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i might be able to help with an om2 and 35/100...dirt cheap!
Should I sell my kit?
- Thread starter Sofa King
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photogdave
Shops local
Photojournalism is 100% digital these days. Maybe you should build up your digital kit instead of getting the F4. Does your program have any specific gear requirements?
When I was a PJ student the F4 was king of the heap and I used to dream of owning one but could never afford to. Now they are REALLY cheap (less than $200 used at Adorama) and I'm considerone just for the removable prism for low angle shooting. For most of my PJ career I used a Nikon F801 which was just fine too.
If there is a good chance you will regret selling the M, keep it for the film side of the program (and make your fellow students jealous!), use your Nikon for the digital stuff and see which way the wind blows. After a while if it looks like SLR is the way to go then decide to upgrade the D50 or sell the M.
When I was a PJ student the F4 was king of the heap and I used to dream of owning one but could never afford to. Now they are REALLY cheap (less than $200 used at Adorama) and I'm considerone just for the removable prism for low angle shooting. For most of my PJ career I used a Nikon F801 which was just fine too.
If there is a good chance you will regret selling the M, keep it for the film side of the program (and make your fellow students jealous!), use your Nikon for the digital stuff and see which way the wind blows. After a while if it looks like SLR is the way to go then decide to upgrade the D50 or sell the M.
peter_n
Veteran
Roland finally said it. The 35 & 75 are just a terrific pair. The CV 75mm is an excellent lens and inexpensive too. They pop up here in the classifieds all the time. I would try that first.
Little Prince
Well-known
Hey, I'm also a little confused. Didn't go through all the posts above, but if you have a D50, why don't you just use that for your longer lens needs? Why do you feel the need to get an F4?
I'm saying that as you're only looking at a 50mm, and 50mm AF Nikkors can be had pretty cheap. If you had wanted 85 or 105, I don't know if the D50 will meter with the older manual versions of those lenses (which can be had cheap).
In any case, as you are thinking of replacing your M6 with the SLR, you are clearly comfortable with cameras that are low on 'features'. In that case, why not look at an F3 or even an FM2/FE2 or used FM3A. Although the physical dimensions may not be that different, these cameras feel slimmer and smaller overall than the F4 (IMHO). I doubt you would miss anything in an F3.
I'm saying that as you're only looking at a 50mm, and 50mm AF Nikkors can be had pretty cheap. If you had wanted 85 or 105, I don't know if the D50 will meter with the older manual versions of those lenses (which can be had cheap).
In any case, as you are thinking of replacing your M6 with the SLR, you are clearly comfortable with cameras that are low on 'features'. In that case, why not look at an F3 or even an FM2/FE2 or used FM3A. Although the physical dimensions may not be that different, these cameras feel slimmer and smaller overall than the F4 (IMHO). I doubt you would miss anything in an F3.
feenej
Well-known
I'd keep it and save money for an SLR purchase later. When you get older I'm 90% certain that you will regret having sold your Leica. The Leica is supposed to be the camera that you keep for a lifetime.
jolefler
Established
I'm still kicking myself for getting rid of my M3 many years ago....it was used to fund the purchase of a new Nikon F2AS & lenses. Still have the F2 (& a few other F series bodies), classic machines for sure, but still miss the M3 and can't afford to replace it now. BTW....retired PJ. Will history repeat itself?
Jo
BTW...you're gonna need digital output with something as a current PJ. Developing/scanning was too slow for the editors I had six years ago, I'll bet it's worse now!
Jo
BTW...you're gonna need digital output with something as a current PJ. Developing/scanning was too slow for the editors I had six years ago, I'll bet it's worse now!
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tbarker13
shooter of stuff
Your opening question, in many ways, is like asking whether you should get chocolate or strawberry ice cream for dessert tonite. Only you can know which flavor you prefer.
In the end, you need to be using a camera that you enjoy making images with. Because you need to be making a lot of images. If that's a rangefinder, great. If it's an SLR, just as great.
When I was studying photojournalism in college, I started with Nikon gear (F3s and Fm2s) and added a Leica late in the game. I loved the leica (and it is all I own these days), but I took tons more photos with the nikon stuff back in school. You can't really patrol the sidelines of a college football game with an M3 and 50mm lens. At least not if you want action photos that'll actually be published.
For versatility, you're not going to beat an SLR setup. Especially if you want to add sports into the mix.
In the end, you need to be using a camera that you enjoy making images with. Because you need to be making a lot of images. If that's a rangefinder, great. If it's an SLR, just as great.
