Clancycoop
Established
For me, the M is about simplicity, and carrying two items every time I go out is just not part of the gameplan. I love my M6 and don't always need the meter, but sometimes I couldn't do without it.
Bad Idea?
- Thread starter sara
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Timmyjoe
Veteran
Hi Sara,
Naturally you need to do what works for you. I've had an M6 TTL for twelve years now and really don't enjoy shooting with it nearly as much as I enjoy shooting with my M2-S. Of course my M2 has the advantage of the M6 style film loading, so it does load faster.
But I hate those red LEDs in the camera viewfinder, and I hated having to constantly turn the shutter dial to turn off the meter whenever I wasn't using the camera for a while. Then when I wanted to take a pic, I had to twist the shutter dial back up again.
With my M2, I use my version of Sunny 16, but whenever I'm in a tricky situation, like your backstage at a fashion show, I take my pocket size Sekonic, take a few readings, set my aperture and shutter speed, and work. Unless you're shooting slide film, you've got some latitude, the exposure doesn't have to be spot on. And I find I can concentrate on making much better "connected" images when I'm not constantly adjusting the exposure because those stupid red LEDs are telling me my exposure isn't exactly perfect.
Everybody develops there own way of working. And the M6 TTL just didn't fit my way, maybe it will work great for you.
Best to you whatever decision you make.
-Tim
Naturally you need to do what works for you. I've had an M6 TTL for twelve years now and really don't enjoy shooting with it nearly as much as I enjoy shooting with my M2-S. Of course my M2 has the advantage of the M6 style film loading, so it does load faster.
But I hate those red LEDs in the camera viewfinder, and I hated having to constantly turn the shutter dial to turn off the meter whenever I wasn't using the camera for a while. Then when I wanted to take a pic, I had to twist the shutter dial back up again.
With my M2, I use my version of Sunny 16, but whenever I'm in a tricky situation, like your backstage at a fashion show, I take my pocket size Sekonic, take a few readings, set my aperture and shutter speed, and work. Unless you're shooting slide film, you've got some latitude, the exposure doesn't have to be spot on. And I find I can concentrate on making much better "connected" images when I'm not constantly adjusting the exposure because those stupid red LEDs are telling me my exposure isn't exactly perfect.
Everybody develops there own way of working. And the M6 TTL just didn't fit my way, maybe it will work great for you.
Best to you whatever decision you make.
-Tim
redisburning
Well-known
sounds like you should write off an M6 as a work expense, rather than selling your personal camera, in that case.
Nigel Meaby
Well-known
Hi Sara
You've posted for advice and you are predictably getting lots of varying opinion. But only you know what you really need and I think you have answered your own question above.
Now you just have to decide which metered M to buy but an M6 would be an excellent choice. An M5 is great too with a great meter and that wonderful shutter speed dial, but slightly bigger. An M7 maybe outside your budget and around double the price of an M6 for the advantage of AE.
You've posted for advice and you are predictably getting lots of varying opinion. But only you know what you really need and I think you have answered your own question above.
Now you just have to decide which metered M to buy but an M6 would be an excellent choice. An M5 is great too with a great meter and that wonderful shutter speed dial, but slightly bigger. An M7 maybe outside your budget and around double the price of an M6 for the advantage of AE.
jammcat
Lick My Lens Cap
I had an M2.
It was beaten up, the frame line selector was broken, and it was plain fiddly to use. I also really hated the removable take-up spool that you all seem to love so much. Removing the bottom plain it already a pita as it is.
I traded the m2 up for an m6, and it's a lot better for me. The meter is a nice little bonus, even if it doesn't give too much information.
I think that the new Zeiss Ikons are probably the most comfortable m mount cameras to use.
I really probably only hold onto my M6 because its a leica. Otherwise, it's heavier and clumsier to use in practice, no matter what some people might think. Still, what a camera!
It was beaten up, the frame line selector was broken, and it was plain fiddly to use. I also really hated the removable take-up spool that you all seem to love so much. Removing the bottom plain it already a pita as it is.
I traded the m2 up for an m6, and it's a lot better for me. The meter is a nice little bonus, even if it doesn't give too much information.
I think that the new Zeiss Ikons are probably the most comfortable m mount cameras to use.
I really probably only hold onto my M6 because its a leica. Otherwise, it's heavier and clumsier to use in practice, no matter what some people might think. Still, what a camera!
huntjump
Well-known
heavier...yep. Clumsier, how so? 🙂 more curious than anything, as i've never had the pleasure of using an Ikon.
jammcat
Lick My Lens Cap
I've never been able to fully rationalize the supposed advantages of the whole bottom plate juggling act, and when you've a take-up spool to load in addition, things get even crazier.
Then again, I did have the poor fortune to attempt to reload my Leica on the edge of a mosh pit at an Iggy Pop concert... things got very interesting pretty quickly.
(and to address the OP's initial issue regardinf a meter-- If you need a clip-on external meter such as the voigtlander, then that's just another part which can and will fall when you'd least want them too.)
I've not used the Ikon for any great deal of time. I've just handled them, but instantly can appreciate the fact that it's a cheaper, well-built M7 type camera with a magnificent viewfinder and rangefinder.
Then again, I did have the poor fortune to attempt to reload my Leica on the edge of a mosh pit at an Iggy Pop concert... things got very interesting pretty quickly.
