something” items

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 3 ай бұрын

Thanks Andy! Yes mine would be my Leica Standard 100%

@tompaste387 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Matt Have a Mint MDa and a Bessa L using the Voigtlander 25mm Snapshot Skopar and finder

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Nice Tom! I used to own that 25mm. It’s popular for this as not RF calibrated. I might have to get it again if I find a cheap MDa.

@enzovoortsribeiro Жыл бұрын

Im in the situation of getting a MD-2 will be a smart choice for me. Just found one in mint condition for a solid price. My idea was to use a 35 but I guess a 28 is a better option, most likely I will use it for landscapes and street. Plenty of f5.6-8-11 shots I suppose. I already have the Q and love it!! I suppose I will be fine with a 28 dont you think? Better save 1k atleast on the M body and buy a lens + viewfinder?

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Жыл бұрын

Hi Enzo, 28 TTA is amazing for compact setup (yes 28 better for this camera as zone focusing)

@highlander200107 2 жыл бұрын

I use my CL as a zone focuser a fair bit, 21/4 or 25/4 are the two lenses I use with it for that. Or my Lomo 17/2.8, but I really have not used that as much yet.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks John, yes the CL is good for a small setup 👍🏻

@NPJensen 2 жыл бұрын

Last year in October, I won an online auction for a Leica MDa for £287 including all fees, and it had recently been serviced by Kamerastore (Kameratori back then) in Finland. I guess, I got lucky there. My Leica CL was quite a lot more expensive. I prefer to use it with the 40mm Summicron-C lens, Leica made for the CL/CLE. I would love to get my hands on a Voigtländer Bessa camera, but so far, the ones, I have found have been quite expensive.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Wow that’s an amazing deal! Congrats.I use the 40mm Minolta instead of the C but both super compact. Yes Bessa will cost more than your bargain MDa and are not as solid.

@vishalmarlecha184 2 жыл бұрын

Hey ..Hi Matt ...Nice video as always...

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Hey thanks Vishal!

@ronaldsand3000 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Matt What’s your thoughts on the Leica M1? As it has the viewfinder and bayonet mount Personally I think the MD cameras are more collector items than practical street cameras All the very best

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Hi yes agreed if you don’t do a lot of wide angle zone focusing any other camera with VF makes more sense. I’ve not used the M1 but yes I’m sure you wouldn’t be disappointed.

@terrywbreedlove 2 жыл бұрын

The Leica 1c with the new Voightlander 40m LTM might be a nice kit

@jezheywood9608 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve had a Bessa L and the 15mm lens for years, it’s a great little setup.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

The weight especially is amazing for that combo!

@jezheywood9608 2 жыл бұрын

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom It really is! And back when I bought it, around 2009, I paid retail for the lens and got the body for free

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

@@jezheywood9608 nice!!

@Biosynchro 2 жыл бұрын

Konica Hexar RF? Not a zone focusing camera but it's very good value.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, yes I wished I’d picked one up 5 years ago when prices were lower.

@Nerdzombiedisco 2 жыл бұрын

I had the MD-2 and a 21mm Elmarit when I was broke. Now that I have a Black Paint MP, I hardly use the viewfinder on the street. LOL. That line of Leicas taught me Zone/hyperfocal distance shooting.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Ah very nice. Yes I think they can help people zone focus and go back to basics.

@anthonymiller8979 Жыл бұрын

While the Leica / Minolta CL is a great choice for many wider "point and shoot" zone focus type lenses some will not work due to the light meter setup and the arm that swings down much like the Leica M5. The Leica (Schneider) 21mm Super Angulon for instance would likely project too far into the body and damage the meter arm.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Жыл бұрын

Thanks Anthony, good point. Cameras without RF like my Leica if/ic accept deeper lenses as more space.

@brineb58 2 жыл бұрын

I would love to see a zone focusing video!!! I am a HUGE fan of my Voigtlander Bess L with a 28mm Ultron Lens!!! It's my goto street camera!!! I would love to see if you can give me some points to do better!!!

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Brian, I’m not sure there’s that much to tell but yes I’ll try to tie it into a future video. Hopefully it can help a few newbies too.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

..and great to hear you use the L!

@BenPrevo 2 жыл бұрын

Yes please do the zone vid -- thanks for the great content.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

@@BenPrevo thanks Ben, will do

@Snapit551 2 жыл бұрын

What’s the best starter digital leica camera?

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

There’s lots of old fixed lens models that are cheaper, for the true Leica experience get an older M.

@d30gaijin 2 жыл бұрын

I've owned most every camera you described and the one I retained was a Leica If. All the Bessa cameras have a too short rangefinder base width for anything approaching critical focus. The Leica MD, of all versions, is simply too heavy to haul around as a point & shoot. Loading a Barnack camera becomes rather routine and simple once one gets the hang of it, as well as trimming the film leader. Of all of the cameras I kept, I kept my If for its rugged simplicity, excellent mechanics, and tiny size. A CLA one time in 20 years of use and it just keeps on going. I never considered the film Leica CL camera as much more than a novelty. If I need a simple digital M mount camera the Ricoh GXR-M mount is nothing short of perfection. Thank you for another excellent video. Don

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Don, my ic is your if. It had a full service and new shutter so is my goto LTM body but I wanted a M mount version for the TT28/5.6 and Zeiss 21mm as 2 examples. The MDa is under 500g so slightly heavier than CL. Agreed trimming film is easy and loading but when have no scissors overseas and don’t want to pre-cut too much film sometimes other cameras are easier.

