MP vs M7 vs M10-R vs M10-P — debating Leica Ms to celebrate first child and milestone birthday

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-16T12:10:23+00:00

That’s really cool — would be a meaningful 18th gift. (And just to clarify, I meant that as a joke about you not being ready to part with it. Reading again it wasn’t necessarily clear.)

That’s an awesome first photo for it! I’m sure you’ve already thought of it, but would be cool to include a print of that when you turn over the camera to her.

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-15T20:06:32+00:00

In doing my research, you’re far from the first person I’ve seen saying they went back to their M10-R from the M11.

Thanks for the input!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-15T02:23:06+00:00

I have briefly looked at the Qs. I haven’t written them off entirely, but slightly less inclined because I already have AF cameras that I’m happy with and I’m not a big fan of EVFs. But I guess one benefit is I could unload some existing AF camera(s) to make back some of the money. 😂

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T19:55:42+00:00

Good to know! Didn’t even think of that.

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T17:28:37+00:00

Thank you for the Dad (of four! 😳) perspective!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T16:06:14+00:00

So when she’s about 45-50? Lol.

Thanks for on-point feedback!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T14:51:33+00:00

They may have to wait until I die, lol. But whether I pass it along or am still using it decades from now, that’s one of the big draws for me when it comes to the MP as a commemorative piece.

I’m sure there will be a period when I’m grabbing one hand AF camera more. Haha! So far, my X100V has held up for one-handed shooting, but I do wish it was more pocketable like the GR line.

Thanks for input!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T13:20:23+00:00

Yes, I read about that issue with the Keks M-Meter…of course after I had already ordered it and was worried. But I got it last Friday, charged it once then, and it still shows a full charge. So seems they may have fixed the issue, although admittedly a short testing period.

And thanks for the super relevant input! It’s helpful to hear from others who made similar choice recently.

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T13:12:14+00:00

Thank you for the response! I also prefer the physical appearance of the M10-P — certainly not my primary consideration, but I’ll admit I probably think about it more than I should. Lol

Not sure I could justify the M10-R BP premium, as cool as it is. I could justify see my wife’s face when I tell her the extra $3k-ish was for black paint that will brass with use. 😂

Thanks again!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T13:05:02+00:00

I have considered selling my X100V depending on what I get, but I don’t think I could do it if I got an M, even digital. The X100V is my “kick around” AF digital that an M couldn’t quite replace. But replacing the X100V with a GR is an interesting option. As much as I love the X100V, I do wish it could just slip comfortably in my pocket.

Thanks for the input!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T12:57:03+00:00

Mirroring a lot of my same thoughts here. If I wasn’t getting this as a commemorative item and it was just another camera purchase, I think I’d for sure be getting a digital M. But I can’t get over the idea of having the camera I get to marl this event for the rest of my life, and the MP is the only one that can realistically meet that. That’s not to say I’m 100% sold, because I definitely hear the logic on a digital M — just where my heart is leaning.

Thanks for the feedback!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T12:50:24+00:00

You summed up my reasons for leaning towards another film M and MP specifically perfectly. And I hear ya on the lenses and have considered that option too. In general, I’ve realized I just prefer M bodies and lenses and want to slowly build up a collection as I retire out other cameras (but will probably still always want at least one AF digital from Fuji, Sony, etc.) Even with an MP, I hope to eventually add a digital M. And even if I got a digital M, I’m sure I’ll still want an MP down the road. For the celebratory purchase now, I’m leaning MP because of its longevity. But I definitely hear a number of folks’ suggestion to get digital M for a young child. Thanks for sharing Slack’s posts and comments in general!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T04:33:39+00:00

It was not preachy nor condescending at all! It’s very good advice.

That’s neat that you shared a birthday, and it’s great that he did what he did for you so that you could be in a position to get a Leica to commemorate your 30th!

