Eric T
Well-known
Get the M2 fixed and use the "sunny 16" rule for metering.
And you still have the Bessa R2.
And you still have the Bessa R2.
Fix the M2, or get an M6?
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ktmrider
Well-known
Good choice on keeping the M2. I have to second the idea of an M5. It is the only M film body that I had never owned up to the MP/M7. I got one from Sherry, shot it for a week and returned it, primarily as I already owned two M2's. Well, a few weeks later I changed my mind, called her up to add the third lug and replace the vulcanite. Now, I am waiting for the camera.
It really does have the best metering of any Leica (owned both M6 and M6TTL) and currently own an M9 (M7 but digital). Being able to see the shutter speed in the viewfinder is great. It is a bit heavier then my M2's which I noticed. The slightly larger size went unnoticed and I figure it will mate well with my 35f1.2 beast.
Take a look at the VC meter if you cannot find an MR-4 to your liking. Being solid state it is a bit more shock proof. I use one on my M2 when I feel the need for a reflected light meter and it has the same field of view as a 90mm lens, just like the MR-4.
It really does have the best metering of any Leica (owned both M6 and M6TTL) and currently own an M9 (M7 but digital). Being able to see the shutter speed in the viewfinder is great. It is a bit heavier then my M2's which I noticed. The slightly larger size went unnoticed and I figure it will mate well with my 35f1.2 beast.
Take a look at the VC meter if you cannot find an MR-4 to your liking. Being solid state it is a bit more shock proof. I use one on my M2 when I feel the need for a reflected light meter and it has the same field of view as a 90mm lens, just like the MR-4.
rfaspen
[insert pithy phrase here]
Good to keep the M2. Its just a great camera and you shouldn't feel like its "lesser" than the M6.
I have an M2 and an M6 (and an M3). My M6 is broken beyond economical repair. I haven't yet had the urge to repair it (and may never).
In the meantime, I've learned to love my M2. My exposures are reasonable, and my mental meter improves every time I take it out. I should say, however, that I've been using the mental meter (with more than just the M2) for more years than I care to admit, so I would hope I hit exposure more often than not.
For about a year now, I've been longing for another film M camera. One to work in tandem with my M9 (I like to use both film and digital, each to their strength). That "new" camera is almost certain to be an M6TTL. So........nobody rush out and start driving the prices up, OK? Of course, all depends on that fickle budget. Might be a while...
I have an M2 and an M6 (and an M3). My M6 is broken beyond economical repair. I haven't yet had the urge to repair it (and may never).
In the meantime, I've learned to love my M2. My exposures are reasonable, and my mental meter improves every time I take it out. I should say, however, that I've been using the mental meter (with more than just the M2) for more years than I care to admit, so I would hope I hit exposure more often than not.
For about a year now, I've been longing for another film M camera. One to work in tandem with my M9 (I like to use both film and digital, each to their strength). That "new" camera is almost certain to be an M6TTL. So........nobody rush out and start driving the prices up, OK? Of course, all depends on that fickle budget. Might be a while...
unixrevolution
Well-known
If I ever get the chance, I will.
I feel like it is 🙂
Exactly. Having the Bessa as my metered M option means the M6's meter isn't the ultimate appeal. And I've gotten really, really good stuff out of the Bessa.
Don't you love second guessing yourself on a purchase? Enjoy the M5 when you get it.
And I will definitely look at the VC meter, not just for the M2 but for other meterless wundercameras like my TLRs.
Heartbreaking when something expensive goes so wrong. But I'm glad you've bonded with the M2, and I think I have with mine, as well. The idea of letting a meterless camera calibrate my eyes is an appealing one. And I have learned the eyes are always trying to hide the actual light levels from your brain, so it's no big if you aren't a living Gossen Luna Pro yet.
I, for one, am leaving the M6s alone for now, and you're welcome! 😀
madNbad
Well-known
If you currently wear glasses or may ever need them, have Sherry change the eyepiece to the rubber coated M6 style. It's a small touch but worth it.
Huss
Veteran
Sherry's price of $500 for CLA + replacement of both curtains is ok.
Youxin Ye's price for the same is $420.
I've used both and recommend either.
I know you've already made the correct choice 😉 but as others have said, and you know, anyone new to you but old M camera (M6 definitely falls into this category) may need work.
Youxin Ye's price for the same is $420.
I've used both and recommend either.
I know you've already made the correct choice 😉 but as others have said, and you know, anyone new to you but old M camera (M6 definitely falls into this category) may need work.
Huss
Veteran
DAG sells a snap on plastic eyepiece guard for $15. Prevent scratching your glasses. Works great, looks stock.
sc_rufctr
Leica nuts
I'd fix the M2 and buy an M6 as well because, .... I can't help myeslf. lol
Meanwhile, How many weeks can I live on noodles alone? 🙄
Meanwhile, How many weeks can I live on noodles alone? 🙄
unixrevolution
Well-known
I don't wear glasses, but I'll bear this in mind, as most of my photographer friends do, and I don't want them to get all scratched up if they borrow the M.
Also good to know!
Indeed. Just like the decision to spend $800 in parts to rebuild the front suspension and clutch system of my 1996 Escort, it's a good investment in future photography, and any other like machine will probably need the work already, or soon, anyhow.
For the record, I've recieved the following quotes:
DAG:
$365 CLA
$120/each Shutter Curtains
$605 total
Sherry Krauter:
$285 CLA
$90 leading/$110 Trailing curtains
$485 Total
Youxin Ye:
$240 CLA
$80 leading/$100 Trailing curtains
$420 Total
EDIT:
I just got an email from Gus Lazzari as well:
$375 CLA
$120 for Curtains
$495 total
I have seen Sherry, Youxin and DAG all reccomended. Does anyone have anything to reccomend one above another? Youxin will get my vote because I know he does good work and he saves me over all the other options, and his turnaround isn't bad.
