Pablito
coco frío
Only reason I can think to switch to an M6 is if you want to be able to rewind faster. But then you could get one of those rapid rewind cranks for the MP.
Help me. I'm about to sell my MP for an M6...should I?
- Thread starter rich815
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drewbarb
picnic like it's 1999
I recieved my first M camera from an elderly relative when I became a photographer professionally. It was an M3 he had bought 35 years previously, and barely used, and it was in really mint, perfect condtion. I agonized over whether to use it and turn it into a user, or keep it in a drawer. I knew I'd never sell it, as it was a gift from a relative and sort-of a family heirloom, so I decided to use it as it was intended. The first dings and mark hurt a little, and it's now far from the collector's dream it was when it was given to me, but I love it that much more, and I no longer worry about it's cosmetic condition.
I'd say keep your MP, and use it, rather than trading down. The M6 is a fine camera, no doubt, but the MP has a better brass top plate, an improved finder, a better meter, and whatever other internal mechanical improvements they made (?) over the M6. In the long run, it's not much money you are talking about; it'll go fast, and you'll have little to show for the effort except a slightly worse camera. If that amount of money really is a big deal to you, maybe you should buy a cheaper camera altogether- lots of cameras will take great pictures. I am sometimes hard-pressed to see differences in negs from my Leicas and ones from my Canonet.
Either way, consider investing in good equipment insurance coverage. That way, you'll be covered no matter what gear you carry to the wrong side of the tracks.
I'd say keep your MP, and use it, rather than trading down. The M6 is a fine camera, no doubt, but the MP has a better brass top plate, an improved finder, a better meter, and whatever other internal mechanical improvements they made (?) over the M6. In the long run, it's not much money you are talking about; it'll go fast, and you'll have little to show for the effort except a slightly worse camera. If that amount of money really is a big deal to you, maybe you should buy a cheaper camera altogether- lots of cameras will take great pictures. I am sometimes hard-pressed to see differences in negs from my Leicas and ones from my Canonet.
Either way, consider investing in good equipment insurance coverage. That way, you'll be covered no matter what gear you carry to the wrong side of the tracks.
R
ray_g
Guest
haagen_dazs said:
I can't see it on the photos. You may want to call Tony.
Berliner
Well-known
If you have been using the MP, the finder on the M6 may dissapoint you. I got a bp MP, knowing it would 'mature well'. You can always get it repainted-right? --If one has never used the MP, it may not be noticable. I found an M6 TTL, about a year after I bought the MP. I had to have it, it was one of the "Last 999 M6's" --also a 'collocter'. But not for me--I bought it because it was new and had passport, and it's top-plate was brass, not zinc, which does not 'mature so well' . Soon after I bought it, I sent it to Leica for the finder upgrade. I could not live with the M6's finder after the MP's. You bought the MP because you felt it was the best camera available, right? USE IT! Put it in a half case, if you must, but use it!
JCT
Established
This reminds me of the endless question in my profession-- where people switch universities like ballplayers switch teams, always looking for those greener pastures.
The key is to always "move for good reasons, not to escape bad" -- you already have a spectacular piece of gear, it's not clear to me what you would actually gain from the switch. Insure the MP and use it like it was intended -- forever. That's what they were made for.
My guess is that someday you would regret trading down.
Enjoy and good luck,
JT
The key is to always "move for good reasons, not to escape bad" -- you already have a spectacular piece of gear, it's not clear to me what you would actually gain from the switch. Insure the MP and use it like it was intended -- forever. That's what they were made for.
My guess is that someday you would regret trading down.
Enjoy and good luck,
JT
Hephaestus
Established
If you're looking to trade for an M6 TTL, and the deal with the store falls through, I'd consider giving you similar value in a trade for mine (particularly if your MP is silver-chrome- I feel terrible mounting older silver lenses on my black TTL.
As to your concern- the major advantage the m6 TTL has is the larger shutter speed wheel that is located at the front edge. It's much easier to adjust with your eye to the finder.
However, the MP finder has been improved to me more resistant to flaring in some severe lighting situations.
