[Leica] shoot me for herecy (was re: new to m)

[Kyle Cassidy <cassidy@netaxs.com>]

rob mason asked:

>I am interested in advancing my Leica use from the R series to the M
>series [... snip] I  would like some pointers in getting started from
>some Leicaphiles [snip]  For an M-beginner, what models should I look at?
>Should I buy a new M6 or look into something a little more classic like
>an M3 or M4?  Also, what lenses would you recommend for all-purpose use?
>Any and all pointers will be very much appreciated!

firstly, switching from R's to M's isn't really motion upwards (advancing)
but rather motion sideways (a different approach). for an M beginner, and
really, my advice for anyone who's not a collector, is get an M6, get a
used one, you can find them in the $1200 range. If not, then an M4 or M4-P
or M5. The older leicas, M2's and M3's have some quirks which make them
less useful (than an M6) notably, the lack of a hotshoe, 35mm framelines
(in the m3), a reasonable rewind crank, and moderately fast loading (still
terribly slow by modern SLR standards). the advantages of the m6 are

	1) light meter
	2) 28mm frame lines
	3) fastest rewind and loading you'll get in an M (though they're
           both still pathetically slow)
	4) newer camera

you could get a TTL model, but i think the jury is still out on whether or
not this is an improvement, there are continuous threads about battery
drain.

if money is a concern (and if it is, why are you buying a leica), you can
score an ugly M3 for about $600 -- you'll lose functionality (especially
if you get at double stroke model (where the film advance must be wound
twice to move a frame forward)) but you'll still look cool to the other
photographers. in fact, this is how the PLUG photographs at events:

 * NxxxN f100 hidden in camera bag on floor
 * m6 around neck sporting 35mm lens
 * m3 over shoulder with 85 f2 lens
 * numerous unrelated press passes dangling from appendages
 * copy of french PHOTO rolled up in left pocket of domke vest
 * sekonic studio II delux in left hand
 * mont blanc 146 in right hand like some sort of magic wand

with this setup, all the other photographers assume we know what we're
doing and they all come over and chat us up and we have a lovely time in
the photo pit. then, as soon as the event starts, we drop the domke vest
and the leica's to the floor and sneak out the F100, blaze through a dozen
rolls and the next day, all the other p.j's are looking at our images
commenting "man, you really focus fast and expose accurately with those
leicas! how do you do it?!"

though it must be pointed out, that while this works with photographers,
it doesn't work with models who don't give ding 1 about leicas, they
prefer people who look like steven misel or sante d'orazio, scarf wrapped
around the head, dangly earrings, ripped "Gene Loves Jezebel" t-shirt, EOS
whatnot with zoom lens and big flash tossed over the shoulder. you gotta
pick your fights.

kc