I have already stretched my budget, and the patience of my spouse and others who have to live with me and my camera collection, to the breaking point. Impulsing an M6 on top of that would not be wise. I am not exclusively a rangefinder guy, and I just bought a box of cameras on Saturday, as well.
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ktmrider
Well-known
Youxin Ye is very, very quick on the turn around time. I have had CLA's done and the camera back in ten days including shipping both ways. Sherry is good but I have been waiting a month for the M5.
Have used them both. Youxin Ye responds quickly to email while Sherry is erratic.
Have used them both. Youxin Ye responds quickly to email while Sherry is erratic.
Pioneer
Veteran
I would have sold the R2, the M2 and then bought an MA. 🙂
It is an improved M3/M2.
I'm sure that your spouse would have been much relieved.
It is an improved M3/M2.
I'm sure that your spouse would have been much relieved.
Ko.Fe.
Lenses 35/21 Gears 46/20
I don't know why, but with Leica it is - get M2 fixed now, but M6 will come later. It is good to keep M2 for economical reasons. I have M4-2 and M4-P, but still want M2 🙂
Pioneer
Veteran
I have an MA, M3 and M6.
M6 viewfinder flares so don't use it very often.
M3 viewfinder is not as clear as the MA so it doesn't get used very often. I do have to say though, the M3's chrome and vulcanite has stood up very well over time. Maybe I will have to get the viewfinder cleaned up when I get some money.
First comes the Elmar 90 collapsible and the Summicron 50 collapsible. I guess I better get in touch with Youxin.
M6 viewfinder flares so don't use it very often.
M3 viewfinder is not as clear as the MA so it doesn't get used very often. I do have to say though, the M3's chrome and vulcanite has stood up very well over time. Maybe I will have to get the viewfinder cleaned up when I get some money.
First comes the Elmar 90 collapsible and the Summicron 50 collapsible. I guess I better get in touch with Youxin.
unixrevolution
Well-known
That has pretty much made up my mind for me.
The price gap is too large. If I spent that much on something I better be able to live in it 😉
I am the kinda person who doesn't upgrade a lot, at least not without very good reason. I'll probably keep using the M2 and R2 until one or both break.
That's good to know. The MA must be pretty sweet. I'm glad Leica is continuing to be dedicated to the Film M. And there never seems to be enough money for everything you want. I'd be happy just to afford to CLA my Nikon SP and get to use it before I sell it to pay for the Leica M's overhaul.
EVIL_Guy
Established
For me Leica M is "Film" = M2.
If I want electronics, I' use MY Minolta CLE ...
If I want electronics, I' use MY Minolta CLE ...
lxmike
M2 fan.
for me it would have to be the M2 but at the end of the day either way you will have a great camera
tuanvinh2000
Well-known
such overwhelming favour over the M2.
i like my leica with a meter, one less thing to carry around. I had wrongly exposed my film thinking the light didn't change that fast at the end of the day when light faded 1 stop per 10 mins! all the finder flare/zinc/bubble never bother me. love my m6! I had a troubled M2 that need a new curtain so i sold it and CLA my m6 and keep it forever.
i like my leica with a meter, one less thing to carry around. I had wrongly exposed my film thinking the light didn't change that fast at the end of the day when light faded 1 stop per 10 mins! all the finder flare/zinc/bubble never bother me. love my m6! I had a troubled M2 that need a new curtain so i sold it and CLA my m6 and keep it forever.
MCTuomey
Veteran
1. M6 superior/inferior? Not in any way most people find a deal-breaker given some time to accommodate. "Most" may not include you, Erik, but given your eclectic shooting, I think it would.
2. Valuation valid? No, because no one will pay much at all, if anything, for an M2 needing hundreds of dollars of work. You have choice b/w spending about $500 to fix the M2 versus the price of a nice M6, or M6ttl, or possibly an M7.
3. Would going meterless make me a better photographer? If by "better" you mean a high proportion of well exposed images, not likely unless you shoot in light that rarely changes quickly, or have a lot of time to meter off-camera, or are willing to put up with the not insubstantial learning curve of judging light within a stop or better to give you the high proportion that a well-used metered camera will give you now. I know some people who have this skill. They are a minority that I envy, but I don't fool myself into thinking I have time or talent to ever get there. That's how meters got here in the first place.
Decisive Moment & Leica: imho, the fastest shooting, most accurately exposing film Leica is the M7 in autoexposure mode, once you learn how to lock exposure when required. There's a reason it's the most expensive, non-homage based film M in the used market. It's a shooter's shooter.
If economics matter, just fix the M2 and don't think any harder 🙂
k__43
Registered Film User
I had a M2 first and later got an M6 mainly cos I wanted a black camera.
The M2 had one CLA already and got the curtains fixed. I've still both cameras but I rather like using the M6 since it is more reliable (at least of my two Ms) - the M2 has a much less even frame spacing which can be work later when scanning.
The M2 had one CLA already and got the curtains fixed. I've still both cameras but I rather like using the M6 since it is more reliable (at least of my two Ms) - the M2 has a much less even frame spacing which can be work later when scanning.
Dez
Bodger Extraordinaire
A curtain replacement is not a terribly difficult job on an M2, and the vertical alignment is trivial, a screw behind the little plug between the windows. I would send it to Youxin for a CLA including that work for a probably-very-reasonable price. The camera should be good for decades after that, or at least until you can't buy film anymore.
Cheers,
Dez
Cheers,
Dez