I can understand your feelings. I was given a really high end pocket knife with mammoth ivory inlaid in the handle some years ago. It's a superb little blade and a heck of a nice tool- but I NEVER use it because it just looks too nice! I've had the same concern with cameras- and so most of my shooting happens with a Canon P. 🙂
-Ryan
As to your concern- the major advantage the m6 TTL has is the larger shutter speed wheel that is located at the front edge. It's much easier to adjust with your eye to the finder.
However, the MP finder has been improved to me more resistant to flaring in some severe lighting situations.
I can understand your feelings. I was given a really high end pocket knife with mammoth ivory inlaid in the handle some years ago. It's a superb little blade and a heck of a nice tool- but I NEVER use it because it just looks too nice! I've had the same concern with cameras- and so most of my shooting happens with a Canon P. 🙂
-Ryan
slydee
The Traveller
Like Bill, This camera are made to be use, not keep in a closet!
My cameras are always with me, where ever I go, I just made a tripp in south-america with my 2 MP, and with the Luigi's cases they are like they were before I left... No reason to not use it!
My cameras are always with me, where ever I go, I just made a tripp in south-america with my 2 MP, and with the Luigi's cases they are like they were before I left... No reason to not use it!
mw_uio
Well-known
Here is an idea, get a custom strap, made of leather, and have some piano wire run inside it, thus it will withstand anyone with a knife who tries to cut it from you. When you are in the doggy side of San Fran, wear some bad clothes, jeans, and steal toe boots (black), and a jacket [something that is well worn, possibly with some paint on it, and lots of pockets] that is some what loose fitting with your camera [inside] slung on one side of your body. When you are walking, know one will see your camera. Also, do not bath that day your are going to photograph, wear a baseball hat. Do not wear clothes with labels on them. No watch, no rings, no jewerly, and only a few one dollar bills in your pocket. If you must carry ID, in the bottom of your boot. Also no keys, leave them with a friend or family member at home. Now you are in stealth mode, for your photography journey into the zone of unknown. Bring a friend who can look out for you. If you feel the heat, and if there are some shops, go inside, for cover. Change your film inside a store, not on the street. Have a fresh pack of Camel's/Marlboro's with you! 😀
Keep the MP and use it and enjoy it! 😀 Go hard or go home! 😀
MArk
Quito, EC
Keep the MP and use it and enjoy it! 😀 Go hard or go home! 😀
MArk
Quito, EC
back alley
IMAGES
get insurance and enjoy your camera.
Bill Blackwell
Leica M Shooter
Tuolumne said:
ray_g said:
Based on what?
The MP is no more (or less) than a re-tagged, re-badged, re-skinned M6 classic with an added condenser lens in the VF (originally taken out during the M4-2 run) and an inferior eyepiece design.
The reality is that the MP is not “better made” than an M6. Such a notion is simply ridiculous!
MikeL
Go Fish
Hi Rich,
Better to wear out than rust out! Dropping my Nikon S3 2000 in the BART station has worked out well since it still works great and I don't worry about it. A few dings and your MP won't have the percieved value anymore. If you need any help with the dings.........
Better to wear out than rust out! Dropping my Nikon S3 2000 in the BART station has worked out well since it still works great and I don't worry about it. A few dings and your MP won't have the percieved value anymore. If you need any help with the dings.........
swoop
Well-known
I had a new M7 and placed it into the same pocket as a roll of film. It went for about 3 hours with the two just rubbing against one another. When I got home and noticed what I did. I damn near died inside. My new (actually about 7 months old at that point) M7 had worn away at the edge from metal on metal contact. But then I thought to myself that it's my camera. I don't ever intend on selling it. I'm set on using it until it falls apart in my hands. So why worry about the value of the camera. Just use it to do what I bought it to do. And honestly, the whole reason I bought into the "Leica" thing was because they had a long record of reliability. And I treat my stuff harsh. I expect it to work. I bought it to use, not to take care of.
It really doesn't make sense to sell your MP because it's in good condition. You spent hard earned money on it. And I bet you wanted something in pristine condition. And now you're doubting yourself because it's apparently too good for you? Don't fuss about it. That is essentially what you're saying. The camera is too good for you. It's nice and pretty and unscathed and you baby it because you want to keep it that way. But then you're just going to sell it for a more rugged looking camera? It's strange. Keep the MP. It's yours. And make it yours truly by wearing it in.
