Definitely! These cameras take a licking and keep on ticking!

I love my M3 and would kill for an M3 reboot 😂😂😂

@@Stop4MotionMakr They did make an MP-3 a while back and dressed up the MP to look like an M3 so I wouldn't rule it out!

My M3 is 68 and still going strong. Love the .9 VF too. Only prob is the take up spool.

Also own the M3 (and the M6) - the M3 has the best rangefinder of all regarding brightness, avoidance of patch flare, and magnification best suited for 50 mm and longer M lenses.

Agreed! The finish seems to be affected by a very specific set of atmospheric conditions. Glad to hear yours is problem free!

I'd put money on that happening! :D

It's definitely handy!

Not sure the viewfinder is larger but it definitely has a different magnification... Is that what you're referring to?

@@karledwards Yes, it is. I find that I'm more comfortable with and find it easier to achieve reliable focus with the greater magnification of the M3 viewfinder than on later Leica rangefinders. I've experimented with using an external magnifier when shooting my 90 mm Summicron (as well as with an adapted 135 mm Hektor from my 1938 Leica iii) but I prefer the M3 viewfinder just the way it is. Interestingly, though I also have a goggles equipped 35 mm Summaron, I find that the full viewfinder window (outside of any frame lines) on the M3 is a good enough guide to shooting my 35 mm Summicron-M and that I can forgo the viewfinder completely when zone focusing my 21 mm Super-Angulon.

The M3 is a popular choice for sure!

I bought a new M-A thinking that I was buying a brand new M3. But the M3 has a self-timer. The M-A doesn't. That's a big deal!

@@Gravitys-NOT-a-force I replied to your other comment about the M-A not having a self-timer. Not sure where you go the idea that the M-A is a brand new M3 but the self timer hasn't been part of the M system for decades. I'm not sure its even on most Leica M shooters' radar TBH.

Sounds reasonable. As I said in the video, I think this is aimed at someone who likes the idea of an M6 but wants a brand new camera with warranty. I'm an MP guy too and have no plans to switch. :) p.s. Where are you seeing "lightly used" black paint MPs for $4500? They're next to impossible to find anywhere!

It's interesting... The M-A is also built on the same MP body. But they took out the meter and put a cover on the battery compartment before adding the leatherette. They're actually a super nice choice if you're comfortable shooting without a meter.

@@karledwards That's what I figured, thanks for confirming. 🙂 Yeah, I should probably get one before they get discontinued...

@@ramarren As I said in the video - I kind of see the new M6 and the M-A as being the film cameras moving forward with the MP eventually disappearing. Will be interesting to see what happens but if you're interested in an M-A and you can find one in stock then I say grab it! :)

The quick load is definitely a game changer (for me anyway!). As for the lever? I've used both and they both work fine. I think the MP lever feels a bit quicker somehow. Like the force I apply is directly moving the film instead of fighting against the articulation. :)

Thanks Arturas! To be honest, it didn't even occur to me to mention the price... So many other things to talk about! :)

That's a tough one... For me, I'm enjoying shooting film while I can!

I'm not sure that's what they're doing with the new M6. As I said in the video... This is pretty much an MP with M6 decorations. The rewind crank maybe? But it's likely that would have had to be reinvented to fit the MP too... :)

I don’t think point and shoots would work. Leica have made cheaper cameras before like the CL, even the Leica instax. Problem is, a lot of people aren’t interested. Especially with a name associated with the legacy and rich history. Even if someone bought one, they will eventually buy an M one day. For now the cheapest Leica would be buying one off of eBay.

@@TheWutangclan1995 yah I think you are right. But what I hoped Leica to do was come up with something that can replace needs for such camera like Contax T2. Which is very niche market for sure. But it still exists. And who knows? Maybe Leica can come up with something remarkable as Q series equivalent for film that can actually bring more people into film photography.

