Decisions, decisions .....

[tonyj]

I was examining a "panda" model M6 today, serial # 1790xxx. (Feb 1991)

This is the chrome job with the black knobs. I have heard its also considered a collectible by some, although I doubt it. Go figure, - although there is one described as such on eBay right now.

What's more important to me is whether the M6 is a well liked model, by those who own them.

Any problems or regrets? Does the built in light meter cause any problems? Any other issues I should be aware of?

I read somewhere that the M6 is an M4-P with a light meter. Nothing wrong with that IMO.

I have been offered a choice between this M6 body or a Hasselblad 500c/m with a 80mm 2.8 Planar lens. Both cameras seem to be in good to excellent shape. The Hasselblad actually looks mint.

I currently own a SS #998xxx M3 and a IIIf RD. I love both cameras. They take me back so many years. I love all the Leica film cameras in general, but have yet no yearning for the digitals, (I'm too committed to Nikon SLRs I'm afraid, and can't afford to jump ship at this stage.)

I have also, for so many years, admired the Hasselblad cameras, but never owned one. Always thought them too expensive, but then again I used to think that about Leica.

This may however be the only chance I have to get one so cheap and in such good condition.

My head still says Leica, but my heart says 'Hassy - just this once.

The Leica M6 body is much more expensive by the way.

Anybody owned either or both of these cameras and could throw some thoughts my way? Thank you

 

[coelacanth]

I had an M6 classic.

Now I have an M3 and a Hassy 500c/m with 80/2.8 C T* which I just scored at a local camera show. The latest addition is an MP, but I didn't get it for its light meter.

I'd personally go for the Hassy if I were in your situation, just this once. 😉 You just want to look into that WLF, enjoy the super 3D view all day long.

This was the very first test shot from my Hassy.

 

[cnphoto]

Get the Hasselblad, I love mine immensly. I'm sure if you decide it's not for you and want an M6 you could sell the Hasselblad here on RFF easily.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

If you already own a Leica, I'd go with the Hasselblad too. Medium format blows away anything you'll get from the Leica. I shoot a lot of medium format so I actually got a Hasselblad long before I got my first Leica. My older medium format system, from before I got the Hassy, is a Mamiya 645 system. Hasselblad's Zeiss lenses are better than Mamiya's lenses but even the Mamiya lenses give a level of detail and a tonal smoothness that is just not possible on 35mm film, not even in a Leica!

 

[BillBingham2]

TonyJ,

Let me mess with your mind a bit. Had lots of Bessas, sold them. Had an M4-P and M6, sold them. Have a Nikon S3-2000, keeping it for ever (read unless economy tanks deeper).

I too am a bit addicted to Nikon SLRs, some day will move to a DSLR but not now. I moved because I like having the lenses on both systems move the same direction. There are less lenses for the S mount (old Nikon RF) but some world class ones. The 85/2 and 105/2.5, the 35/1.8 new and old, lots of different 50mms including the new Millennium which is if not the best 50mm lens ever made one of the top two or three.

I loved my M6 but for me the ability to not have to think as I adjust the aperture which camera am I using is a big thing. I really like the look of Nikkors and now three of my four S mount lenses are Nikkors. Only one that isn't is the CV 25/4, doubt I will ever find a Nikkor 24 in S mount in my price range.

Look into an S3 or SP, old or new, they are great. As a second body an S2 rocks. It's actually what I started on to Nikon RFs with and if I ever start shooting again for money I will pick one up.

If you're a 50mm lover get the S3-2000, if you prefer 35mm lenses, go with the new SP and the matching 35/1.8. You'll be right at home.

We now return to our regular program already in progress.

B2 (;->

 

[dacookieman]

I had an M6 classic.

Now I have an M3 and a Hassy 500c/m with 80/2.8 C T* which I just scored at a local camera show. The latest addition is an MP, but I didn't get it for its light meter.

I'd personally go for the Hassy if I were in your situation, just this once. 😉 You just want to look into that WLF, enjoy the super 3D view all day long.

I agree with coelacanth 🙂 Looking through the WLF vf is a joy more than anything. I got mine just a month ago and am loving it, it never leaves the house without me. Since you already have an M (though i know its never enough😛), why not try out a 'blad?

Here's a shot i got off at the local botanical gardens using Velvia 50:

I see this photo and I know why I love my 'blad so much, so would you!🙂

 

[adrianzg]

i think the pandas are a little over-rated. i made one myself my changing the top of my blackcrhome model to chrome.

as far as usability goes, the m6 is a very good shooter, all mechanical with a meter and at a relatively cheap price! i had a full hassy set w a 50, 80, 150 and 250, metered prism, etc but sold all of them cause they're too heavy for my slipped disc. 🙁

 

[tonyj]

Decisions ...... again..

Decisions ...... again..

Thank you all, for the replies and information.

Long story, short version.

I bought the Hasselblad, it really was 'mint' and at a good price.

In store it checked out beautifully - or seemed to do.

Once home I began to familiarise myself with the camera and found I was unable to replace the lens after removing it from the camera.

I returned it to the store where a 'blad technician showed me what to do in the event I had the problem again. He then mentioned that the shutter was sticking - I had been informed that this had all been checked out.

i was then offered a full refund which I accepted. Disappointed but relieved that I hadn't bought an expensive paper weight.

At least I did own a 'Hasselblad' even if it was only for three hours.

Think I'll stick with Leicas from here on in ....

.

 

[Livesteamer]

Sorry about you bad blad experience. They are not as foolproof as a Leica but well worth pursuing. I bought a 500C years ago and I've had to have it serviced twice but it's worth it. A wonderful tool in every way. I hope you can get one some day. Joe.