When I was studying photojournalism in college, I started with Nikon gear (F3s and Fm2s) and added a Leica late in the game. I loved the leica (and it is all I own these days), but I took tons more photos with the nikon stuff back in school. You can't really patrol the sidelines of a college football game with an M3 and 50mm lens. At least not if you want action photos that'll actually be published.
For versatility, you're not going to beat an SLR setup. Especially if you want to add sports into the mix.
sirius
Well-known
You have a digital SLR. I see no benefit in getting a film SLR. Film work flow is just getting less and less convenient. Yes, the modern DSLRs mostly have inconvenient crop factors and are large and heavy, but I would still have trouble reaching for a film SLR for a job if there was a DSLR right next to it.
Your M6 biogon camera kit is a top of the line tool for a specific way of working. You have to decide what way and subject matter you would like to work with. I use my digital when I work, so I can be sure I got a shot. I use my rangefinder for fun and art photography. There's no perfect camera, just what you like.
I'm happy that you had the chance to try a leica early in your career. The Leicas (and the many other great rfs such as Zeiss and Cosina) are simple cameras that allow me to have the bare minimum of things to think about---but they do force me to think as well. You will only see the advantage of them once you learn to use them intuitively: zone focusing, previsualizing the frame, anticipating the peak of the moment, etc... They become "point and shoot" cameras. The way that RFs made me think before taking a picture is not easy to adapt to, but it has been rewarding.
I love my Leica because of the special way the lenses interpret the world. I love working with the machine: fiddling with knobs, rings, and buttons. I'm delighted when I get back a lovely photo that I wouldn't have achieved with a DSLR.
Your M6 biogon camera kit is a top of the line tool for a specific way of working. You have to decide what way and subject matter you would like to work with. I use my digital when I work, so I can be sure I got a shot. I use my rangefinder for fun and art photography. There's no perfect camera, just what you like.
I'm happy that you had the chance to try a leica early in your career. The Leicas (and the many other great rfs such as Zeiss and Cosina) are simple cameras that allow me to have the bare minimum of things to think about---but they do force me to think as well. You will only see the advantage of them once you learn to use them intuitively: zone focusing, previsualizing the frame, anticipating the peak of the moment, etc... They become "point and shoot" cameras. The way that RFs made me think before taking a picture is not easy to adapt to, but it has been rewarding.
I love my Leica because of the special way the lenses interpret the world. I love working with the machine: fiddling with knobs, rings, and buttons. I'm delighted when I get back a lovely photo that I wouldn't have achieved with a DSLR.
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I had an F4 and it was huge...I can't imagine going back to that behemoth.
If you must go for a film SLR, the above recommendations of FM, F3, F100 would probably be better...but if you have a D50, you should be set for a long while...M6 for film, D50 for digital...
If you must go for a film SLR, the above recommendations of FM, F3, F100 would probably be better...but if you have a D50, you should be set for a long while...M6 for film, D50 for digital...
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Sofa King, don't sell. If you're going into a PJ program use their gear, not just yours. Also, I concur with Sitemistic in discouraging you from buying a Nikon F4: by comparison with later bodies, it's a very self-limiting camera. Instead, save money and get a nice long CV lens or another Zeiss, but selling the M6 now will lead you to terrible regrets later.
And, of course, if you wanted a rangefinder again, you'd pay through the nose. Just keep it, and if it spends one year unused... then sell it. But don't sacrifice it to get what you think will be a silver bullet.
Take care and keep up the good work! 🙂
And, of course, if you wanted a rangefinder again, you'd pay through the nose. Just keep it, and if it spends one year unused... then sell it. But don't sacrifice it to get what you think will be a silver bullet.
Take care and keep up the good work! 🙂
Turtle
Veteran
dont do it! On the other had I understand why as you need flexibility at this time due to funds. Still, I bet you end up buying another M and biogon once you are flush again...
MikeL
Go Fish
I'd keep banging away for more than 3 1/2 months with both the M6 and D50 and then make a decision whether they compliment each other, or you prefer working with an SLR.
After that time, if you prefer the SLR, I'll buy the Biogon off you (I'm local).
After that time, if you prefer the SLR, I'll buy the Biogon off you (I'm local).
shadowfox
Darkroom printing lives
If I were you, disliking 35mm, I'd try to find a cheap 50mm M-mount, be it CV or older Leitz. The switch from 35mm to 50mm may not sound much, but it's there in the way you do composition.
One more thing, learning photography and journalism (as a student on a budget) don't mix well with GAS. The more you can control the GAS, the more you will be able to survive later with what you have.
Try to make it work. An F4 is not going to give you what your M6 and D50 combination already afford you.
