David Hughes
David Hughes
You might as well have my 2d worth... If you picked up and were hooked on a Leica M6 then I'd say go for that because buying another will leave a little nagging doubt at the back of your mind. Once you've cleared that hurdle you can go on and start the inevitable collection or - unlikely - just stick with it forever.
As for the lenses, you've a digital somewhere (you said?), any one of those little programs like EXIF Image Viewer could be used to analyse the focal length, shutter speed, aperture or whatever to show you what you use most.
Personally, I'd suggest the classic two lens outfit of a 90mm for portraits and a 35mm for landscapes and street photography. Others will suggest 28mm for the widest but that's the point where careful handling is needed to avoid weird perspective distortions. OK they're not really distortions but you can get buildings etc at the pictures edge leaning over, etc.
The other problem is aperture and Leica's offerings can distort things. Personally I'm happy with the f/2's and f/2·8's and know that you seldom need f/1-and-a-bit for landscapes, but you may lurk in dimly lit bars...
And finally, buying: I'd look at dealers' offerings. You get lower prices, honest descriptions and a guarantee. I wish I could say the same about ebay. Talking to a dealer yesterday about a camera in the shop window, he said he was going to take it out of the window as he'd just sold it on ebay for about £100 more than the price on the label...
Regards, David
As for the lenses, you've a digital somewhere (you said?), any one of those little programs like EXIF Image Viewer could be used to analyse the focal length, shutter speed, aperture or whatever to show you what you use most.
Personally, I'd suggest the classic two lens outfit of a 90mm for portraits and a 35mm for landscapes and street photography. Others will suggest 28mm for the widest but that's the point where careful handling is needed to avoid weird perspective distortions. OK they're not really distortions but you can get buildings etc at the pictures edge leaning over, etc.
The other problem is aperture and Leica's offerings can distort things. Personally I'm happy with the f/2's and f/2·8's and know that you seldom need f/1-and-a-bit for landscapes, but you may lurk in dimly lit bars...
And finally, buying: I'd look at dealers' offerings. You get lower prices, honest descriptions and a guarantee. I wish I could say the same about ebay. Talking to a dealer yesterday about a camera in the shop window, he said he was going to take it out of the window as he'd just sold it on ebay for about £100 more than the price on the label...
Regards, David
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kemal_mumcu
Well-known
The op seems to have his heart set on an M6. Then go ahead and start off with an M6 and your choice of lens. You can always buy/trade/sell later and build your kit as your heart and desires change over time. Buying a Leica is as much a matter of the heart as anything so why not follow the heart? If your heart is set on starting off with an ultrawide lens then do it, but I can guarantee you that everyone will chime in and offer their opinion and advise you on their own favorite ultrawide.
Figure out what your heart wants and start there.
Figure out what your heart wants and start there.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
tbarker13
shooter of stuff
Have to agree. If the OP is leaning toward an M6, then just do it. I have nothing against Zeiss products. One of my absolute favorite lenses at the moment is a 50 planar. But there is just something about the Leica RF (the film models, at least).
Get an M6 (rather than an m7) and use the extra money for lenses. Photos will not be any better with an M7 over an M6. But having access to better/different lenses can make a difference.
If I had $2,500 to build a film kit with. I guess I'd get an M6 for around $1,000 and then add a 35 summicron (v.3) for around $900. With the remaining $600, I'd get a 50 planar or a 90 of some flavor. (or both FLs, if I felt like going the budget route on those lenses)
Get an M6 (rather than an m7) and use the extra money for lenses. Photos will not be any better with an M7 over an M6. But having access to better/different lenses can make a difference.
If I had $2,500 to build a film kit with. I guess I'd get an M6 for around $1,000 and then add a 35 summicron (v.3) for around $900. With the remaining $600, I'd get a 50 planar or a 90 of some flavor. (or both FLs, if I felt like going the budget route on those lenses)
alun severn
Established
Karlori, You probably stopped reading ages ago, but I'll throw this in FWIW. Buy a used M6, the best deal on a user that you can find. And then buy the 35mm lens of your choice -- either a Summicron 35/2 or the small Voigtlander 35mm pancake lens. And then stop. Use that combination to take photos and begin to feel yourself getting used to it, anticipating what the lens will see, getting faster at focusing, utilising the strengths of the RF system and sidestepping its weaknesses... And just keep on doing that until you feel the need to explore another focal length.
"...constant practice is necessary to master a craft - exactitude can be attained only through relentless repetition." – Ansel Adams
"...constant practice is necessary to master a craft - exactitude can be attained only through relentless repetition." – Ansel Adams
karlori
Digital Refugee
I am still reading, and finding all the replies invaluable. True everyone has their own opinion but trough their opinion I can get new insight and ideas on how to start my Leica kit and what to choose and what not. So again i thank you all for participating in this thread you are helping me a lot !
robbeiflex
Well-known
Full agreement on this point, well said.
cosmonaut
Well-known
I think the M6 would be a great choice. i have one and love it. I think you should go wider than 50mm. 40 or 35. I have the 40mm Nokton it is wonderful for B&W. If you get a Leica without a meter you will regret it. Get the best you can afford now.