Ya, I hate that adapter. I don't love that it just attaches with a screw that digs into the brass on the rewind knob. Plus it's pretty hideous! :) Truth be told I don't exactly have a problem with the knurled knob. But it's noticably slower than the rapid crank on the M6.

Hehehe. “Things only a Leica owner would understand.” :D

Ya, definitely more durable... One of the many reasons I was drawn to the MP to be honest. But now that I'm shooting regularly I kind of long for the quicker crank. LOL! Never satisfied!!

Karl Edwards you’ll get used to it; I definitely find it took my thumbs a lot of getting used to with the MP compared to my FM3a. I don’t like how long it takes to rewind, for sure, but it’s seriously durable. You can also get a SOOM Rewind crank for your MP, and it’s made in Canada!

@@StuartWeir Ya, for sure! TBH I'm already getting used to it and it's not quite as bad as it used to be. Still slower than the speed crank but not "exactly" the end of the world. :) Not a fan of the after market wind cranks. Would rather just tough it out!

Agreed on all points!

Both excellent choices!! I think the new M6 isn't going to draw a lot of folks who already have Leica film cameras. But I'd look closely if I was in the market again! :)

Same I have an MP and M10 Monochrom. I’m good to go. Now my real lust has turned to lenses.

Thansk Patrick! Welcome aboard!!

I'm pretty sure the M-A is at least referencing the M2... Not officially of course but definitely in the same vein!

With the now brass top plate and supposedly renewed internals I think the new M6 is like a mix of MP's and M-A's quality of life stuff (like the rewind lever, light meter and flare-resistant finder) and M3's all-metal construction at a price point just below those other 2 cameras which I think is great.

@@smith507 Nothing supposedly about it Ricardo. This is very much an MP wearing M6 clothing. But the MP was just an updated version of the M6 so it all comes around in the end. :)

Nope. What he said was that the new M6 is a replica of the original M6 and that they got 95% of the details correct. He spoke about the machinery used but gave no indication that they revived the M6 machinery. The truth is they probably use the same manufacturing process/machines for the MP but that doesn't mean they're using the same parts... The bigger issue with the vintage M6 cameras is the meter and that's just not being made anymore.

@@karledwards oh ok I kinda got it wrong but at 21'30: - so are you using the same, literally the same machines for this camera (new one) that you used for this camera back in the days (showing the old M6)? - big part of the machines that were used in 1984 are still used to make this camera (showing the new one) because you need to do parts and there are no new machines created to do things that were in the past like the cloth shutter... So my take is that it could be the contrary, the Leica MP is in part, insisting on "in part" manufactured with M6 plans and machinery. But then who am I, we need DNA samples and carbon analysis:-D

I've heard quite a few people saying it's a breaking point but to be honest? I never had an issue with it when I had an M6 in the past. Still... The knurled knob is going to be a lot more sturdy so there's no looking back for me!

Not sure this will affect old M6s. Like I said in the video the new M6 is just an MP so the old M6 parts aren't necessarily going to keep being made. The biggest worry with any M6 is the meter. If that goes there's no way to repair them now.

@@arkphotog My video actually claims the opposite. This is clearly an MP that’s styled to look like an M6. And I still like it! :)

Also a good choice! Both built on the same mp framework so u can’t go wrong!!

Not sure what you're suggesting exactly... Are you saying this was an ill advised camera to develop because the cost of film means that people will stop shooting film? Film prices have been going up steadily for the past 20 years. But the demand for film cameras remains strong especially in the used / enthusiast market. I think this camera was made for customers that are already in the Leica camp. Less than a week after becoming available there's already a 2 year waiting list to get one. So Leica must be doing something right!

I agree on the "glossy" black paint of the MP. It's frikkin' beautiful! :) I actually find the film advance lever on the MP more effecient if that makes any sense. Like I spend less energy fiddly with the articulated bits and just advance the frame... Probably all in my head though!

