$700 Leica CM - should I jump on it?

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ZebGoesZeiss

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My Leica Minilux broke down about a year ago (E02 error), and ever since I've been trying to decide if I should get another one. Well, some things held me back: The E02 error for one, and I always thought the viewfinder was rather smallish.

Now I'm being offered a Leica CM for $700, and I'm feeling the temptation once again. It is in excellent condition. It comes with the box and manual, and everything works.

A couple of questions before I jump, though. For those of you that has tried both the Minilux and CM - is it worthy successor? The 1/1000s speed is a nice upgrade from the 1/400 of the Minilux. But how about the viewfinder? Is it really that much larger than the one on the Minilux? And is it worth spending an extra $350-400 getting the CM, instead of the Minilux?

And is $700 an OK price?

I guess I'm looking for approval here :D Digital compact cameras does nothing for me, but I would really like to have something smaller than the M6.

Anyone still using these? I would love to hear your long-term impression of the camera!
 
I'd look at the Contax T series if I were you. They seem to be less prone to issues than the Leica compacts and you may well find one cheaper.

Excellent lenses as well, I might add.
 
You could consider a Fujifilm Klasse S or W, a brand new one is cheaper than $700, I recently got one, and have become quite smitten with it. I think they look great, maybe not quite as nice as a Leica CM, but very nice all the same. I imported mine from Taipei to the UK, arrived in a few days after shipping.
 
Yes, for $500 it's a worthwhile gamble. I was going to post that in addition to the Contax T, the Nikon 35Ti or 28Ti is a more reasonable alternative at around $250-$300.
 
I have the CM. The viewfinder is almost exactly the same size and brightness of my iiif. I.e. Terrible but good enough for HCB at one point. I bought mine from KEH about 6 months ago with box, etc for $750. It's got fast autofocus, quiet film advance, nice lens, and a useful hotshoe. It's got better handling than the T3 which I had at one point, which didn't even have a backlit display. All point and shoot viewfinders pale in the face of the mighty contax T the original.
 
Just got back the first roll. This is an amazing camera, spot on exposures, and autofocus that can be trusted. I'm soooo happy that I got it!
 
Gary Sandhu said:
It's got better handling than the T3 which I had at one point, which didn't even have a backlit display
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I disagree, I had both at the same time and the T3 was much better handling IMO. I also think the T3 was better build quality. The T3 also tended to have more reliable focus in my experience. I sold the CM.
 
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And while we are at it - what about servicing Contax T3, Ricoh GR1 or Minotla TC-1? I am actually considering one of those (including the Leica CM)
 
I just pick up an Minilux locally for $100. While the viewfinder is very poor, the lens is absolutely fantastic.
 
I've had a Minilux (black), and 2 Ricoh GR1's. Great cameras. But - Got scared as to how long they would last. Sold them.

Now have a Leica IIIf (RD) with VC 28/3.5, and Elmar 50/3.5 and am quite satisfied.
 
Matus said:
And while we are at it - what about servicing Contax T3, Ricoh GR1 or Minotla TC-1? I am actually considering one of those (including the Leica CM)
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In the USA, I know people still repair the GR1 and T3. I was high on the CM, but I found info from as far back as 3 years ago stating they don't service it. I think I'm going to go with the T3 since it can still be serviced.
 
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