One more thing, learning photography and journalism (as a student on a budget) don't mix well with GAS. The more you can control the GAS, the more you will be able to survive later with what you have.
Try to make it work. An F4 is not going to give you what your M6 and D50 combination already afford you.
ocean7
DSLR Defector
I am in the same boat. I am not sure I am going to keep my M6 although I think it's the most beautiful piece of photographic equiment I have ever owned. RF photography is really something special but I believe you either love the experience or it leaves you cold.
Back to your case I agree with another RFFer that the F4 wouldn't suit you best. If you want to learn a lot I would stay clear of any kind of automation, even AE would be too much. My best bet if I were in your shoes would be to find a nice FM2 or FM2n - in black of course because they look so great - superb camera that can be purchased for cheap nowadays. All mechanical too. A pleasure to use AND you have a huge choice of Nikon lenses. My 2c.
Back to your case I agree with another RFFer that the F4 wouldn't suit you best. If you want to learn a lot I would stay clear of any kind of automation, even AE would be too much. My best bet if I were in your shoes would be to find a nice FM2 or FM2n - in black of course because they look so great - superb camera that can be purchased for cheap nowadays. All mechanical too. A pleasure to use AND you have a huge choice of Nikon lenses. My 2c.
Sofa King
Established
Alright, I've been persuaded, haha. I think I'll just keep it and save up for a 75 or 50 of some kind during my time in between schools. I'm pretty good at saving up for things anyway.
Maybe I'll pick up some cheap Nikkor glass along the way as well.
Maybe I'll pick up some cheap Nikkor glass along the way as well.
MikeL
Go Fish
No no no. You are getting very sleepy, you prefer SLRs, you wish to sell crappy Biogon to nearby Bay Arean.........😉
Oh well, I don't think you'll have regrets this way.
Oh well, I don't think you'll have regrets this way.
cmogi10
Bodhisattva
MikeL said:
I just ordered a new Biogon from popflash! It will come to the next gathering with me.:dance:
cmogi10
Bodhisattva
http://www.embafoto.com/
Every Image there was shot with an M4P and a 35mm lens, it's one of my prof's sites...Stick with the rangefinder for a bit longer, don't give up on it yet.
Every Image there was shot with an M4P and a 35mm lens, it's one of my prof's sites...Stick with the rangefinder for a bit longer, don't give up on it yet.
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Sofa King,
Did you know you can get Nikkor glass (LTM) that will work on your M6!?! I love my 105/2.5 in LTM. I have an adapter for it and use it on my M6 with the 90 frame lines being somewhat 100% of the frame. Nikon made a great 50/2 in LTM years ago that is sharp and not impossible to find.
Do not say no to CV glass. While it is less expensive than Leica or ZI, it's almost as good. In every case of CV lenses I've tried they have been as good or better than 25 year old Leica glass. I love CV wide stuff (15, 25, 35, 40), not a bad one in the bunch.
B2 (;->
Did you know you can get Nikkor glass (LTM) that will work on your M6!?! I love my 105/2.5 in LTM. I have an adapter for it and use it on my M6 with the 90 frame lines being somewhat 100% of the frame. Nikon made a great 50/2 in LTM years ago that is sharp and not impossible to find.
Do not say no to CV glass. While it is less expensive than Leica or ZI, it's almost as good. In every case of CV lenses I've tried they have been as good or better than 25 year old Leica glass. I love CV wide stuff (15, 25, 35, 40), not a bad one in the bunch.
B2 (;->
irq506
just curious
Hey Id love to say to to keep that rangefinder. Im sure all it would take is for you to have a conversation with someone to help you see the use of it in a different way.
However if an SLR is on the cards, then a Nikon FM/2/3a or a Nikkormat would be a very good way to go, everything else is a compromise in some shape or another. DO NOT buy an F4, they are now old enough that the units which are in good condition are showing problematic signs -specifically electronics. Also F4s or F4e cameras as they were sold mostly as tend to fall apart.
There is also Canon FD and their lenses which are very good. Though the Nikon setup with a ZF lens would be a very nice SLR rig.
Please keep your Rangefinder.
However if an SLR is on the cards, then a Nikon FM/2/3a or a Nikkormat would be a very good way to go, everything else is a compromise in some shape or another. DO NOT buy an F4, they are now old enough that the units which are in good condition are showing problematic signs -specifically electronics. Also F4s or F4e cameras as they were sold mostly as tend to fall apart.
There is also Canon FD and their lenses which are very good. Though the Nikon setup with a ZF lens would be a very nice SLR rig.
Please keep your Rangefinder.
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