First time with a M6 in my hands

[Roberto]

Hello,
Yesterday afternoon I went to a local shop that have some Leica M for sale..

M6 chrome body (1500 euros)
M5 chrome body (1100 euros)
M6 black with Summicron 50/2 (2500 euros)

A part from the prices, that I believe are a bit high.. I had the chance to look through a Leica M viewfinder for the first time. I also loaded and shoot couple of times.

Well, I need to share my impressions with someone, I thought the Leica were much better than this: viewfinder is less bright than the one on my Bessa R and the shutter itself is more noisy that the one of my Contax IIa.

🙁 So why should I pay that much?

Thanks,
Rob.

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

I agree. There's nothing magical about Leicas. They're just well-designed, durable cameras and the lenses are very good. The same could be said for most "golden era" SLRs made by Pentax, Olympus, Nikon or Canon.

I use a Leica because I enjoy taking pictures with it, simple as that. If you enjoy using your Bessa/Contax combo and you're underwhelmed by Leica, save your Euros!

 

[Steve Bellayr]

Yes, the prices a bit high. Since I do not have the two cameras that you listed I can not compare. However, for me, it is the Leica glass that is exceptional. Consider that the shutter is inches from your ear. From the point of view of the subject, who may be several feet away, the sound of different shutters is imperceivable. What matters is the photographer's ability to photograph without being intrusive.

 

[Roberto]

You shouldn't! 🙂

Seriously, people buy Leicas for all kinds of reasons. While a Bessa R is a perfectly fine camera (and I agree the finders are brighter and I like the lighter weight), Leicas come wrapped in history, nostalgia, and a belief by some that they have magical qualities that will make them a better photographer. And buying them for those reasons is certainly legitimate. But if you are happy with the Bessa R (I use my Bessa's more than my M's), there is no reason to buy the Leica.

Well.. I also feel the charm of the Leica cameras, but yes I'm happy with the Bessa, and every time I feel that it could be less durable I suddenly think that with a Leica M price I could buy around 6 Rs.

Nevertheless I was hoping to find myself a reason to afford that expense.. 🙁

 

[Samsam]

The leica body is charming imho, i have pleasure at looking and handling it
and i agree, Leica should improve the viewfinder, better brightness on the Ikon body ( never tried the Bessa, but i trust you 😉 )

 

[nobbylon]

I started rangefindering with a bessa r2 after advice from the forum a while back and thought it was a great camera save for the plastic feel. However they are built at a pricepoint and after picking up an m6 in a local camera shop (I know, foolish thing to do) ended up selling the R2 and buying into the M's. IMO the viewfinder brightness between the R2 and M6/MP is near identical. If it's what you want then get one, otherwise you may always want one. No it won't take better pictures than other cameras but there is something to that solid feel they have, like the old Nikon F's and original style Canon F1's that's just, well, nice!😀
ps those prices do seem steep, wait for long enough and get a good one off of here.

 

[Roberto]

I started rangefindering with a bessa r2 after advice from the forum a while back and thought it was a great camera save for the plastic feel. However they are built at a pricepoint and after picking up an m6 in a local camera shop (I know, foolish thing to do) ended up selling the R2 and buying into the M's. IMO the viewfinder brightness between the R2 and M6/MP is near identical. If it's what you want then get one, otherwise you may always want one. No it won't take better pictures than other cameras but there is something to that solid feel they have, like the old Nikon F's and original style Canon F1's that's just, well, nice!😀
ps those prices do seem steep, wait for long enough and get a good one off of here.

I'm in Italy, I would need to wait until a EU camera shows up.. Buying from US is kind of a nightmare: high custom duties (20/25%) and at least 1.5 months for shipping (because of the custom keeping goods blocked).

Seems like someone here (like official import channels) do not like to see the US Dollar be so low, and are trying to protect their import channels...

Rob.

 

[nobbylon]

Rob,
I'm actually in europe myself and they do come up at reasonable prices. I recently sold one of mine on here, a very late black M6 with everything, box, papers etc in mint condition, for 900 euro inc new CLA so hang in there if an M6 is what you are after. Lot's around but unfortunately evilbay seems like a bit of a nightmare hence my suggestion to trust the regulars on here and wait for a good one.

 

[Roberto]

Rob,
I'm actually in europe myself and they do come up at reasonable prices. I recently sold one of mine on here, a very late black M6 with everything, box, papers etc in mint condition, for 900 euro so hang in there if an M6 is what you are after. Lot's around but unfortunately evilbay seems like a bit of a nightmare hence my suggestion to trust the regulars on here and wait for a good one.

Yes.. I just need to understand whether I want it or not..
I mean, the Bessa R is not perfect (for example the rangefinder base is too short, in my opinion) but I'm not sure the Ms are the answer.

Maybe I was expecting too much..

Rob

 

[Roberto]

Too short for what? I shoot a Canon 50 1.8 with no problems on the R and R2. And if you are thinking of a Noctilux, just buy the M6. 😉

Err.. not really the Nocti 😛
But, yes I was looking for something that may need a bit more focus accuracy like a 90/f2 or a CV 50/1.5 Nokton; not sure the R will manage them..
Rob.