 

[coelacanth]

Hmmm. Sorry to hear about the problem. There are more "rules" with Hassy than with Leica. Most infamous one is the shutter charge and lens mounting. There are some other "rules" but this is the one that's most critical yet easy to miss.

Hasselblad, especially those fully mechanical ones will probably outlive everyone here today if it's serviced accordingly. Same as Leica. I hope you'll give Hassy another try before you give up on it...

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

If the shutter was sticking, it just needs a $150 CLA of the shutter in the lens, then it'll work for 20 more yrs without needing another service. I'd have asked them to get it fixed for you, or to give you a discount on what you paid so you could send it in for service, since it looked mint

 

[tonyj]

..... the final decision ...

..... the final decision ...

To bring this saga to an end, I revisited the photographic store this morning and asked about a reduced price option on the Hasselblad.

As this was a consignment item, there was little they could or would offer. The price offered "refelected the faulty lens" they claimed. I pointed out that I had been told by the salesperson that everything had been thoroughly checked out by their technicians and was found to be in 'A1' condition. I do suspect that the salesperson was actually unaware of the problem, as I received really first class treatment with full apologies when i did return the equipment yesterday.

The actual owner of the camera would not budge on the price anyway, I was told. Based on other similar cameras I have seen, I still feel this camera is a 'pristine' example of a fine camera. With some dollars spent on the lens mechanics, this may still turn out to be a real bargain for someone willing to take a chance.

I did end up purchasing the M6 Panda 'Classic'. This was the camera I had originally checked out, and had seriously been considering purchasing before I espied the 'Hassy', at which point my heart took charge.

The Leica is a really nice, clean example of one of the Leica M series cameras that i had on my 'list'. (i.e. the M6 'classic' - the 'Panda' is inconsequential IMO).

I am very happy with the 'new' Leica, with no regrets ....

No doubt I will be keeping an eye on the Hasselblad, just to see what happens, if anything .... I mean, it was nice. The body was like new.....
hmmm ... you just never know .....

Thank you for all the tips and suggestions!

 

[cs_foto]

I've been shooting hasselblad for 2 years now and just got a leica m6, what people say it's true, when it comes to image quality, you can't beat the hasselblad. (except maybe large format)... but some people still need a 35mm system, and that's where the leica comes handy.

at first i was a bit reluctant on having a lightmeter, i thought it was a waste of money and time, but after using the m6 i just realised the real importance of a lightmeter:

IT TELLS YOU IF YOU HAVE YOUR LENS CAP ON!

:bang:

 

[adrianzg]

"when it comes to image quality, you can't beat the hasselblad. (except maybe large format)... but some people still need a 35mm system, and that's where the leica comes handy. "

i second that!

 

[John Elder]

If you want to try out medium format, you might want to buy a Rolleiflex TLR. You can get a Automat 4 or an Mx-evs for 250 if you are patient. I have a 3.5E and an Automat 4 both of which work great. Can't really tell the difference between the Tessar and the Xenotar lens at f8 and smaller. I also have the M6.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

I agree with john, a Rollei is great. My first medium format camera was a VERY ancient Pre-war Automat with an uncoated Tessar lens. I still have it and it takes magnificent photos. There's a postwar Automat with coated lens in the classifieds now that I would buy for myself if I had the $$$. It looks nice and is a little over $200.

I took these with my old Rollei:

 

[Steve_F]

An interesting thread.
I still have my Mamiya RZ67, the results from it are stunning. Purchased an M6 TTL a few weeks ago that was mint boxed etc. A friend today bought an M7 and now I find that my rangefinder is out ever so slightly (vertically - just as I thought but needed a comparison so as I knew it wasn't my eye-sight), so it's going back on Monday for adjustment. Which they have to send it away so who knows how long I'll have to wait.
Why is it that everything you buy you expect there to be some issue with and invariably there is. I'm pretty p*ssed off about it. :bang:

Steve.

 

[edodo]

In my humble experience, speed and emulsion of film dicates what is best for what...

I experienced that it was not worth shooting black and white with my rolleiflex 2.8E, especially portraits, because my leica gives me better results, more convenience, b&w is better in leicas.

Now when I want to shoot some landscape or architecture in color, especially slides, the rolleiflex is far better in term of results.

Color portraits works best with the rolleiflex too!

My 2 cents

 

[tonyj]

Thanks for the input everyone.

I am, as you may have realized, longer in the tooth than I care to admit.

I have previously owned and used Rolleiflex cameras, having gained a somewhat questionable reputation for doing low cost wedding photography, specializing in heavily pregnant brides, so many years ago in the industrial North of England. (No side on full length shots of the bride, plus a very large bouquet of flowers, cash upfront, etc.)

I have also had access to a number of Mamiya medium format cameras over the years whilst working at a University in Western Canada. These were cameras that I really enjoyed using, especially when my kids were small.

However a Hasselblad was something I always wanted, just as I always wanted to own a Leica. Why? Simply because they were what they were. They were Hasselblads and Leicas. No further explanations needed.

I would also love to own a good reliable classic Ferrari, Aston Martin or Porsche. The cameras of my dreams are however more attainable, - not without a bit of penny pinching perhaps, but still attainable.

So whilst the disappointment of finding the 'minty' Hasselblad still lingers, I still have the joy of playing with my Leicas. They are fun - and especially with the built in quirkiness of the older ones.

Incidentally the 'Hassy' was also as quirky as any camera I have ever held, but having spent a lifetime in engineering I find these gems to be so much fun to explore.

I have revisited the store with the Hasselblad - and all things being equal, I am happy with my decision to return it.

Finding the right lens, and in good working order, to complement the amazing body might take forever.

I will continue to browse through the ads, and drop in on my favourite camera store from time to time. Who knows where this will end? That's the fun part of this hobby.

P.S. I may even give my digital stuff a dust off, and start to reuse it again. 😉