@@karledwards Yea I’m lucky to own the M10R Black Paint. Wish the paint wasn’t so durable so I could see it brass faster! The feel of the brass in your hands is great. I had the M10P black chrome for a bit and it just wasn’t the same.

@@carlosmcse Nice... Black paint is definitely the way to go! So far my MP doesn't have any brassing (unless you count the tip of the advance lever where it hits the hotshoe when closed). Only put 20 rolls through the camera so far but I'm shooting as fast as I can!!

@@karledwards sandpaper might help ;)

@@wylie_photo NEVAHHH!!!! LOLOL!

It’s a dilemma for sure. People are hard on the M7 but I always liked the way they felt while shooting… this being said I’m super happy with the MP. No aperture priority but you get used to that pretty quick I find…

I really never had a problem with the angle crank. I think a lot of people use them wrong and try to rewind with their left hand while holding the camera horizontally with their right. If you hold the camera vertical with your left hand and brace it on your leg you can rewind with your right hand and it's all super stable :)

@@karledwards so basically a yoga move …. 😂

Not sure I agree with your analogy... The film market isn't what it was even 20 years ago but it's definitely seeing an upswing with new people entering the market every day. This is definitely a high end product but I'd argue the market is there.

Do it!!

Weird… must have been a one off or somethibg. Even the original M6 Leica is using for all their promos ahas the plastic bumpers. Sounds like a keeper!!

YASS! Panda FTW!!

There are a few options for sure… the quick rewind mechanism isn’t just for pros though. For me as a street photographer any time the camera is without film is a potential missed shot so it makes a bit of a difference. Won’t be trading in my MP though!!

Not sure where you go the idea that the M-A would be like an M3... It's actually a heck of a lot more of a camera - starting at the quick load mechanism! Self timers haven't been part of the Leica M system since what? The M4-2? So I'm not sure a lot of folks that are even thinking about the self timer when they look at these modern cameras. Are people taking selfies with anything other than their phones these days? :)

@@karledwards , my new M-A is the first Leica M camera that I've owned that hasn't had a built-in self-timer. Even my Leica lllf had a self-timer. Your comment about people taking selfies with their iPhones is weak.

@@Gravitys-NOT-a-force Not sure how that classifies as weak? My point was simple… sounds like you were being critical of the M-A because it didn’t have a self timer but Leica hasn’t had a self timer on an M body since the M4-2. No M-A bait and switch going on there. They simply don’t have self timers on any of their cams anymore :)

@@karledwards, if you look in the menu of whatever digital Leica M you have - I have the M10-R - there is a 'Drive Mode' setting or directory. Within that directory there is a self-timer setting: 2 seconds or 12 seconds. I can't imagine that all digital Leica M models don't have that self-timer feature.

@@Gravitys-NOT-a-force That's correct. But we're not talking about digital Leicas. Your original comment was specifically about the M-A and somehow by extension the MP. What's your concern exactly? Are you suggesting that Leica should bring back the self timer on the film cameras? Or are you (as stated) upset that no reviewer of the M-A has mentioned the lack of a feature that hasn't been in any Leica M film camera since 1986?

Thanks for your comment. This video was posted several weeks before any cameras shipped so there's no possible way I could address any issues that came up. Glad you were able to get your camera fixed though!

That's a 4x5 camera! Small format cameras have still their place - just ask Bresson. Or Winnogrand. Or Rober Frank. Or... Well, you get the idea.

@@karledwards Obviously!