@d30gaijin 2 жыл бұрын

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Thanks Matt, I've loaded film in my Barnack cameras without trimming the leader more than a few times. It's a bit tricky but can be done. As to the M1 or the MD, definitely cameras worth having if one can find them at a reasonable price. Needless to say I kick myself for selling mine but as a hobbyist I have to try and keep my collecting/use in check... i.e., I ran out of room to store them. LOL. BTW, if you get a chance look into the Ricoh GXR-A12 M mount camera. I dearly love mine.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

@@d30gaijin thanks Don! Psst. I made an unexpected camera purchase yesterday so stay tuned ;) My Daily Adventure..camera ;)

@cameraprepper7938 2 жыл бұрын

For fast street photography using zone focusing, I think fx a Minox 35 ML are very good, I used it for several years.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks I’ve not tried those.

@cameraprepper7938 2 жыл бұрын

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Try it out, it is very compact and light, perfect for when your are running

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

@@cameraprepper7938 thanks. I’ll add to the list haha :)

@cameraprepper7938 2 жыл бұрын

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom The Minox 35ML and 35MB are some of the best Minox 35.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

@@cameraprepper7938 thanks I had a look. Great size but I prefer 28mm FL ideally if fixed lens.

@BenPrevo 2 жыл бұрын

Hi -- have you tried the Fed Zayra ?

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Ben, no only the basic FED

@BenPrevo 2 жыл бұрын

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I just got one - body only - 1959 == 30 E inc post ! Running 1st roll of fomopan 400 thru it with a fed 5 cm - indy 22 and jup 12 -- budget lc hee hee... only 586g with fed 10. Fits in the jacket pocket.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

@@BenPrevo Nice! I was using the Indy 22 on the Leica iif on the same trip shown in some of the clips in this video. I have a Zorki C for a cheaper setup but the Leica iif is CLA'd (and the Leica ic) so those are my trusty 'users' when I need a reliable setup overseas. I hope you get some geat shots on your first roll!

@BenPrevo 2 жыл бұрын

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom Cheers I will polish if off today and drop it off for develop and scan -- keeping fingers crossed,

@jmtubbs1639 2 жыл бұрын

Leica I usually refers to Barnack cameras with no rangefinder. The MD is based on the M2, the MDA on M4 and MD-2 on an M4-2. is my understanding of it.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks JM for the correction (there is a lot of wrong info online so sorry to use it/add to it). I just Googled it too and this post shows them side by side as you stated - www.reddit.com/r/Leica/comments/igh7x7/some_of_the_lesser_known_models_together_with_the/

@jmtubbs1639 2 жыл бұрын

@@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom I find the Hove Leica Pocket book really useful.

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

@@jmtubbs1639 ah great tip, thanks!

@Rooftopaccessorizer 2 жыл бұрын

Just dont piss money away on leicas. What a revolutionary idea

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Haha thanks Jesse :)

@jlwilliams 2 жыл бұрын

Several different factors seem to be under consideration in this overview, but here's another thought: If you primarily want a solidly-built film camera that you can use with zone focusing and a separate viewfinder, and that's cheap enough that you don't have to worry about bonking it, just walk into a full-service camera store with $100 / 100 GBP in your pocket and say, "Whaddaya got?" Currently in the used department of my local camera store, a hundred-dollar bill will buy you a Canon EF, a couple of different Minolta and Nikon models, or even an extremely funky Edixa...all clean and working and all with a good normal lens (some of the Minoltas are even less.) True, these are all SLRs -- but you can just pretend they aren't, and scale-focus and squint through your external viewfinder to your heart's content. You may have been hearing that the "film revival" has driven up the prices of film cameras, but mostly that's only true of genuine collectibles plus a few plebeian models that have been hyped to the heavens by a handful of hipster photo noobs with big KZfaq or Instagram followings... a lot of better, originally more prestigious models are still languishing because the said noobs didn't happen to stumble across them. Of course, you can't use your Leica lenses on any of these. But if you're primarily worried about your camera being bonk-resistant, you should be equally worried about the bonkability of your lens, amirite?

@MattOsborne-MrLeicaCom 2 жыл бұрын

Nice JL and yes all very true. I thought something similar in a more backward fashion only last night.. using small Voigtlander SL F mount lenses on Leica to zone focus as they are small but focus closer for any close up work too. Maybe another video will come on that just for fun. But yes correct a cheap SLR would tick the boxes. I’m not anti these, I love my Minolta X300 and Nikon FG20. Perhaps I need to use them again even if they are Leica related (I try to make mostly Leica vids as my polls show that’s what many here want to see).