Features

• Make automatic exposures: stepless automatic shutter speed control with metered value storage
• Work more accurately: cloth focal plane shutter controls exposure times electronically
• Stay informed at all times: Unique LED integrated in the viewfinder
• Start immediately: An ON/OFF switch is positioned ergonomically right next to the release button
• Flash at ultra-high exposure times: In conjunction with special Metz flash units can now flash at synch speeds up to 1/1000 second

Reviews (1)

Leica's 35mm Rangefinder Camera for the 21st Century
Leica waited a long time before releasing this camera two years ago; the M7 is its most feature-laden rangefinder camera to date. I believe that it is the best Leica M rangefinder ever made (with my apologies to Leica M3, M2, and M4 purists) since it features an electronically-controlled shutter (the most accurate for a M rangefinder camera), aperture-priority automation which are features long-overdue on a Leica M series rangefinder. The shutter is the quietest I've heard on a Leica M rangefinder. Unfortunately, the Leica M7, unlike the Leica MP, its all-mechanical brethren, is virtually dead except for two shutter speeds when your batteries die out. And yet despite this inconvenience, the Leica M7 is still the best handling Leica M rangefinder camera I've come across. This black chrome edition of the Leica M7 is the one preferred by professional and advanced amateur photographers interested in not advertizing their camera as they photograph their subjects.
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Features

• Make automatic exposures: stepless automatic shutter speed control with metered value storage
• Work more accurately: cloth focal plane shutter controls exposure times electronically
• Prevent faulty exposures: DX coding and override feature in the automatic exposure mode
• Use flash creatively: Flash unit can also be triggered by the second shutter curtain
• Stay informed at all times: Unique LED integrated in the viewfinder

Reviews (2)

Leica M - Best Sharpness AndContrast In Low Light
The Leica M is not recommendable for beginners. It lacks all the bells and whistles (no autofocus, no zoom lenses, etc.)that popular advertisement wants to make you believe are mandatory. You buy a Leica if you want to be in control of picture composition and creation and of course you buy a Leica M if you want to take pictures in low light situations. The rangefinder is significantly brighter than an SLR viewfinder. Finally and probably the most important reason to buy a Leica M is the lens quality. The quality, contrast and sharpness all the way out to the edges of the image are unsurpassed. I have not been using filters to enhance contrast, which I routinely did with my Canon SLR. A Leica M is also quite liberating, because all focal lengths are fixed - no more zooming around. What you have is what you get. And you get a lot.

Expensive, but still good introduction to Leica M system
This starter kit is aimed for the well-heeled amateur photographer who is interested in the finest 35mm camera available. Although Leica purists may say that the Leica MP is the finest, I disagree since the Leica M7 has more features, most notably aperture priority automation and TTL (Through The Lens) flash, for the same price as the all mechanical MP. Unfortunately, the bad news is that unlike the MP, this rangefinder camera is virtually dead except for two shutter speeds if your batteries die out. And yet despite this inconvenience, the Leica M7 is the quietest, best handling Leica M rangefinder camera I've come across. It comes with a 50mm f2 Summicron-M lens which may not be the best 50mm lens currently available, but is still a fine performer, capable of taking fine photographs even under low light conditions with fast color or black and white film. Both the Leica M7 and 50mm f2 Summicron-M lens comprise an excellent introduction to the Leica M rangefinder system and 35mm rangefinder photography.
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Features

• Professional 24 x 36mm format
• Featured to satisfy the accomplished photographer
• Cutting-edge performance of interchangeable ZEISS lenses
• Durable, high-quality metal body
• Well-balanced, timeless design

Reviews (1)

A Voigtlander By Any Other Name....
The Rollei RF-35 is a Cosina-built Voigtlander R2 rangefinder camera that's been given a Rollei name and is available only through Rollei's current USA distributor. As such, it's a bit expensive to pay for Rollei, but it's based on a Voigtlander rangefinder camera that's no longer in production. You can think of either the original Voigtlander R2 or this Rollei version of it as a "Volkswagen" equivalent to the expensive, virtually handmade Leica MP rangefinder camera. Yet you can still take fine pictures with this camera using virtually every M-mount and Leica screw-mount (with an appropriate M-mount adaptor) lens ever made.
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Features

• Combines a classical design with easy-to-use operation.
• Features and controls are designed to make practical photography comfortable andfree
• Manual or auto TTL exposure metering as well as an AE-lock function gives you complete control of the exposure situation
• The Zeiss Ikon viewfinder lets you see the area that surrounds the actual image giving you greater possibilities and confidence as you compose each image.
• The triangulation rangefinder combined with a viewfinder base that is the widest available means that you can expect extreme accuracy and wide-angle focusing precision.

