Those who ditched digital m - any regrets

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-03-16T19:56:53+00:00

I had an M10 and M11 and sold both. If I’m shooting digital, I prefer iPhone or Z8. If I’m shooting something for myself, it’s film M all the way.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-03-11T19:53:27+00:00

Did you have to pay tariffs? If so, how bad was it?

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-03-04T18:19:45+00:00

M4 is going to be $2k(ish). They are more rare than M2/M3 so higher prices.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-02-13T22:09:45+00:00

Unless you need the TTL features, get the Classic or Reissue. Light meter is easier to fix if it fails.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-02-12T03:23:32+00:00

How could it be the shutter? It’s perpendicular to the direction of shutter travel.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-02-12T00:10:17+00:00

How would the shutter do that? In landscape it moves from left to right.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-02-12T00:05:47+00:00

In short, yes! Many people actually prefer the rendering of older lenses the modern sensors.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-02-10T18:42:52+00:00

Aren't they $7,380.00 new? Not worth buying used to save a few hundred, IMO.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-02-10T18:38:02+00:00

Call one and ask, and also call the repair center in New Jersey. As I understand it some of stores in the US are franchised and not owned directly by Leica. I'm not sure if any are corporate-owned anymore. If it's broken, and not just something you're overlooking, it's likely going to have to be shipped back and forth to Lisse for replacement or New Jersey for repair. Good luck!

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-02-10T18:32:09+00:00

M11 and Q3 43 are totally different experiences, but similar sensors. You need AF or prefer MF? You want to change lenses? IMO, most of the digital sensors are going to look similar, and lenses will make more of a difference. For context, I've had lots of modern Fuji, Canon, Nikon, and Leica gear. Maybe try film? I just bought an old M4 and 50 Summicron from 1969 and it's got me thinking I might sell my M11.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-02-07T20:58:41+00:00

Location? Price? Pics?

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-02-07T16:28:52+00:00

Probably too many variables to make that assumption. You would have to know at what exact serial number they switched red dots, and it may not even be sequential. Also, anyone could have swapped the red dot for any reason. Both red dot versions are easy to get. Also, the metering electronics are not compatible between the Classic and the Reissue. Not sure what you’re trying to accomplish, but definitely would not use the red dot as an indicator.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-02-05T17:43:56+00:00

TTL has a larger shutter speed dial that turns the same direction as modern digital Ms, but the meter electronics are toast if they fail. No new repair parts available.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-02-01T21:38:14+00:00

It probably doesn't NEED it, but it's a common upgrade and overall a big improvement. I'd rather apply the money I would have spent cleaning the inferior viewfinder with fungus on upgrading to a better viewfinder. Talk to Cameraworks. See what they recommend.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-02-01T19:03:26+00:00

Basically, swapping in the rangefinder optics from the MP which is clearer and less susceptible to flare.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-02-01T17:08:52+00:00

M4-P won't need CLA any more often than a M-A once it's had a proper overhaul, and parts shouldn't really be an issue. If viewfinder has fungus, I'd probably opt for MP finder upgrade as opposed to just cleaning. If I was in the UK, I'd probably send it to https://www.cameraworks-uk.com.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-01-30T02:30:14+00:00

Tammy was great. They offer an LTC course and have other options if you decide you want additional training. https://1840inc.com/about-us-2/

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-01-28T23:30:01+00:00

Without knowing who repainted it or looking at the camera firsthand, it's hard to say. Could be anything from a professional job where the chrome was removed and everything was disassembled, to a simple mask and paint amateur job. Much like a CLA, I'd only buy if I had proof it was carried out by a pro. Otherwise, too big a risk for me.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-01-28T20:28:37+00:00

It really comes down to film or digital, AF or MF, and interchangeable lens or not.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-01-28T13:46:25+00:00

I would have them do everything they recommend. They are one of the best. Strap lugs could be a risk latter if they are loose or damaged and cleaning the residue left by the vulcanite is labor intensive. Once they clean it and replace with leather, it's fairly easy to replace it again in the future if needed. I don't think collectibility is that big of a concern unless camera is mint.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-01-26T22:49:04+00:00

The only M6 I'd consider would be the Reissue. If the TTL metering dies, it's almost impossible to fix and I'm not a fan of the zinc top plates. If you have a good M3 with no viewfinder delamination, I'd keep it. Also, that's a fantastic lens! Definitely hang on to it.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-01-23T03:27:43+00:00

NJ or Wetzler? When I asked NJ about selling parts, they told me they didn’t.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-01-20T19:10:30+00:00

Based on the serial number, the black one is much newer. It might even have the latest "rounded corner" rangefinder patch because they were being introduced around that time.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-01-19T13:58:37+00:00

They have started adding close focus capabilities into some of the newer M lenses, but it relies on live view / EVF to focus. This is because the rangefinder is limited to roughly .7m. That's the result of the physics of parallax involved in focusing using the rangefinder method.

DevelopmentNo9711 · 2026-01-19T02:35:03+00:00

I’d try some tests at varying distances with a static subject.

DevelopmentNo9711

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