Krosya
Konicaze
I see that most recommendations are for the M6. I had one. Not a bad camera, but a few things to keep in mind. It's not as smooth as older Leicas. It also has a very annoying Viewfinder Patch Flare problem. If you dont know what it is - google it - lots of info out there. There are several "fixes", with best one being - sending this camera to a professional tech, like DAG and pay a lot of money to have some parts replaced to make RF/VF as it supposed to be. How bad is that problem - some say that its nothing. Me - it bothered me so much I did spend the money and sent it out to DAG to have it fixed (after trying a few "home fixes"). If you do this - you may want to consider a CLA anyway, as camera will be there for a service, so might as well do it. But all together it costs about $500. So, based on all that I'd say that chose wisely which camera you want. I prefer metered cameras, so I ended up with M5 - and I still think its the best Leica RF camera. But I would really look into Bessas, Ikon or Hexar RF, if I were you, and spend your money on a better glass.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
The flared-out patch problem doesn't bother me 99.9%of the time, but there have been times when it makes the camera unusable. I was shooting some folk musicians at the Ramsgate festival a few years back and had to switch to my M2 in order to be able to focus reliably and quickly, every time.
Cheers,
R.
Cheers,
R.
edodo
Well-known
Get a olympus 35RC for 100 bux and learn to find good spots and subject and you'll be on your way!
kshapero
South Florida Man
You will not get better advice anywhere, IMHO.
jazzwave
Well-known
Greetings !
I have been a long time lurker, not because i had a RF camera or anything but the amount of information i can use in everyday photography. I find using film and RF cameras a purist style these days. So after being with digital throughout my hobby and getting to try medium format some time ago, I think that i am at a point where i am seriously considering a RF system.
(had a Zorky 4 but that ended in tears)
So i ask you dear members if you could afford a bit of your time and point me in the right direction. I am looking at around 2500$ of spare money to spend on my first RF/Leica kit.
(btw i once held a M6 with i think a 50mm lens ? - from that moment on i was photography hooked- so if i get a Leica it is like a dream come true !)
I'm in similiar situation. ...
Dreaming have Leica M since long time ago,after use DSLR and Hassy 500CM . Last year bought Konica Auto S2 to get RF experience and "feel". ....and I love it.
I have $2000 budget, see in KEH, M6 price $1200 in EX condition so still have $800 for 50mm or 35mm lens.
I'm not familiar with Leica lens, so what lens lens should I buy ?
~jazz~
karlori
Digital Refugee
I went ahead and got me a Voigtlander Nokton 50 1.5 used from a user of these boards. Its at the customs as is my Leica i ordered. For me the 35 is a bit too wideish for everyday use. Hope this helps.
reiki_
Well-known
Not to rain on leica M parade ( ) , but i spotted on cameraquest that they have nikon rf lenses sale where you can get 4 voigtlander lenses for 800 $ ( one 35 , 2 50's, and an 85) and after that you only need a body whicha can be a voigtlander r2s or any rangefinder in nikon line-up. So for about 1500$ you're covered for life.
) , but i spotted on cameraquest that they have nikon rf lenses sale where you can get 4 voigtlander lenses for 800 $ ( one 35 , 2 50's, and an 85) and after that you only need a body whicha can be a voigtlander r2s or any rangefinder in nikon line-up. So for about 1500$ you're covered for life.jazzwave
Well-known
karlori,
Hmmm, Voight Nokton 50 1.5, how much does it cost (used)?
Can you share some pictures, wanna see image quality of this lens especially on f1.5.
thanks
karlori
Digital Refugee
The nokt is stuck at croatian customs as is my camera so i can't give any photos yet. I bought it for 350$ from classifieds here from member cnphoto maybe you could ask him some sample shots. Good luck !
Neare
Well-known
Not to rain on leica M parade (
The kit didn't actually sell well, so you can buy that 4 lens kit on ebay now (New from cameraquest) for $500. Even better
Juan Valdenebro
Truth is beauty
karlori,
Congratulations on your lens & camera purchase... That aspherical 50 is considered a great lens: sharp and fast, with nice bokeh... A very good decision...
Cheers,
Juan
Congratulations on your lens & camera purchase... That aspherical 50 is considered a great lens: sharp and fast, with nice bokeh... A very good decision...
Cheers,
Juan
karlori
Digital Refugee
thanks, the m7 silver was 1700$ in mint condition with Leica Passport was 100$ more than the m6tll i ordered and the seller was nice enough to cancel that order and send me the m7.