Reviews (1)

A Worthy Rival to Current Leica M Rangefinder Cameras
The Zeiss Ikon M-mount Rangefinder Camera is a stylish, classic update of Zeiss's great rangefinder cameras from the early to mid 20th Century, most notably its venerable Contax line. Designed by Zeiss, but built in Japan by Cosina (Voigtlander) under strict Zeiss supervision, the Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera remains a viable, attractive alternative to those wishing to use a M-mount rangefinder camera, but can't afford purchasing either a used or new Leica MP or Leica M7. It can be regarded as a cheaper alternative to the aperture priority automatic and manual exposure Leica M7, but unlike the M7, it has a few intriguing features of its own which should appeal to M-mount rangefinder camera photographers.
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Features

• All-metal body with foldable rear panel
• Brass top plate and base plate, both chromium plated in silver or in black lacquer finish
• Displays in the viewfinder (lower edge) LED symbol for battery status
• LED light balance wi th two triangular and one central circular LED for manual exposure set ting
• Triangular LEDs show the required direction of rotation for compensation with aperture setting ring

Reviews (2)

It's got class
I started with a used M4 back in '84, which I regret selling, then years later bought a m6ttl, which had crazy high battery consumption (new battery ever 8 rolls or so) and I always hated the higher height.I sold that right away when the MP came out and I've been delighted ever since.
Best Mechanical Leica M Rangefinder Camera, But...
Although I am a fan of Leica rangefinder cameras and lenses, I have mixed feelings about this camera. Without question, it is the best designed, most robust, manual "M" rangefinder camera Leica has built since the original M4 from the late 1960's and early 1970's (Indeed, "MP" stands for Mechanical Perfection.). Indeed, it is the first Leica M camera since the legendary M3, M2 and M4 to have its top and bottom plates manufactured from brass. However, it does not handle nearly as well as a M4 or M6 with regards to rewinding film (The spool rewind knob is the worst designed feature on this camera; Leica engineers opted for this instead of the rewind crank which has been a standard feature of Ms since the M4 stating that the camera would be more rigid, and thus, structurally sound. It's an argument I find very unconvincing. If you opt for a custom made MP via Leica's new A La Carte program, you can get a M4/M6/M7 style rewind crank at an additional charge, which isn't cheap.). But film advance is the best I have handled for any M camera, especially with the newly reissued Leicavit rapid winder built for this camera. Aside from these changes and a newly redesigned rangefinder window which is a major improvement over previous designs with respect to flaring, the MP is a modified, greatly improved version of the original M6 camera. If you insist on owning the finest mechanical 35mm rangefinder camera, then the Leica MP is the one for you, preferably one with a black paint finish, since it wears well after heavy usage. Otherwise, I would recommend buying either a new M7 camera or considering a used M6 in excellent working condition.
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Features

• All-metal body with foldable rear panel
• Brass top plate and base plate, both chromium plated in silver or in black lacquer finish
• Displays in the viewfinder (lower edge) LED symbol for battery status
• LED light balance wi th two triangular and one central circular LED for manual exposure set ting
• Triangular LEDs show the required direction of rotation for compensation with aperture setting ring

Reviews (1)

Leica Returns To The Past With This Elegant, Expensive Model
Although I am a fan of Leica rangefinder cameras and lenses, I have mixed feelings about this camera. Without question, it is the best designed, most robust, manual "M" rangefinder camera Leica has built since the original M4 from the late 1960's and early 1970's (Indeed, "MP" stands for Mechanical Perfection.). However, it does not handle nearly as well as a M4 or M6 with regards to rewinding film (The spool rewind knob is the worst designed feature on this camera; Leica engineers opted for this instead of the rewind crank which has been a standard feature of Ms since the M4 stating that the camera would be more rigid, and thus, structurally sound. It's an argument I find very unconvincing.). But film advance is the best I have handled for any M camera, especially with the newly reissued Leicavit rapid winder built for this camera. Aside from these changes and a newly redesigned rangefinder window which is a major improvement over previous designs with respect to flaring, the MP is a modified, improved version of the original M6 camera. Here in this 0.58 configuration, the camera will be best suited for those interested in working with Leica wide angle rangefinder lenses up to 24mm in length (You will still need an accessory viewfinder mounted on the camera's hot shoe for full coverage.) and have trouble seeing through the rangefinder when wearing eye glasses. Otherwise, I would recommend buying either a new M7 camera or considering a used M6 in excellent working condition. ... Read more

Features

• Passive AF with assistance beam, modes: Single shot AF, Continuous AF(only in continuous film drive mode) & Manual
• TTL actual exposure metering (center-weighted average light metering) External metering (auto switching with the mounted lens)
• Contax G mount
• Exposure Compensation +/-2EV in 1/3EV increments, Exposure Bracketing +/-0.5EV/ +/-1EV exposure compensating values with A.B.C. lever

