Thinking of saving for an M6/M7

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Nick

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A little background, I've had a Bessa R2A for about a year and a half and love it (my first RF). Recently purchased a digital p&s, which only highlighted just how much more I enjoy the feel and process of using my R2A.

Today I wandered by a camera store and asked to have a feel of the M7. I've read so much about the "quiet shutter", and finally got to hear it. Yep, the tales were true. The build quality felt solid and dependable. The sound of the shutter is important, because I enjoy taking candid shots, but the shutter noise on the Bessa means that most people nearby will realise you've taken a picture. Your candids quickly turn to posed or upset looks. :(

So I'm planning to start saving up and keeping an eye out for a good deal on a used body.

Questions:
1) Where should I shop/look for a good deal?
2) How much should I budget?
3) What should I look for when purchasing a used Leica M?
4) What recommendations are there for/against Leica M6 TTL vs M7?
5) What magnification should I be looking for, considering I wear glasses?

Cheers,
Nick
 
1) Many good deals on RFF. Also many unknowing sellers on eBay. I bought my black M6 classic for $800 about a year ago.
2) $1000-12000
3) Accurate shutter, good covering, few scuffs/dings
4) Do you really need aperture priority - shutter piority is good too...
5) .72 (normal) - covers normal lenses in the 28mm to 90mm range (with 135mm framelines).

I have had the chance to use an M4, M2, M6TTL/0.85 and am glad to hav settled with the M6 classic. It is a very versatile camera. I shot a roll throught a ZI and it was really sweet but I'm not about to trade my M6...
 
The Bessa R3M has a quiter shutter than the 2A or 3A. You might want to check it out, but of course it's still no Leica. I'd look at the MP, too, especially if you're crazy for mechanical cameras. It's quite exceptional. I'd just try to get it in true mint or mint- condition. There are big reductions in price from new, even at that very high quality level on a used camera. Buy from a reputable dealer, like Tony Rose at Popflash, who rate their used equipment accurately. Mint doesn't always mean "mint".

/Ira
 
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I upgraded from an R3A to an M7. Got my .85x on ebay for $1900 is excellent condition.

They're going cheaper on the used market now that the M8 is available. People are selling their film leica's fairly cheap.

The classifieds seem to have at least one M6 up for sale each week.


Funny thing. I've seen Leica ads for the MP. But none for the M8. Weird how that goes. But I think it's giving a new found popularity to the brand. Especially the magazines that the ads are in. All the kids with their digital toys are learning of the Leica elitism, finding there's a digital Leica, and picking them up.
 
If you're thinking about using a 28mm or a 35mm lens, I would try to find a .58 M6 TTL. The frames for 35mm really stand out, even when using glasses.

If you're using 50mm and up, a .72 should be fine (and are easier to find used).
 
Wow, thanks for all the quick responses guys. Much appreciated. I'll check out the classifieds and start counting my pennies. :)
 
I have a Visa, but its the debit card, not the credit! :)

I just don't know how to tell the girlfriend that I bought yet another camera. Perhaps if I quietly divest myself of the R2A, the Yashica GSN, and the new DLUX3, she won't give me grief.

Up until my recent change of heart, I'd been planning on picking up a sidegrip for the R2A, and a Nokton 50/1.5. Now that I think about it, if I'd held off purchasing the damn DLUX3, I could have an M6 on its way. :p

One more question - as I'm more familiar with aperture priority shooting - with the M6, what's the equivalent for taking shots? Set the aperture, adjust the shutter manually till it's lined up, then manual focus?
 
In my case, I usually set the shutter first. At least I do when shooting in low light. I'm usually fine with 1/15, and then I'll take whatever depth of field I can get ;)

After that: Focus and shoot.

Or if it's outside and better lightning, I shoot hyperfocal most of the time: Some 400 ISO film, aperture set to f/11-16 and "shoot!"
 
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I would say, from my so far limited M6 experience, for a fiddling-less shooting shutter priority is more realistic. Unlike with contemporary SLR and probably some RFs, shutter dial on M6 (and perhaps some other noted Leicas) can hardly be altered "on-the-fly" whilst holding the camera in shooting position against your eye.
In most cases, the lighting environment isn't dynamic, once in a time metering and exp. assessement nails your shutter speed as most appropriate to a desired shooting style, then the aperture gets adjusted to get close to your desired DOF effect whilst confined within exp. boundaries. Aperture control (at least with reasonably small lenses like a standard 50mm/2 cron) is swifty and very convenient when your camera is sticked to your nose...
 
I got my first ever Leica on Saturday. It's a 'classic' M6 and wow! I can't tell you how good it feels to have it in my hands. You really do notice the build quality - though obviously something WILL go wrong at some point - and I've never looked through a brighter viewfinder in my life.

Save up your pennies or blow a wad - it doesn't matter but do buy one...its been a couple of days and I already know it was the best purchase I've made.

As for breaking the news to the girlfriend, well *clears throat and looks at the ground* I still haven't....and don't intend to. I do however intend to sell my two old Nikon F90x's, FM2, F801s and maybe the F5 as well all so I can get some decent lenses for this superb camera.

I thought about the M7 as I'm a big user of AE locks and Aperture Priority with my work cameras but decided I could get round the issue with Hyperfocal and essentially SP. To be honest its nice to have the clarity of a manual camera to focus your mind again after so long with AF, AE, SP, P & P* and all the other weird and wonderful things you get on big burly SLR's.

I spent several weeks researching and there's loads on the net so long as you cross reference and realise its all just opinions.

Only real advice I would give is get the very best condition camera you can afford...but do leave enough to get a lens too!
 
OurManInTangier said:
As for breaking the news to the girlfriend, well *clears throat and looks at the ground* I still haven't....and don't intend to.
Click to expand...

I "found" mine at a local dealer at an "bargain" price:angel:
 
A really minty M6 Classic (later, 1996-1997 body) with all original papers, presentation box and strap for under 1k$ really made my best photographic purchase so far (in my 9 years of avid amateur experience). In total, together with nearly new Summicron 50mm/2 (latest version) fetched around 1800$ out of my pocket which is approx. 60-65% of what I managed to zqueeze from my Canon SLR system sale.
I consider myself very lucky completing such combo for noticeably less then 2k$, which is considerably less then a used, mint M7 can be found on average without any lens.
To me, the added value of M6 comparative to M7 (albeit the latter sounds to be no less capable machine) is a better (IMHO) defined exp. metering pattern - just like a big spot meter around RF patch - you always know exactly where the measurement are taken from so know to estimate manual adjustments more confidently.
M7 AFAIK has center-weighted metering and has measurement strip running all accross the shutter curtain (am I wrong ?) so the measurement is taken from a broad area which may make your exp. judegement more complicated...
 
I started the same way you did. Bessa R3. Few lenses, including a couple Leitz'. Then ran onto a new M7 languishing at my camera shop. There had been 2 price increases since they had gotten it but still the original price on this one. Plus a 'free' Leicavit came with it. I fell for it. Wow! After I finally learned how to consistently load the film it was love/lust. Bought a motor from Popflash (they are the BEST). It is .85 and is superb with longer lenses. I use a CV 28 finder that I leave on for wide angle.
Don't wait as life gets shorter every day. Shoot XP2 or Portra B&W and let someone else do the processing if you want.
Just do it!!!!!!!!!!
 
OurManInTangier said:
I got my first ever Leica on Saturday. It's a 'classic' M6 and wow! I can't tell you how good it feels to have it in my hands.
Click to expand...

Damn, I shouldn't have read this thread, it's giving me an itch :)

Looking forward to seeing your first scans from the M6 Simon. Make them bad, convince me it's a waste of money ;-)

Ian
 
Ian - I did the dumb thing of buying the camera without a lens. :bang:

Now trying to offload my Nikon film gear as soon as possible to get a couple of lenses. I'll probably throw in my Contax G1 and 45mm. Payday just isn't close enough!

Don't worry, when I do get a lens, I'll make 'em shockers!!! ;)
 
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