M6 or...?

[inSIGHT]

This is my first thread post so I hope I have used the search correctly to narrow down my decision.

I will in 6 days be graduating from high school!!!
And for making good marks I would like to reward myself with my first M-system camera. My price range is about 2,500 USD.
The two cameras that I have been looking at a lot is the M6 and the new ZI. The M6 I would obviously buy used but the ZI I would like to buy new so I would assume 1600USD for either camera.
I just wanted to hear your thoughts on things such as reliability, durability, maintenance, and anything else for a teen buying into his first M-System.
I would also like to buy a nice lens to go with it probably 35mm so any suggestions on a pairing would be great. I have little experience with film cameras and also rangefinders. I have an olympus 35rc and trip, and also a nikon fm2n. I've researched the main pros and cons between them but any help from people with experience owning these cameras would be appreciated greatly. Also I would like to keep this camera a very long time which is why I have deemed it fit for my graduation present, if that makes a difference. I put this in the M series section because I would figure more people would read it, I have no preference to a leica or a zeiss.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Brett

 

[DennisPT]

Congratulations Brett. I've only had experience with the M6. It's a great camera but I'll go for the latter batch (not necessarily TTL) as it has a better metering circuit and less chance of having corrosion. Good luck with your purchase.

 

[functus]

I think the M6 is a great camera. A decent second-hand non-TTL model should be less than the $1600 you've mentioned; I have had a used one for a long time; it has followed me around the world, and has its share of bruises and dents to show for it. There are still people out there who can repair and maintain it reasonably inexpensively. I have no doubts that it will still be taking images in two decades. Budget for a couple of hundred dollars every few years for a CLA.

The ZI is a great camera, but I honestly don't know if either it is built to last as long as the M6, or whether repairs will become more problematic as time passes.

 

[B.S.]

There's no replacement for the feeling you get when holding in your hands a full size Leica M, focus with a Leica lens and fire off that Leica shutter-- It's a beautiful thing and it feels amazing, like nothing else.

You won't be disappointed with either one, but you WILL want a Leica M body eventually, so why not now?

 

[jky]

If you're patient, an M6 classic + VC 35mm f1.4 can be had for <$1700 (used). Get the VC 35mm f2.5, which is a stellar lens, and you can further knock that $1700 down.
I've only had a very brief foray with the Zeiss so can't say much about it's durability, etc. My old M6, however, was extremely durable & reliable... it wasn't abused, but wasn't babied either and it got through the daily grind just fine.

... btw... if you really want a Leica, then get the M6... you'll just waste your $ getting something else now only to get the M6 later...
If it doesn't really matter and you just want a M-mount RF, then either the Leica or Zeiss will be fine.

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

In your shoes I'd jump at the M6 and a Leica lens of the right age; meaning as though you'd bought it and the camera new. And allow for minor parts like lens hoods, body caps and lens caps because they don't always come with the camera and lens and can cost a lot more than you'd expect. There's a lot to be said for going to a specialist dealer when these things get taken into account. (And you'll get a guarantee or sorts.)

I don't know what to say about "reliability, durability, [and] maintenance" because they all depend on the camera as an individual camera. So you'd need to know a lot about the previous owner or owners and the use it had and how it was treated or not treated. Again this is where going to a dealer pays off, unless you've a lot of experience of the cameras.

Above all, beware of bargains on auction sites. My rule for them is buy a good looking one and allow for a complete overhaul with parts needed. That way you get a good looking one that works well and can be trusted. It's not something I'd wish on you, by the way.

If you do go for the M6 I'll guarantee you'll get a lot of pleasure from it; there's nothing quite like the M series.

Regards, David

 

[maddoc]

Leica M6 and a slightly older 35mm Summicron-M vs3 should be available for ~US2100 depending from whom you buy. If I were you I would try to buy from a dealer (more expensive) with some inspection (and possibility to return if something is defect). To save really lots of money on the lens (and be slightly off the 35mm field of view) then I would get one of the 40mm M-Rokkor lenses. These perform similar to the 35mm Summicron of same vintage for a fraction of the cost.

 

[inSIGHT]

Thank you for your suggestions. I especially liked that the comments seemed to favor me buying a leica eventually anyway. My thought was that since I am young and new to rangefinders, I might be better off buying a new ZI with a warranty in case I run into problems. However, your suggestions about buying from a respectable used Leica dealer would take care of that I suppose. Currently, I am living in an area where there are absolutely no camera shops (Myrtle Beach) so I might have to take a day trip to a place where I can feel and test out the cameras.

