Best backup body for an M

M

mojojones

Guest
I'm planning a trip to Africa to do a project that will require intimate images so I'm going to take my M6. My question is what is the best way to go for a backup body. I've considered a a Bessa (even the new R4A), a new Zeiss Ikon, or just carrying my old Leica CL, though I've never used it with the "full size" lenses. Therein lies another question: staying manual or adding an auto body. Seems counter intuitive to have an auto body as a backup but it might be nice to have the capability. I also need a 21mm for my kit. Unfortunately the Elmarit is pushing the budget even used. I'm really eyeing the new ZM 21/4.5 but it doesn't look like it's going to ship before I leave (late May or early June) and the current ZM seems too large. (Note, I shoot with, and LOVE, the Contax G Biogon 21mm.) I guess I'm leaning towards a Voigtlander R4a and a VC 21/4P for just over a grand total, but can I rely on such an unproven body!?
 
I think I would look at the R4M especially if you have some wide angle lenses. I've used an R2 with my M6 and it worked ok. If you have two bodies that operate close to the same way you will be less likely to get confused or make mistakes and can "focus" your attention on shooting.

Bob
 
Another M6

Another M6

If I were you, I'll take another M6. At least you don't have to adapt to different cameras. And if you think you don't need 2 M6 at home, you can always sell one after you return from Africa.

For the 21 lens, I vote for VC due to its size and weight, and the quality of image is not bad at all. This is my only non-Leica lens, and I love it.

Cheerz
:) bm
 
Yup, another M6, or some other M-body with control inputs just like an M6's (if such a creature exists). No confusion, no new muscle memory sequences to remember. Pull the spare out of the bag and shoot through the cloud of smoke rising from the one you just dropped.
 
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Agreeing with all of the above. There is a very attractively priced M4-2 for sale in the classified forum right now.
 
Another M6, or M4p (M6 wo meter) as said above.

... or if you have budget constraints ...

a Bessa T. Reliable, purely mechanical little beast - can also be used to focus long lenses in the worst case.
Also the CV 21 is great and the LTM one can be had for less than US 300 wth finder.

Roland.
 
If in Africa go for something without batteries, that is if your going rough, take an M2,3 or 4.
If going on the regular tourist trail it won't really matter what you take.
 
back alley said:
i'm a fan of having 2 of the same camera, no confusion at all.
a used m6 will cost about the same as a new zi.
Click to expand...

About your avatar ..... I know it's all a matter of taste but couldn't you of have the rhinestones fitted ?

and about having two of the same, I think pink would be a perfect match ....

again, all a matter of personal taste, but whenever I see the pimpy red I have to grab my head and think why.... WHY !! ???

such a beautifull little thing, messed up for life now ....

Like having your 16 year old son dress up in flowerly dresses .....
 
Yea, two of the same had been on my mind. Note that my M6 is a TTL with .58 viewfinder. This is the only M I've ever owned so the shutter speed dial becomes an issue. One with a .72 viewfinder might be nice though. Then again, I am primarily a wide-angle shooter, and even though I already have the Leitz variable finder waiting for a 21mm purchase, that R4 finder has it's draw!
 
Keep it Simple. Take your M6 and CL and pick up a 21/4 VC. (make sure CL is in good working order). Take some slow and some fast film.

I recently went to Central America, taking my M7 and as backup a Contax T2. Big mistake because I gave up the controls. Could have taken M6 as backup.

Next trip to South America: M7, MP, 21mmVC, 28mmElmarit V4, 50mm pre-asph Summilux, 90mm Rokkor.
 
Germanica said:
About your avatar ..... I know it's all a matter of taste but couldn't you of have the rhinestones fitted ?

and about having two of the same, I think pink would be a perfect match ....

again, all a matter of personal taste, but whenever I see the pimpy red I have to grab my head and think why.... WHY !! ???

such a beautifull little thing, messed up for life now ....

Like having your 16 year old son dress up in flowerly dresses .....
Click to expand...

Don’t be too hard on him; the long dark winters, the cold, the late spring must be very stressful that far north












;)
 
I agree with a second M6. If you have a full complement of lenses for the M6 then you need not buy additional lenses for the backup camera. Two of the same cameras with different lenses will be easy to switch from one to the other. Same batteries also. (I would take a third camera... a light weight throw away. Something for the very percarious areas if you were afraid the camera might not come back with you.)
 
While it's hard to argue with the logic of a second M6 if for no other reason than simplicity in switching between cameras, I still wonder if that's necessary. I mean, if you already have the M6 and a CL then that sounds to me like a pretty nice setup. The M6 will work just fine even if the electronics (the meter) decides to go out on you and, likewise for the CL. Plus you have the advantage of a full size rig, the M6, plus the pocket size of the CL for when you want to be more streamlined. And the CL is even less intimidating than the M6 so would be particularly nice for your intimate shots. Just a thought since you said you already have both cameras.

-Randy
 
i disagree entirely with the logic of the 2nd m6. the most likely that will fail with the m6 is the electronic aspect; therefore take a back up that is purely mechanical like a m3 or m2, etc. A post above mentioned that m6 lens -- whatever they are -- will be more appropriate to fit another m6: this is simply not so, as the M lenses fit all M system cameras.

beat the heat and humidity: go mechanical for your back up.
 
thomasw_ said:
i disagree entirely with the logic of the 2nd m6. the most likely that will fail with the m6 is the electronic aspect; therefore take a back up that is purely mechanical like a m3 or m2, etc. A post above mentioned that m6 lens -- whatever they are -- will be more appropriate to fit another m6: this is simply not so, as the M lenses fit all M system cameras.

beat the heat and humidity: go mechanical for your back up.
Click to expand...
The M6 is mechanical. The battery powers only the meter. Without the battery it works just like the M2, M3, or M4.

The M4-P and M6 have identical framelines, if that's a consideration.
 
Germanica said:
About your avatar ..... I know it's all a matter of taste but couldn't you of have the rhinestones fitted ?

and about having two of the same, I think pink would be a perfect match ....

again, all a matter of personal taste, but whenever I see the pimpy red I have to grab my head and think why.... WHY !! ???

such a beautifull little thing, messed up for life now ....

Like having your 16 year old son dress up in flowerly dresses .....
Click to expand...

get over yourself!
i like the red cover, the camera belongs to me and i can do whatever i bloody well please with it.
the black cover came off easily as would the red if i ever choose to make it like it was.
as to the sexist comment about boys in dresses...well maybe have a chat with a professional about that.

joe
 
another vote for 2nd M6 or...

another vote for 2nd M6 or...

I would also prefer a second M6 or of course a MP is a good choice but much pricier and difficult to come by "used". I boughth the M6 first and than the second body and now I most of the time the M6 serves as a back up for the MP or is stuffed with different film. Anyway good luck with your trip to Africa.
 
I've thought about it a bit longer... does the shutter dial turn the same way as the M7?
If it does, you could always grab a used M7 off the bay, take it on the trip and put it back on the bay when you get home it you don't want to keep the money tied up.
All that would cost you is the ebay listing fees since the camera wouldn't depreciate that much from one trip.
-Rob Skeoch
 
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