(and to address the OP's initial issue regardinf a meter-- If you need a clip-on external meter such as the voigtlander, then that's just another part which can and will fall when you'd least want them too.)
I've not used the Ikon for any great deal of time. I've just handled them, but instantly can appreciate the fact that it's a cheaper, well-built M7 type camera with a magnificent viewfinder and rangefinder.
Michael Markey
Veteran
Not a bad idea at all.
I have an M2 and an M3 but after five years of sunny 16 or using a meter there are some situations where I feel the same as you do.
I have an M2 and an M3 but after five years of sunny 16 or using a meter there are some situations where I feel the same as you do.
Funny.
This is all you need to say. Get the M6. Not everyone photographs the same way. I've always preferred in camera meters despite everyone trying to make me get into sunny 16. I can do it, but I'd rather not.
ottluuk
the indecisive eternity
Sunny 16 won't help you there and it's really hard to learn to estimate exposure indoors, in mixed and changing light, where light sources can be very close etc... By all means, get a metered camera, and it's worth thinking about (but not necessarily worth paying extra for) AE capability, even.
And still, meterless shooting is very nice in +/-predictable light when you have time on your side. With an M6, you can simply take the batteries out and - voilá - you have an M4-P. No blinking lights to distract or instruct.
Charlie Lemay
Well-known
Sara,
I have had many different M cameras over the yers, but much prefer the M2 even over the MP. I hate the flashing lights in the viewfinder. I currently own two M2s, one chrome and one black repaint, both with updated loading, sync terminals and modern frame lines. I wouldn't part with either of them. I have a VC II meter, as some have suggested, but I have never used it. Instead I use a version of the Zone System I developed called ZoneSimple, which is featured in a separate section of my web site (click on my name, or google Zone Simple) for sunny days. No metering problems. On cloudy days I generally use my Olympus EP-2 with M lenses these days on aperture priority. After working with an M2, the M6 may feel a bit less substantial and the rewind much faster, but much less robust.
I have had many different M cameras over the yers, but much prefer the M2 even over the MP. I hate the flashing lights in the viewfinder. I currently own two M2s, one chrome and one black repaint, both with updated loading, sync terminals and modern frame lines. I wouldn't part with either of them. I have a VC II meter, as some have suggested, but I have never used it. Instead I use a version of the Zone System I developed called ZoneSimple, which is featured in a separate section of my web site (click on my name, or google Zone Simple) for sunny days. No metering problems. On cloudy days I generally use my Olympus EP-2 with M lenses these days on aperture priority. After working with an M2, the M6 may feel a bit less substantial and the rewind much faster, but much less robust.
thegman
Veteran
I was not wild about the M6, and sold it soon, however, if you want a Leica with a meter, then it's probably the best all round choice.
I always tend to recommend a Zeiss Ikon at times like this, but if you want the Leica, then you want the Leica, and that's the end of it really.
Aperture priority sounds like it may be good for you, so M7 or Ikon is well worth a look. Bessa of course is a lot cheaper, but personally I think the Ikon is well worth the extra.
I always tend to recommend a Zeiss Ikon at times like this, but if you want the Leica, then you want the Leica, and that's the end of it really.
Aperture priority sounds like it may be good for you, so M7 or Ikon is well worth a look. Bessa of course is a lot cheaper, but personally I think the Ikon is well worth the extra.
MCTuomey
Veteran
+1 to this and everything else Steve said
i think what you need is an M camera that meters for you. at least consider the option (or the zeiss ikon) after rereading Steve's thoughts.
good luck in your choice and, btw, welcome to RFF.
Vincent.G
Well-known
I will keep the M2 and buy a M6 to see if I like it and suit my way of shooting. Nothing beats the having two of them in hand to compare.
Broke
Established
One thing to remember is that the M6 has more conservative frame lines -- I find the M2 much more accurate at distance.
Cheers,
JB
Cheers,
JB
Which means the M2 isn't as accurate close up?
redisburning
Well-known
I've thought about it and I honestly think the OP should keep the M2 and buy an EOS-1 for work.
AE is a lot faster than manual with a meter in that kind of camera. You can even stick with manual focus if you like, and you'll spend less than 300 for a 1n.
AE is a lot faster than manual with a meter in that kind of camera. You can even stick with manual focus if you like, and you'll spend less than 300 for a 1n.
Mudman
Well-known
That's why I own a M6 and M3! I use the M3 all the time for concert photography, but only after I've shot a venue before with a digital so I know what the exposure is like for their lighting systems. Sometimes I don't, but you get used to figuring out spots quickly. If you're shooting fashion shows, meter once for the highlights and then you're set from there on out. B&W or color neg film will give you enough latitude it shouldn't be a problem for minor changes in light.
Rob-F
Likes Leicas
+1. Also, pick up a Leica-Meter MR or MR-4. It goes in the cold shoe and synchronizes with the shutter speed dial. It has a 27 degree angle of acceptance, the same as a 90mm lens; thereby acting as a selective area reading with the 50mm and 35mm lenses. Since the PX625 mercury batteries are no longer available, it can be used with a Wein air cell. Alternatively, Sherry recalibrated mine to work with an alkaline battery. It's a very simple solution to your problem!