It really doesn't make sense to sell your MP because it's in good condition. You spent hard earned money on it. And I bet you wanted something in pristine condition. And now you're doubting yourself because it's apparently too good for you? Don't fuss about it. That is essentially what you're saying. The camera is too good for you. It's nice and pretty and unscathed and you baby it because you want to keep it that way. But then you're just going to sell it for a more rugged looking camera? It's strange. Keep the MP. It's yours. And make it yours truly by wearing it in.
M
Magus
Guest
Post deleted by posters request
DriesI
Established
End of last year I bought a black paint MP3 kit from Tony at Popflash. Actually, Tony just sold his kit, but managed to fetch for me (one of) the last available at Leica USA. (BTW I have never ever had a greater customer experience, offline or online)
It arrived an endless two months later (I live in Europe) and was absolutely gorgeous.
At first I didn't dare to use it, but then decided what the heck and went out. First week my lens shade got dinged, but actually I was relieved it happend.
I hope my M stays long enough with me untill it looks like this:
From http://www.steves-digicams.com/smp/01042004.html
(scroll to bottom)
It arrived an endless two months later (I live in Europe) and was absolutely gorgeous.
At first I didn't dare to use it, but then decided what the heck and went out. First week my lens shade got dinged, but actually I was relieved it happend.
I hope my M stays long enough with me untill it looks like this:
From http://www.steves-digicams.com/smp/01042004.html
(scroll to bottom)
Turtle
Veteran
The MP is wonderful; use it! I felt the same in some ways but if you think about where you keep lenses, how you carry the camera etc, you should be reasonably safe with it. An m6 might be worth less, but it is still going to hurst if it is stolen!
Harry Lime
Practitioner
Keep the MP. It's the smoother, better made camera. You're going to have spend an additional $200 on the M6 to get the flare fix upgrade applied to the rangefinder (the MP already has this upgrade).
Just use the MP. If it gets scratched or dinged, even better. Make up some story about how it got dented; as you ere fleeing an angry mob of rug sales men in India. Chicks dig that sort of stuff.
If someone really wants your camera, they are going to attempt to take it, regardless of it being and MP or M6. In my experience 99% of the population think that any M camera is an antique, not worth the neckstrap it's hanging from (especially if it's brassed, dinged etc). But what will get you in trouble is if you treat it like an expensive object, while you're running around.
Just use the MP. If it gets scratched or dinged, even better. Make up some story about how it got dented; as you ere fleeing an angry mob of rug sales men in India. Chicks dig that sort of stuff.
If someone really wants your camera, they are going to attempt to take it, regardless of it being and MP or M6. In my experience 99% of the population think that any M camera is an antique, not worth the neckstrap it's hanging from (especially if it's brassed, dinged etc). But what will get you in trouble is if you treat it like an expensive object, while you're running around.
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M
Magus
Guest
Post deleted by posters request
M
Magus
Guest
Post deleted by posters request
Paul T.
Veteran
I'd say get the M6. But I'm coming from a phase where I realised I was taking better photos with my CL than with my black paint M4, so I got rid. it's nice owning luscious, tactile, well-made objects. But it's also good to use what you have, effectively. If you're likely to take the M6 out more, and if you're short of a lens, I can't see a significant downside, because you're likely to end up with better photos.
Personally, and I hesitate to say this, while I applaud Leica for producing the MP, it does seem something of a posers' camera, one its users are more likely to take photos OF, than WITH... (dons steel helmet and runs for cover...).
Personally, and I hesitate to say this, while I applaud Leica for producing the MP, it does seem something of a posers' camera, one its users are more likely to take photos OF, than WITH... (dons steel helmet and runs for cover...).
Olsen
Well-known
Keep the MP! It is both better and higher valued, -and will stay so, than the M6.
If 'the other side of the tracks' is so unbareable; move to Europe were you get law and order included in your tax bill. - Nor do I think that a very analogue freak with a very old fasioned analogue camera catches the eye of a criminal 'over there' anymore. You will be pardon'ed. Regardless of which analogue camera model you will be carrying.
If 'the other side of the tracks' is so unbareable; move to Europe were you get law and order included in your tax bill. - Nor do I think that a very analogue freak with a very old fasioned analogue camera catches the eye of a criminal 'over there' anymore. You will be pardon'ed. Regardless of which analogue camera model you will be carrying.
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