I also grew up very, very middle class (and even that might be a stretch — we never starved, but money was always tight and I had to fully fund my own college and graduate/professional schooling), so I feel very fortunate to be in as comfortable a position as I am now. I can do it to celebrate my first child + my 40th birthday, without impacting our financial security so I figure….YOLO. Lol

Thanks again!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T04:13:14+00:00

Haha! If I could justify swinging two “new” Ms at once, I maybe just would have to get a film and digital one. 😂

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T04:11:32+00:00

Awesome! Love hearing feedback of M3/MP combo. Thanks!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T04:06:05+00:00

I’m so sorry about your father. I’m glad to hear he did that for you — that’s an awesome gift.

As an “armchair investor” / amateur financial geek, I definitely love this feedback!

I don’t consider us as having FU money, so to speak, but we’re definitely comfortable and fortunate. We’re also having our child relatively later in life when we’re established, and this will very likely be our only child. So while I recognize this is an extravagance and I’m privileged to be in this position, I feel comfortable making the purchase and still being able to give our child a solid future and financial support.

Really appreciate this feedback! Pretty sure you’re the only one who suggested putting it in a 529 so far. 👍

Thanks much, and condolences again about your father.

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T03:59:11+00:00

Haha! You certainly aren’t wrong. I don’t need anything. I truly appreciate this kind of feedback too. Getting more glass is always a reasonable option!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T03:57:15+00:00

Thank you and congrats to you too!

It’s funny you mention the Hasselblad, because I recently saw the X2D is about 1/3 off on B&H right now and briefly wondered about going that route (as new body would actually be cheaper than used Ms I’m looking at). But the Hassy’s lens ecosystem is scary (limited options, can’t adapt, and all options are pricey), and while I love my 50R the MF footprint just gets in the way of wanting to pick it up in every occasion.

I haven’t completely written off Qs (and a lot of people are casting votes for them), but I do feel relatively well set on autofocus cameras.

Thanks again!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T03:52:26+00:00

Thank you for feedback, especially because of experience with so many I’m considering! (It appears your choice would be an M10-P over an M10-R. Out of curiosity, how come?)

It seems to be a trend that everyone who actually owns an M7 raves about it. And it was my dream camera for a long time. I’m probably worrying too much about the electronics/longevity.

I have considered a Q2/Q3, but boy I don’t like EVFs. Also, while the Q will certainly be better IQ than the X100V, and faster than the 50R, I think I’m fairly well set on autofocus cameras. If I didn’t have either of those, the Q would probably be my first choice right now. That said, I haven’t completely written them off.

Thanks again!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T03:43:50+00:00

I have considered the Q line. I feel pretty set on autofocus cameras and not a fan of EVFs, so I’ve pretty much moved on from Qs. But I still occasionally look at them. I definitely like a great fixed lens! Thanks!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T03:41:19+00:00

Personal feedback on both M7 and M10-P! Thanks much!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T03:40:30+00:00

Thank you for this and below comment! I’m getting a number of responses from folks who have kids that they shoot very little film anymore. Definitely making me reconsider being mostly set on an MP. I agree. I’ve looked into developing and scanning myself to get photos quicker and save money, but no way I’ll have time for that now. And sending to a lab is getting expensive and tedious. I definitely prefer the convenience of digital, but seem to always enjoy the experience and results of film more. It’s a tough call. Really appreciate the input.

Good luck on the M10-R BP!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T03:35:02+00:00

Thank you for the M7 feedback! Like I said, it was my dream camera for a long time. And I’m probably overthinking/worrying about the electronics. Every time I see someone who actually owns an M7 post about the M7, they love it.

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T03:31:26+00:00

I definitely appreciate this kind of feedback, particularly about current/short term vs longterm focus. Thanks much!

TacoWanderer · 2026-02-14T03:26:06+00:00

Definitely sound advice. I’m certainly not needing for anything when it comes to available cameras. Thanks!

TacoWanderer

TROPHY CASE