ornate_wrasse
Moderator
To those who were following my earlier thread about finding an M6 on consignment at my local camera shop, I ended up buying it today (along with a 35mm f/2 Version 3 Summicron) for $2,100.
Thanks to all for giving me their opinions on the price [was $2,400 reduced to $2,100 for those who did not read the prior post] and tips on what to look for before plunking down my hard earned cash. I followed up on the suggestions by checking for pinholes in the shutter curtain, fungus on the lens, and listening to the different shutter speeds to make sure they were operating normally. All tests passed with flying colors and I told the shop I wanted to purchase it. There is a 10 day period in which the camera is warrantied against defects. I will have plenty of time to run a few rolls of film through the camera and determine if anything unexpected rears its ugly head. I do have the option to return it if I discover anything wrong with it.
I was very pleased that the shop threw in a Domke Gripper strap at no extra charge. I most certainly didn't ask for a different strap but the salesperson commented that the included strap was less than desirable and he would give me the Domke Gripper strap.
Also thrown in gratis was a roll of film. Now this is not a biggie, however, I was asking him if he recommended any particular kind of film to use for my test shots. I told him the kind of film I had in my refrigerator (Ektar 100, Tri-X 400, Neopan 1600 as well as some outdated Velvia 50). He suggested a roll of Fujicolor Pro 400 H. I did not object as he proceeded to show me how to load the film into the camera. Since this purchase was not only my first RF but my first Leica as well, I appreciated him taking the time to show me how it is done.
So, now I'm $2,100 poorer but richer in many ways with my Leica M6
Again, thanks to all who helped me make the decision. I will likely have more questions and it's darn good knowing I can go to the rangefinder forum for help.
Ellen
Thanks to all for giving me their opinions on the price [was $2,400 reduced to $2,100 for those who did not read the prior post] and tips on what to look for before plunking down my hard earned cash. I followed up on the suggestions by checking for pinholes in the shutter curtain, fungus on the lens, and listening to the different shutter speeds to make sure they were operating normally. All tests passed with flying colors and I told the shop I wanted to purchase it. There is a 10 day period in which the camera is warrantied against defects. I will have plenty of time to run a few rolls of film through the camera and determine if anything unexpected rears its ugly head. I do have the option to return it if I discover anything wrong with it.
I was very pleased that the shop threw in a Domke Gripper strap at no extra charge. I most certainly didn't ask for a different strap but the salesperson commented that the included strap was less than desirable and he would give me the Domke Gripper strap.
Also thrown in gratis was a roll of film. Now this is not a biggie, however, I was asking him if he recommended any particular kind of film to use for my test shots. I told him the kind of film I had in my refrigerator (Ektar 100, Tri-X 400, Neopan 1600 as well as some outdated Velvia 50). He suggested a roll of Fujicolor Pro 400 H. I did not object as he proceeded to show me how to load the film into the camera. Since this purchase was not only my first RF but my first Leica as well, I appreciated him taking the time to show me how it is done.
So, now I'm $2,100 poorer but richer in many ways with my Leica M6
Again, thanks to all who helped me make the decision. I will likely have more questions and it's darn good knowing I can go to the rangefinder forum for help.
Ellen
elshaneo
Panographer
That's great, congratulations on your first Leica !!!
Now go and shoot, then show us the photos
Now go and shoot, then show us the photos
BillBingham2
Registered User
Ellen,
Great job, the M6 is a wonderful camera. I owned one for many years. It's great to hear that you supported your local camera store. I like shopping locally when the price is not TOO different from what I can get on the Net. I've not been lucky enough to find anything photographic that way in years, though just about every other major purchase the local shops have either come close or beat on-line stuff.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. There are on-line copies of the manual available for free (drop me a pm if you can not find them) and lots of great books out there.
Again, welcome to the best place on the web to learn about all aspects of photography while having a great time. And welcome to the dark side of photography.
B2 (;->
Great job, the M6 is a wonderful camera. I owned one for many years. It's great to hear that you supported your local camera store. I like shopping locally when the price is not TOO different from what I can get on the Net. I've not been lucky enough to find anything photographic that way in years, though just about every other major purchase the local shops have either come close or beat on-line stuff.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. There are on-line copies of the manual available for free (drop me a pm if you can not find them) and lots of great books out there.
Again, welcome to the best place on the web to learn about all aspects of photography while having a great time. And welcome to the dark side of photography.
B2 (;->
seifadiaz
Established
2,100 poorer? naaah, it won't end there.
Ken Ford
Refuses to suffer fools
Great news, Ellen! Enjoy the new lens.
Roger Hicks
Veteran
Dear Ellen,
There's always that sinking feeling: $2100! Aaargh
But it's temporary, and long after you've got over it, you'll still have a great camera. Have fun with it!
Cheers,
R.
There's always that sinking feeling: $2100! Aaargh
But it's temporary, and long after you've got over it, you'll still have a great camera. Have fun with it!
Cheers,
R.
Merkin
For the Weekend
If there is any possible way you can get a roll of slide film run through it and processed within that window, I urge you to do so. Some shutter problems can be masked by the greater latitude of c41 and b/w film, but slide film will be a very good test of your meter and shutter. Also, get as many rolls put through it in that time as possible, even if you just get down to taking pictures of walls and cats and cars in a parking lot.