Not sure what issues you’re referring to? These are no the same camera as an m6 with different internals - it’s the same camera as the MP with different style and rewind knob. The MP is a proven workhorse of a camera so…

Apples and oranges though... :)

I actually mention the lack of forward facing branding in the video. Definitely a plus for the MP in my books. If you suspect your shutter speed is off then you should just send it in for a CLA! It's an all mechanical system that can be tuned and retuned. You'll get it back good as new. For lens choices? Not sure what else you'd need for rangefinder primes. You're not going to get zooms on a camera like this but the focal lengths that are available are pretty much perfectly suited to this style of camera and the way people use them. Sure the viewfinder isn't optimized for 135mm but that's not really what a rangefinder camera is all about. And most fast Leica lenses have vented hoods now that allow you see through the hood so that's really not an issue. The cloth shutter may be limited to 1/1000s but it's dead quiet and reliable. I personally never have the need to shoot above that but I'm a street guy. 1/1000 is more than enough to freeze the action. The flash sync speed is tied to the horizontal shutter mechanism so the a reason it's still 1/50 is because they're still using that shutter. TBH, the things you list as a negatives are part of the reason a lot people shoot with these cameras to start with. You stated that the price was absurd but I'd disagree. It's definitely expensive but not out of line with the build qaulity and specific performance of each camera. It's not clear to me why you'd choose something like and MP if your needs are outside the scope of what this camera was intended to provide...

It’s interesting but it seems the reissue came to be because of the popularity of the vintage M6 bodies. They’ll probably retain their value for sure. But like I said I. The video this is a good choice for someone who likes the M6 but prefers to get a new camera…

The titanium M6 is gorgeous! Nice find!

Me too! Love my MP!!

Even if it's an M6 in name alone. Pretty sweet looking camera!!

The black chrome M-A is lovely too. And that viewfinder without any meter LEDS is kind of special too.

It's new and comes with a full warranty. That's the only advantage really. That and the fact that they no longer make parts for the meter in the vintage M6 cameras so if the meter goes they can no longer be fixed...

LOL!

Thanks for the comment.... Don't agree with your assessment of film though. There's plenty of interest in the medium and entire enthusiast market supporting it... It's not as popular as digital for sure but there's no shortage of interest there. Yup, they're expensive cameras. No doubt about it.

Hehehe. Not sure I agree the M6 being in the style of the M3. But it definitely inherited its heritage!

Yup. This is the argument that I make in the video. But this actually doesn’t bother me at all. I kind of see the M6 replacing the MP in the lineup as the film camera with a meter. The M-A will remain as the “heritage” model with a nod to the past. If you think of it in those terms, it actually makes sense to use the MP framework rather than retooling everything. I’m curious though… if you already own an MP how is another camera based in the MP an issue. Leica never claimed they were reinventing the wheel on this one. This is a camera for fans of the M6 that want a new camera with a full warranty. Makes sense from my POV!

I hear that! Little tip... I got my Leica gear from Europe. The Euro exchange is smiling on us lately!

@@karledwards Karl, I was told I can find it for as low as €4800, that is almost $4800 US and $6500 CAD+ duty and tax!😮‍💨😭

@@streets28mm Sure... But there's no duty on cameras so you'll only need to pay tax coming in. The M6 is selling for 7285 CAD + tax and canadian retailers so you're saving almost 800 CAD. :)

Thanks for the comment. The answer to your question is contained in this video... Give it a watch! :)

Ya, they're not cheap... I'm super happy with my MP but to be honest... It took me until I was 57 before I could actually afford it! :)

I had two M4-2’s as a working photojournalist and each body cost me about $600 a piece. I wish I never sold them .

Leicas are rarely in stock at B&H... Always best to go directly to the Leica Store for any chance of finding a camera in stock. That's how I got my MP a couple months back. I actually don't have a problem with the smaller shutter dial. Seems to me to be something designed to be adjusted before you bring the camera to your eye so I've never had a problem with it. As for the design choices... Well, they introduced a replica of the original M6 from 1984 and got the look pretty close. :)

@@karledwards thanks, other than the rewind crank, one might as well invest in an MP (as you've noted). They're just re-introducing a discontinued product with a couple of minor internal upgrades. Something, anything, to make it stand out from the original would have been welcome, like the "Big M6", M7, M8, M9, and M (240) all which sported the model number sans Leica.

