I want a Leica film camera, but...

[Steve Mack]

...while I can afford, say, an M4-P, I can't afford the body AND a Leica lens. Would a Zeiss lens be an acceptable substitute for the Leica glass? Or are there other suggestions?

Thanks to all who reply.

With best regards,

Stephen

[Mustafa Umut Sarac]

no

[Photografity]

Have you considered the other option? Buy a Leica lens, and buying a Zeiss or a Voigtlander Bessa body? Should you upgrade to digital at least you have the "glass".

[amsp]

Have you considered the other option? Buy a Leica lens, and buying a Zeiss or a Voigtlander Bessa body? Should you upgrade to digital at least you have the "glass".

Did you just say upgrade to digital? :P

[segedi]

Here are lenses I can recommend:
21mm Voigtlander f/4 P
21mm Zeiss f/4.5
25mm Zeiss f/2.8
35mm Zeiss (either, f/2.8 or f/2)
50mm Zeiss Planar f/2

So yes, you can save a bit of money buying the alternatives and have great photos made with your Leica M camera. Buying them second-hand is an even better option for cost savings. Don't sweat it!

[MDR]

You could buy a Leica M3 or M2 and use it with Leica Bargain lenses say a Summaron with the goggles on the M3 great and underrated lens. Voigtländer and Zeiss lenses can be used as substitute but they have a different look with the Summaron and some other bargain lenses you'll get the Leica signature look and quality. The Summarit for the M3 comes to mind as a cheap Leica made M lens saw one for 250 Euros at the Leicashop.

Dominik

[fotch]

What is your lens budget?

[georg16nik]

Buying a Barnack, You are getting the original Leica camera and a time machine, combined and probably will cost half of what You are gonna pay just for M4 body.
All the chicks will be yours.

[Steve Mack]

Lens budget is ~$1100.00.

With best regards,

Stephen

[summicron1]

An M-Leica is an amazing shooter and if all you can afford (all!) is a Zeiss lens, then get one, it will be wonderful, Zeiss makes wonderful glass.

A new zeiss lens is going to be better, optically, than an old Leica lens -- better coatings and computations and so on.

Bottom line, get what you can afford and shoot. An M3 would make an excellent and much cheaper choice that an M4 P, for example.