Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best-selling in Film Cameras
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The Leica M1 is often forgotten model in the M line of cameras. It's mechanically the same as an M2 except it has no rangefinder. The viewfinder shows both the 50mm and 35mm framelines at all times and they are parallax-corrected (coupled to the lens cam). From today's perspective, it seems kind of odd they'd make such a camera, but I guess there was a small but important group of Leica customers looking to save a few dollars over the cost of a new M2/M3 back in those days. There seems to be no cost cutting in any other part of the camera (other than the rangefinder) and it seems every bit as well-built as an M2 or M3, for around half the price. The M1 is a great alternative if you like zone-focusing with wide- or ultra-wide lenses with an external viewfinder, and as a back up for a regular M. I'm not sure how useful a 50mm lens would be on the M1, unless you are really good at guestimating distances, or shooting a lot of landscapes at infinity. About buying a used M1: many of these cameras haven't seen a lot of hard use unlike other Ms of the same era. Usually that means they are cosmetically in better shape, but the downside is they will definitely need an overhaul unless the seller states it has had one recently. Even if the shutter 'works', plan on the winding being rough and the shutter very inaccurate. This is true for any used M camera from this era. I've owned Leicas for about 20 years and it was much easier to find a good working one 20 years ago than it is today. It's simply a case of the lubricants drying up. Also the internal shutter curtain springs change characteristics over the years so it is more important now than ever to have the camera serviced before regular use. Also, it seems more and more older Leica cameras are getting dried and cracking vulcanite coverings. Luckily there are several sources for good quality replacement coverings.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Still keep up with street style! Great camera!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned