50 minutes from Leica ownership!!

[OurManInTangier]

What have I done??!!

Just put a bid in for a Leica M6 'classic.' Now a bundle of nerves as its a wedge to stump up for a camera I could do without....but then I've always wanted a Leica and its a pretty good deal!

It doesn't come with a lens which is a bummer so any advice for my first lense ( should I get the camera that is!) I shoot street and documentary mostly so would be looking for 35mm most probably.

Have I done the right thing....reaasure me here guys please!!!!

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Your photos with your Contax here are always very good, so they can only improve with a Leica and a good 35mm lens.

 

[OurManInTangier]

Mr Claremont you are a gentleman as always

Mango...Grrrrr! 😀

Am I right in thinking I need an adapter for the Voigtlander lenses? Not that its a problem, especially bang for buck will be very important after my outlay!!

Thanks guys

 

[Ash]

you could look at what's on offer at MW Classic, a little slow and only updated on friday, but nice enough people and great prices on Leica gear. Good luck!

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Our ManInTangier:

You are too kind.

Look at Robert White's website. Some of the Voigtlander lenses are LTM and some are M bayonet.

 

[physiognomy]

Some of the newer CV lenses are M-mount, so you won't need an adapter... Check out the Cameraquest site (click) for info...

Peter

 

[OurManInTangier]

John - I've got Robert White on my 'favourites.' I had thought about getting an R2-a but lost my mind this evening and went for it with the Leica. I'll go back for glass though.

Ash - Thanks for the heads up with the other site, I'll have a look and see what they have, anything with reasonable prices is worth bearing in mind.

Not long now, I'll post and let you know if I've suddenly become a poor man or not!

 

[Ash]

If you don't win the one you're after, check out MW's prices, they seem pretty good for M bodies

 

[OurManInTangier]

Too late for that Ash....I've just won my first Leica. Time to look for a lens.

Now how do I tell my girlfriend?

 

[iml]

Congratulations. I'm seriously thinking about an M6 classic in the next month or two, depending on funds.

I use a CV 35/1.7 Ultron as my main lens, I'm really pleased with it. You'll need an adaptor, but they don't cost much. Robert White can supply both.

-- Ian

 

[ClaremontPhoto]

Now how do I tell my girlfriend?

Keep it quiet.

Don't say anything.

But if you tell her that you've bought it emphasise that it's a really old camera and that it didn't cost you much at all.

 

[icebear]

Congrats !

Congrats !

Congratulations, you'll enjoy it. Take a look at the used market for a 50 or 35 summicron whatever fits your taste. You can always get a new CV but once you're in "Leica-Land" now, you'll need to have at least on lens with the red dot 😀 .
Have fun.

 

[OurManInTangier]

iml - If my bank manager comes calling you can have this one at cost ;-)

To be honest I may sell my Nikon F5 and a couple of F90x's as a clearout and to put towards a lens for my new kit.

From what I've heard the CV lenses are pretty close to being as sharp as Leica glass. I certainly would like a nice fast one.

 

[lubitel]

congratulations! the thrill of leica - you made the right decision. you'll know that after you first roll. After that its all downhill though 🙂

I use CV35 with adapter, a summicron 4th version or J-9 (using 35mm adapter and preview lever)

 

[OurManInTangier]

John - I shall keep schtumm. Name, rank and number only...or until she gets the thumbscrews!

Thanks for all the comments everyone, I'm very excited to finally get my first Leica but it will be hellish until I get myself a lens and can get cracking with some images.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

Wow... you won it! Good for you! 🙂 Congratulations! 😀

Now... shop carefully. To me, the best companion for any Leica M (except for the M3) is a 35mm lens. Others may not agree, but heck, it's an opinion. Hence, shop for one. As said above, the Cosina Voigtlander offers good choices, but some of them require an adaptor that may set you back a few pennies (not a lot, of course). However, there are decent 35mm lenses out there, for a relatively low price, like the Summarons (Leicas, those are their early 35mm f3.5 and f2.8) or the Konica line (similar to the Summicron, that's to say f2). If you sell your Nikon arsenal and keep only the bare minimum, you'll be able to get a nice glass for your newly acquired obsession.

And, about your girlfriend, emphasize the old bit. And don't forget the long photographic tradition that comes along with Leica! 🙂

Again, congratulations! 😀

 

[OurManInTangier]

Thanks Solares - I seriously haven't been this excited since Christmas Eve when I was a child.

The Nikon film kit can go as I use Nikon Digi for work and I fully intend to go with Leica from now on for all my film use.

I've been checking out CV 35mm lenses in the M mount. An f/2.5 would cost me around £180 ( $260?) or I can go for the f/1.7 Nokton for £400 - I'm tempted to go with the cheaper lens and save some cash for a 50mm or 75mm as well.

 

[FrankS]

Too late for that Ash....I've just won my first Leica. Time to look for a lens.
Now how do I tell my girlfriend?

Congratulations!

BUT, if you are worried about telling your GIRLFRIEND, what's it going to be like when you're MARRIED?!

 

[Ash]

"Hey honeybee, I bought you these flowers and chocolates and movie tickets for tonight......" [mumble] "oh and I kinda bought myself another camera" [/mumble]

😀 😀 works for me!

 

[petebown]

Keep it quiet.

Don't say anything.

But if you tell her that you've bought it emphasise that it's a really old camera and that it didn't cost you much at all.

That's what I always do!!! :angel:

I recommend the CV 35mm f1.7 Ultron. It will be a long time before I upgrade to a Leica 35mm lens - although I would like one 😀