A second Leica body?

[JoelW]

Or maybe a Contax G2?
I didn't know which section to put this in, but it mainly revolves around the M system so I thought it fitted here.
I'm an extremely happy M6 user, after going through a few different rangefinders like the Canonets and Yashicas I finally took the leap into the world of Leica and I don't think I'll look back. The M6 is the best camera I've shot, it handles so well. Not long ago I decided to sell my only digital camera and replace it with an M8 to compliment the M6.

Me and the M8 aren't really getting along. I did my research before I got it, I knew all about the IR issues and the terrible LCD screen, and I got past that. The camera looks great, it handles well too but I'm just not happy with digital files lately. The crop sensor is getting to me now too. So I'm looking to possibly sell that and get a second 35mm body. I've been looking at the Contax G2 because it is definitely affordable, it looks nice, durable and the lenses look great. I know it's very different from every other rangefinder, but I'm not scared of a bit of change.

Either that, or another M body, maybe an M4? Which is the best to compliment the M6 (While being affordable). If this should be in the Contax section feel free to move it. Sorry for the long winded post, but if anyone has any advice on a second M body or the G2 it would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks guys.

 

[maddoc]

I would stick with one system and either get an M2 or M4 (if you want classic) or an M4-2 or M4-P (which are newer and closer to your M6). 🙂

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

Really, the answer's another M6 but a lot of us like something else that's either a lot different in handling or else has some other facility that the M6 hasn't. But most would say that the M6 has it all... I'd suggest something like a pure M6 and the "auto" M7 if thinking about bodies sharing lenses.

The best part about two cameras is that you can have one over each shoulder and (say) a wide angle on one and (say) a 90 or 135mm lens on the other.

Now here's another "but" for you. A lot of us have the second camera as (say) a Leica R4 or R5; both of them are SLR's. I find that a CRF, like your M6 or my M2, and my OM2 work well together at air shows. That's because things happen fast and you/I can't change lenses quick enough.

And, of course, you'll always need an excuse for a small, decent P&S like the Contax or Minox or Olympus etc, etc.

Regards, David

 

[Moriturii]

Yes a G2 is definitely unique in it's own way, and you should pick one up and try it. I'd advice you to buy and test Konica Hexar RF, Bessas and Zeiss Ikon ZM before you pick up another Leica body, so you will get to see some difference, and they all can use M-Mount lenses. If you pick up another Leica M body it's going to be the same as any Leica M so you might as well try something other if you are going to have a go at trying something new.

 

[Roger Hicks]

I would stick with one system and either get an M2 or M4 (if you want classic) or an M4-2 or M4-P (which are newer and closer to your M6). 🙂

Seconded. Or, as you say, another M6.

(From David): a lot of us like something else that's either a lot different in handling....

Yes, once we have a working system. One camera isn't a system. I could see two Leicas and a Nikon F, or two Fs and a Leica, but I can't see an RF and an interchangeable-lens point-and-shoot as a good combination.

Cheers,

R.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Get another M6. I have two of them, one with .72 and one with .85 finders. I usually use a handheld meter but the built in one is a great backup and I've found that in practice many older Ms have faded rangefinder secondary images or are out of adjustment and needing serviced anyway. You'll get enough selling your M8 to get an M6 in nice condition with plenty of $$$ left.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

What are you looking for, more of the same or a little variety?

If it's more of the same, then the answer is staring at you: another M6.

If it's a little variety, I'd go for an unmetered body, like an M3 (wonderful viewfinder), an M2 or M4 (this includes the M4-2 and M4-P types). You might even consider the M7 or even the M5! 🙂

In addition to other Leicas, there are Leica-like cameras, like the Bessa and the Konica Hexar RF and the Zeiss (which is like the Hexar).

I simply would stay away from the Contax for two reasons: first, you add another system, with accesories and everything. Second, no matter what, it's a noisy camera (the AF really whirs) despite the excellent glass. I used to have a G1 myself, with two Planar lenses (35 and 45mm), and more often than not, the noise and the lag time caused by the AF just were not adecuate for the moment.

There you go. Have fun shopping!

 

[Matus]

I would say it depends on what you want. If you get another M body you can use all the lenses you already have - if you get the G2 it is essentially another system (although limited). Do you want/need the AF? Will you be fine not knowing whether the camera got the focus right? G lenses are supposed to be very, very good though.

