eric mac
Established
Get a M2 and a 35mm summicron and remember Sunny 16 with Tri-x. 1/60 and F2.8 works in most average indoor shots.
Eric
Eric
An M6. The older models are cool, but almost ALWAYS have serious mechanical or optical problems. I have looked at a gigantic number of M2 bodies and have NEVER seen one whose rangefinder was not badly faded. Not one, ever. I've seen M4 bodies with the same problem as well as the RF simply being innaccurate. M6 bodies are newer and I have never seen one with a bad RF, though I have seen some where the RF needed recalibrating. I had to order and send back more than 12 Leicas before i got ones that just worked perfectly like they should. Very frustrating....its really a numbers game. Leica's are mechanically reliable IF they're regularly serviced, but the older ones had problems with the RF optics seperating and fogging up. If you want something that will just work and not need service and whose old models usually work perfect, buy an old Nikon F, F2, or F3 SLR. I love my Leicas, I have two M6 bodies and used to have two M4 bodies (both of which had to be serviced to make them work right). Love the cameras, hated the crap I had to go through to get good ones.
Picky? Has anyone else had this experience? I have owned only one Leica M2 and it worked perfectly. Maybe I am lucky...
Picky? Has anyone else had this experience? I have owned only one Leica M2 and it worked perfectly. Maybe I am lucky...
Looks like you've settled on an M6 Classic -- lots of them around for $900 - 1200.
Summicron is a good choice, but I'd be tempted to get a clean Canon 50/1.8 -- last or next to last generation. KEH has a BGN one at $109 -- leaving you in the enviable position of using the extra money for film, or $300-600 for a second or second and third lens.
Good luck.
Picky? Has anyone else had this experience? I have owned only one Leica M2 and it worked perfectly. Maybe I am lucky...