Good luck! We look forward to seeing some shots quite soon!
Good luck! We look forward to seeing some shots quite soon!
crawdiddy
qu'est-ce que c'est?
Congratulation, Ellen. I bought my M6 (Classic) about a year ago, and I love it. The metering is excellent, although I always set it 1 click above the rated film speed. Seems to work better for me.
I find that many observers comment on the beauty of the camera, so be prepared for that.
Word of warning-- I just burned a pinhole in my shutter a month ago by leaving the lens cap off and setting the camera face up in the sun. I was skeptical about this danger before, but now know it's real. (I patched the hole with liquid electrician's tape, and it seems to be light-tight.)
Anyway, congrats again. Enjoy your camera.
I find that many observers comment on the beauty of the camera, so be prepared for that.
Word of warning-- I just burned a pinhole in my shutter a month ago by leaving the lens cap off and setting the camera face up in the sun. I was skeptical about this danger before, but now know it's real. (I patched the hole with liquid electrician's tape, and it seems to be light-tight.)
Anyway, congrats again. Enjoy your camera.
Damaso
Photojournalist
Enjoy, let's see some pics!
Steve Bellayr
Veteran
Your life has been enriched by $2100!
ZeissFan
Veteran
Congratulations. I think one of the best things of buying from a store with knowledgeable sales people are that they can offer you tips and help. And being able to see the camera in person is much better than buying the so-called pig in a poke via an online seller.
functus
Failed Poet
Congrats ... definitely need to see the photographs that you produce ...
Brad Maestas
Established
Big, big congrats on your new acquisition! I bought pretty much the same combo last year and I can readily say it has vastly enriched my life, photographic or otherwise. I also liked that you were able to find it at a local shop and how much they did right by accommodating you. The first time you learn how to load film into it is a special feeling. Best of luck to you and your new friend!
ornate_wrasse
Moderator
If there is any possible way you can get a roll of slide film run through it and processed within that window, I urge you to do so. Some shutter problems can be masked by the greater latitude of c41 and b/w film, but slide film will be a very good test of your meter and shutter.That's exactly what I was thinking. With the unforgiving nature of slide film, I figured it would be good for my first role. Except I can't load it now as the Fuji 400 film is currently in the camera
Thanks.
Ellen
ornate_wrasse
Moderator
Wow, I'm sure that was no fun.
That's something I will really need to watch out for as I don't currently even have a lens cap. Unfortunately, the camera didn't come with one.
So that's my first order of business, to acquire both a lens cap and a lens hood.
Ellen
PS Glad you were able to patch it up.
robklurfield
eclipse
Ellen, it's only money. You can always get some more. In the meanwhile, I know you'll enjoy your new M6. Nothing quite like it in photography, other than another M of course. Have a good time. And, buy some more film, since that first roll won't last long. Use it in good health.
BillBingham2
Registered User
Ellen,
I always prefer slide film because it's IMHO more pure. You get what you shoot, not some printing machine extrapolation of what they think you did exposure wise. Now with a moratorium on prints at home might just give it a try again. Kodak processing and scanning.... gets me thinking.
Got shoot up your first and second roll tomorrow. Use different shutter speeds, focus close up wide open on a ruler, test your new best friend.....
Again, congrats and please do not forget to share.
B2 (;->
I always prefer slide film because it's IMHO more pure. You get what you shoot, not some printing machine extrapolation of what they think you did exposure wise. Now with a moratorium on prints at home might just give it a try again. Kodak processing and scanning.... gets me thinking.
Got shoot up your first and second roll tomorrow. Use different shutter speeds, focus close up wide open on a ruler, test your new best friend.....
Again, congrats and please do not forget to share.
B2 (;->
ornate_wrasse
Moderator
I will pick up my first roll on Friday (Fuji Pro 400 H). I'll try and post some pics of my very first roll.
Today I used up a roll of Velvia 50 that I'd had in the refrigerator for years. So that will be the guinea pig slide roll. My photo lab told me that there is only one place in town that develops slide film. And, when I asked about black and white film, there is only one person in town who does black and white developing. it's more expensive to develop than color negative film.
I had some interesting experiences shooting with a rangefinder for the very first time. I'll share the experiences in another post.
Ellen
maddoc
... likes film again.
Ellen,
good to hear that you took the plunge ! Don't think about the money just about the many great photos you can take
It is a very good idea to give the M6 a test with some Velvia and also to expose as much film as possible in the next days to be sure that it works 100% perfect. Some small things like a slightly misaligned RF take some time and experience to get caught.
Looking forward to seeing some shots !!
Cheers,
Gabor
good to hear that you took the plunge !
Don't think about the money just about the many great photos you can take It is a very good idea to give the M6 a test with some Velvia and also to expose as much film as possible in the next days to be sure that it works 100% perfect. Some small things like a slightly misaligned RF take some time and experience to get caught.
Looking forward to seeing some shots !!
Cheers,
Gabor
wolves3012
Veteran
I re-shuttered a couple of cameras recently and had some small offcuts of shutter cloth to try this out on. A 50mm lens set to f/2 will punch a hole through almost instantly in full sun, when in focus. f/4 slows it down a bit but even f/8 will burn through in a few seconds. It's very much possible, as you've found out! I think I only managed to scorch it at f/11 or f/16 but I wouldn't try that on a good shutter.