I really appreciate all the feedback,

Brett

 

[_larky]

Do what I did, get the M6 and forget you ever owned another camera! I carry mine everywhere and I love it. Loading it with film, rewinding the film with the angled crank, souping it. Wow. I heard a saying that a Leica negative stands out. I thought it was nonsense until 2 weeks ago 8 rolls of assorted film from assorted cameras were drying and wow, it's true. 🙂

Enjoy.

 

[braver]

Eh, I never understood the attraction of the ZI. I mean, it has more features and stuff, but it's not like you're buying a computer. And I mean, it has an on/off switch! The ZI is not a Leica and it's not a Bessa. Either you go all rational and "it's just a light tight box", or you break out the checkbook and go for the aspirational option. Of course there is a niche in between there somewhere, but you're buying a graduation gift so don't compromise!

🙂

The ZI is probably all kinds of wonderful though. But I say get an M6 and find out why everyone is still so gaga about a camera that basically didn't change since the 50's. Be careful, buy from someone on this forum with a bunch of positive feedback and you won't have much need for warranty.

 

[corefunk]

I agree with Gabor, invest in a 35mm Summicron v3. I own an M6 and the cron and i must say that it is such a great set up.

The 35mm Summicron i've come across on ebay or here at the rangefinder classifieds are priced around $900-$1400. I hope that helps.

 

[rogerzilla]

A 35mm Summicron is getting to be $1500 now. If you're not dead-set on a Leica lens, the Zeiss ZM 35mm lenses equal or outperform it at half the price (or 1/3 the new price). There are only two drawbacks: the filter size is 43mm, not the usual Leica 39mm and some users have reported a slightly loose focusing ring after long use, which doesn't affect pictures. The filter size is irrelevant unless you are aiming to build up a system of Leica lenses and share the same filters between them; 43mm costs no more than 39mm and is often cheaper because there's no "ooh, it fits a Leica premium".

 

[braver]

The V3 35m summicron is still not that expensive, and a really wonderful lens. Prices for all Leica glass seems to be rising though.

 

[BobYIL]

inSIGHT.... For that amount I would be buying a mint M6 and a new Biogon 35/2.. away from any issues. I saw on an other forum that for sharpness the Biogon was preferred over even the asph. Summilux 35/1.4 II on the M9... BTW, it may remain as being your favorite 35 even you afford for an M9 one day..

 

[rogerzilla]

The C Biogon 35/2.8 is actually the one I'm tempted by; it equals or outperforms the Summicron ASPH (based on the sample images I've seen) unless f/2 is a deal-breaker. The amazing thing is that f/2.8 on the Biogon is better than f/2.8 on the 'cron when the 'cron has the advantage of being stopped down! Compared to a used and ancient Summaron 35/2.8 for the same price, the Biogon is rather good value.

 

[barnwulf]

I have only used an M6 and love it and I think it's hard to go wrong with an M6. Saying that, I have read several reviews on the ZI certainly make it worth considering. I am just guessing but the M6 will be kept alive a very long time, years and decades. Not sure anyone can claim the same for the ZI. If longevity and resale value is of importance the M6 is the one. If you are not so concerned about that, the ZI might be the camera you want. You have to decide. Jim

 

[nlubis]

Congrats!

Congrats!

My vote is for an M6 (/TTL) as well. I got mine, and Sherry did a CLA and upgrades. There will always be repair specialist somewhere for the Ms.
My experience with a ZI is only at a store. It felt good, can't comment much further.
As for lens I have the Zeiss 35/2, very great lens. Many CV lens are great performer too.
Having said that, I've also handled the 35 summicron and summarit, the feel is much different than the ZI/CV. Maybe try to look for a place where you can try both?

 

[inSIGHT]

Thank you for the help. I guess it is a unanimous decision to buy the M6. I'm really excited to finally see why everyone is crazy about Leica. Thank you, thomasw_ for those names, I will check that out.

Brett

 

[rogerzilla]

An M6 is great...as long as you never pick up an M3 ;-)

Actually, the M2 is more versatile, but the M3 is noticeably better in a no-expense-spared way. In the end I had to buy both.

 

[secksthoi]

I just received my very first Leica in the post yesterday.. an M2! It just feels pretty damn good in the hands, almost inspiring in a cliche sense.... =.=

Go with the M6.. you'll be happy you did. ;D