And - why do you think you actually need another M (or another RF-like 35mm camera)? What about about checking out medium format? 😉

 

[JoelW]

Thanks for all the responses so soon guys! Really appreciate it. I probably could have been a bit more precise in my first post 😛
I'm looking at another rangefinder body pretty much because I like to have lenses ready to shoot without changing over all the time. So something like a 21mm on one and a 50mm on the other maybe, or a roll of colour and a roll of black and white.
I currently have a Yashica 124G for 120 stuff, I have a Nikon F100 and an F4s so I'm set for SLR's too! That's why I'm looking again in the rangefinder area.
I was looking at an M4 probably, but the G2 has always interested me and I almost picked up a whole kit a year ago but thought I'd keep on the Leica path. They look great except for the lack of real manual focus (only through that dial on the front but you can't see the focus anyway)

Primarily I'm working on a lot of street stuff but also some documentary/photo essay stuff. Sometimes I think it would be nice to have the AF because I do miss some shots that just aren't possible focusing manually. The G2 seems like it would be awesome if the lenses actually had a focus ring!

 

[Teuthida]

Why follow the herd? Be different. Buy an M5. Best camera Leica ever made.

 

[sepiareverb]

Another M is my vote as well. As much as I love the G2 and the G21/2.8 I think the interchangeability of two M bodies in use will be well worth any more you'd spend. As Roger says 2 of one and a third different body is a very different way of working- I'll often be out with 2 M bodies and the G2 with the 16 or 21.

 

[Matus]

Well, if you are thinking of 21mm lens to be attached on one body and 50 on the other, than you could consider the R4A/M.

However if you want to be using both cameras in parallel, I could imagine that it would make your life easier of these were the same (or at least similar). So an another Leica M could be a goof idea after all 🙂

 

[Vics]

Use your M6 for wides and your new-to-you M3 for 50 and 90.

 

[Rob-F]

A good thing about getting a second M6 is that you will have a matched pair of cameras that handle the same. However, the M6 framelines are more undersized than those of earlier models. The 50mm frame is so small I find it practically unusable. The 35mm frame is better, and the 28mm is pretty good. If you wanted more accurate framing, especially with a 50, you could get an M2, M3, or M4. I use mostly M6 and MP, but I carry an M2 or M3 along just to get decent framing with the 50.

I don't worry about my M2 and M3 getting old. They already are old, and still quite usable!

You could fund an M6 and an M2 or M3 with the proceeds from the M8. 🙂

 

[serge`vl]

I added for my M6 a Leica IIIf from Youxin Ye. I'm using it with Scopar 28/3.5 + VF, and it is a great combo. You can use it with any LTM lenses, but the wide angle with external vf as a second camera is prefered, imho. Highly recommend 🙂.

 

[sc_rufctr]

Use your M6 for wides and your new-to-you M3 for 50 and 90.

+1 .... but spend the money and get a nice/good condition high serial number M3.
I promise you, you'll never regret it.

 

[David Hughes]

(From David): a lot of us like something else that's either a lot different in handling....

Yes, once we have a working system. One camera isn't a system. I could see two Leicas and a Nikon F, or two Fs and a Leica, but I can't see an RF and an interchangeable-lens point-and-shoot as a good combination.

Cheers,

R.

Hi Roger,

Well, I think a small P&S is an excellent addition for when the main outfit is locked in the car boot in a strong box welded to the chassis and you are wandering off to the pub/tea room for a drink. That's often the point when something happens, in my experience...

I've gone for walks at lunchtime without a camera and have missed bombs (IRA years ago) going off, hence the P&S suggestion. I still mean to frame the cover of the BJP showing that some so and so beat me to it but haven't got around to it yet...

But you're right about outfits and cameras but, equally, I don't expect my M's to fail and can use the SLR with a mid range zoom as a back up. My outfits these days are built around air shows or walking the dog.

Regards, David

 

[chrishayton]

I just bought a fuji GA645 and have been carrying that along with my M4-P. Its a great compliment to the 50mm I have on my M4 (the Fuji is 35mm Equiv) and it pulls extra detail for times when you want it.
The best bit is its very light and fits in my Hadley Pro with my Leica perfectly with plenty of space for film and a meter.

 

[BillBingham2]

Be smart, get a used M9.

B2

 

[PatrickONeill]

Or get a gxr with the m module.