Reviews (1)

Still The Best 35mm Rangefinder Camera
Introduced nearly a decade ago, the Contax G2 autofocus 35mm rangefinder camera is still the most advanced, feature-laden camera in its class (In stark contrast, the Leica M7 comes a distant second, since it lacks the high flash synchronization speed of 1/200 of a second which is available on the Contax G2, along with the other camera's distinctive features, most notably autofocus.). Its Carl Zeiss G-series lenses are not only second to none, but are relatively cheap when compared to their more expensive Leica M equivalents. Unfortunately autofocus tends to be slow, even in continuous AF mode, but if you are willing to be patient, you will be rewarded with superb, sharp and contrasty pictures, especially in color. It is also much noiser than its Leica M brethern, so those interested in photographing as discreetly as possible may prefer instead, manual focusing Leica M cameras (I primarily use my Leica M equipment, and use my Contax G2 kit mainly for indoor flash photography.). Still, distinguished photographers such as Magnum's Luc Delahaye, have used this camera and its lenses to record some of the most important images of our time. ... Read more

Features

• Make automatic exposures: stepless automatic shutter speed control with metered value storage
• Work more accurately: cloth focal plane shutter controls exposure times electronically
• Depth of field scale shows the range of sharpness for all three focal lengths
• Versatile and with a compact design, this high-performance lens lends itself toward ease of operation
• Embodies the essence of more than 50 years of experience in optics & mechanical design

Features

• Independent of batteries. All operating elements are made of metal
• All-metal body with foldable rear panel
• A classic medium-speed lens with minimal dimensions
• Lens collapses into the camera body
• Embodies the essence of more than 50 years of experience in optics & mechanical design

Subjects:  1. Camera (Cameras)    2. 35 mm (millimeter)    3. Photograph (Photography)   

Features

• Independent of batteries. All operating elements are made of metal
• All-metal body with foldable rear panel
• Perfect image quality that extends into the corners at full aperture
• Outstanding contrast over the entire picture area, even in the close-up range
• Embodies the essence of more than 50 years of experience in optics & mechanical design

Reviews (2)

Leica MP: Mechanical Perfection
The Leica MP holds fast to the tenet that all a photographer really needs is a little light, some film, a working knowledge of shutter speed/aperture, and a creative vision.
Most Expensive Camera and Lens for "Decisive Moment" Street Photography
This Leica MP camera body with 50mmm lens is the ideal tool for anyone willing to pay a premium to own a rangefinder camera and lens that will be suitable for "Decisive Moment" Street Photography. The potential buyer of this kit would be emulating the late great Henri Cartier-Bresson, who coined the term "Decisive Moment", and used primarily 50mm lenses with his Leica cameras. However, this is one route to trying to emulate Cartier-Bresson which would be ideal for anyone who is financially well off only, and appreciates Leica's lavish attention to details in this camera, which is essentially a more refined version of the late, still great, Leica M6 rangefinder camera. A more suitable alternative is buying a used Leica M6, M4-P, M4, M2 or M3 rangefinder camera and a used 50mm Summicron lens of any vintage, made either in Germany or Canada at a Leitz/Leica factory (If you purchase a Leica M rangefinder camera that's not a M6 or M6 TTL, then you should also purchase a decent light meter like those made by Gossen or Sekonic, since only the M6 series cameras have accurate built in through the lens metering.). The least expensive alternative is purchasing a Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera and 50mm ZM Zeiss Planar lens, which would set you back only around $1800, if purchased from one of several USA camera dealers who specialize in grey market Zeiss Ikon rangefinder cameras and lenses. ... Read more

Features

• All-metal body with foldable rear panel. Independent of batteries.
• Tailored to the decisive photographic parameters sharpness, shutter speed and aperture
• Withstands heavy duty use under extreme conditions
• Scale on the lens displays the depth of field for all three focal lengths
• Versatile and with a compact design, this high-performance lens lends itself toward ease of operation

Features

• Durable exterior without impacting weight
• Silver-gray titanium surface creates an unmistakable, exclusive look
• Outstanding imaging quality even in the close-up range

Reviews (2)