@@jklphoto I think that's just the point to be honest. They saw a huge demand in the used market for the M6. And it was easy enough to take the MP body and create a replica of the M6. It's modern and usable but still tickles that retro M6 itch.

Please see my video called, "Leica haters are weird." ;)

Totally! These cameras take a licking and keep on ticking!

Not the cheapest. But to be fair... It's $5,295 :D

Yup and Leica fixed them under warranty. There will be manufacturing issues with any new camera release... It's how the company handles the repairs that matters!

Not sure what you're saying exactly... This is a hand made instrument so the cost is going to reflect that fact. Also the new M6 is actually less than the original sold for in 1992 when adjusted for inflation. I think it's a fair price for what it is. These cameras are definitely expensive. But they're not overpriced.

Not a fan of the extra rewind crank for the MP. But I'm not sure I agree with you about speed on the Leicas. I'm a street photographer and speed is critical for my workflow. I can zone focus and get the shot quicker with the MP than any modern digicam I've used. :P

@@karledwards Right! But then if speed were truly a concern, choosing a camera that you don't have to disassemble to change film would be a paramount concern. That said, all the other Leica positives far outweigh the rewind and film changing bugaboos.

@@camerakungfu it’s like Winnogrand said… “There are no photographs while I’m reloading.” ;)

Sounds like you had a bad run with the M-As but this isn't typical to my experience with the company.

Not sure how you see this as a scam. It's just another camera being sold by a company that makes cameras. Leica isn't making any false claims about the new M6 and for anyone interested in a film Leica it's a solid choice. Might not be the camera for everyone. But that doesn't mean it's NOT the camera for ANYONE. :)

Umm. Okayyyy.. ;)

Not sure I agree Rikard... Leica saw growing demand in the market for the M6 and created a product to meet that demand. It's just capitalism at play :)

they must have spent a shit ton on marketing because actual photographers i talked to do not give a shit about this besides thinking maybe film will be cheaper again.

@@Grumpygrumpo I honestly don't know what Leica's marketing budget is for the new camera but it's clear that the photographers you "talked to" aren't part of their target market. :)

@@karledwards Haha yes, and capitalism is stupid;). I’m not against Leica. Been shooting Leica since before it was cool. When film was dirt cheap. I bought my M6 for $600 in near mint condition like 13 years ago. I just don’t know how I feel about Leica pushing the prices even more.. Young people think they need a Leica and take large loans to buy a camera. The hype isn’t healthy. Photography is no longer about pictures, it’s all about gear..

@@rikardlandberg The new M6 is actually selling for less than an M6 classic in 1992 (once prices are adjusted for inflation). So Leica isn't actually pushing prices at all - they're just keeping up with the costs involved in producing these cameras. Not sure how many young people are taking out large loans to buy Leica though... My sense is younger shooters are buying used legacy models (m4, m4-2, m4-p) when they can then upgrading at some point if the desire is still there. It's unclear where the idea of hype is coming from... People are talking about the new M6 because it's an interesting release. Nobody has sent out the carnival barkers on this one! :)

But the F6 is an SLR so it really doesn't compare the rangefinder shooting experience of a Leica M. I'd also argue that while Leica cameras are definitely expensive they're not "overpriced." Might not be the right camera for you but that doesn't mean the company was somehow misguided when it came time to determine the price of their product ;)

@@karledwards when it leans on branding and history and uses "handmade" as an excuse, its overpriced.

@@Grumpygrumpo I just don't agree with you. Leica is simply bringing its latest product to market. Not sure how that is leaning on branding or history. Sounds more like a judgment individuals are making rather than a company perspective. :)

??

Not sure I agree with this. Leica is essntially using the MP production line for this camera so it's not a stretch to "repackage" it as an M6 at all.

Was definitely a good camera. But there's something to be said for the modern loading and better viewfinders of the m6, m7, mp, m-a, m6 etc... :)