Extravagant Leica Collectible With Little Potential as a Collectible Investment
Leica has followed in the heels of its lavish, unpopular Hermes edition Leica MP by releasing yet another extravagant collectible aimed solely at wealthy collectors who lust after a rangefinder camera and lens made predominantly of titanium. This Leica M7 camera body is the first to be called truly a titanium M camera, since its top and bottom plates are made entirely of this precious metal. Although I am a fan of Leica M rangefinder cameras and their superlative M-mount lenses, I think Leica is making yet another mistake by introducing an expensive, limited edition collectible when it should try to listen to long-time users who want it to produce its high quality equipment without substantial price increases nearly every fiscal quarter! For the price you pay for this system, you can buy a brand new Leica M7 starter kit with 50mm Summicron lens, a 35mm ASPH Summicron lens, and a 28mm f2 ASPH Summicron lens, and still have the pleasure of using a Leica. Or, if you prefer, you can acquire a brand new Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera (built in Japan by Cosina under strict Zeiss supervision, with its specifications designed by Zeiss, not Cosina), a 50mm ZM f2 Planar lens, a 28mm ZM f2.8 Biogon lens, a 25mm ZM f2.8 Biogon lens, a 21mm ZM f2.8 Biogon lens, and abrand Leica M7 - all with USA warranties - and still save more than nine hundred dollars in lieu of purchasing this expensive Leica M kit (Incidentally, the Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera has the brightest viewfinder I have seen in a M mount rangefinder camera since the venerable Leica M3, and the Zeiss lenses I've cited - built in Japan by Cosina too under stringent Zeiss quality control - cost more than half of their Leica M equivalents, and are, in most instances, optically superior.). Originally priced at $10,000, this Leica M special edition set has lost its appeal with potential collectors; I would advise not purchasing it unless you obtained a very good deal at a price far lower than what it is currently advertised.

You have to hold it and use it to know.....
...how incredibly fantastic this is. To the purist, a Leica is to use and to consume, yet it is nearly impervious to use/abuse compared to other quality cameras - in fact, it only gets better with the loving care of the photographer.This camera is a wonderful experience.The leather is so refined and fresh, while the smooth texture of the titanium body is so beautiful that you are drawn to caress it and you can't imagine NOT using it.You want to play with it, shot with it, make it a part of you.
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Features

• The advantages of the viewfinder with higher magnification (0.85)
• The image of the motif in the viewfinder is almost 20% larger than in the standard LEICA MP 0.72 and is almost equivalent to the natural impression
• In particular when using the longer focal lengths of 75,90 and 135 mm, this allows easier and even more accurate framing
• The accordingly larger distance measuring field facilitates fast and precise focusing, especially under poor light conditions or low motif contrast
• Focusing accuracy is also increased due to the greater effective rangefinder base - this being particularly important when using lenses with long focal lengths and large apertures

Features

• Independent of batteries. All operating elements are made of metal
• All-metal body with foldable rear panel
• Extremely compact design using elements with high refractive indices and low dirspersion values.
• Exceptional freedom from flare, due to special multiple coatings.
• Embodies the essence of more than 50 years of experience in optics & mechanical design

Reviews (1)

Expensive Combination of Leica Camera and 35mm Lens
Most users of Leica M rangefinder cameras - including yours truly - regard as an ideal combination, a M rangefinder camera with a 35mm Summicron. It is ideal since it allows the photographer a bit more working distance to work with, than by using a camera with a 50mm lens; so for most Leica photographers, it is the perfect combination for doing serious documentary "street" photography. Most Leica photographers also prefer having a Leica 90mm lens for discreet "head-and-shoulders" telephoto photography. However, acquiring this Leica MP camera, Leica 35mm and 90mm lenses is quite expensive, and will only appeal to those who are financially able to acquire this kit or simply want what the best money can buy with respect to superb 35mm photographic equipment. In lieu of buying this kit, I would recommend instead thinking of purchasing a used Leica M6 with a late model non-aspherical 35mm Summicron lens (But this 35mm lens is no longer priced competitively with regards to used ASPH Summicron lenses; a more reasonably priced acquisition would be getting a 1970s vintage Canadian-made 35mm Summicron which is still an excellent performer - I know since I have one - in its own right.), and a 90mm f2.8 Konica Hexanon-M lens (Some users swear that it is optically superior to the current Leica 90mm f2.8 Elmarit-M lens.) or either a non-aspherical Leica 90mm f2 summicron lens or a 90mm f4 M-Rokkor lens which was built by Minolta for its Minolta CLE rangefinder camera.). Otherwise, I would take a serious look at acquiring brand new a Zeiss Ikon rangefinder camera with ZM Zeiss lenses such as the 35mmm f2 Biogon, 28mm f2.8 Biogon and 50mmm f2 Planar, and purchasing a used 90mm Konica or Leica lens. ... Read more

Features

• Independent of batteries. All operating elements are made of metal
• All-metal body with foldable rear panel
• Extremely compact design using elements with high refractive indices and low dirspersion values.
• Exceptional freedom from flare, due to special multiple coatings.
• Embodies the essence of more than 50 years of experience in optics & mechanical design