If You Have Set aside $1000~$2000

FrankS said:
Raid, you know how your M3 feels in your hands? Can you feel a difference in build quality in your Bessa T? Some people say they can't, or they say it doesn't matter to them because it's the results that count. That's fine for them, but for me, the process in enjoyable too, and I really enjoy using a very fine tool. That's what the M6 is.

I've not held a Contax Zi, or a Hexar RF. Both of these cameras rely on batteries to operate at all. No problem for most folks. For me, I appreciate the reassurance that my M6 will continue to take pictures sans electricity. I know that one can carry a spare battery no problem, When one is talking about equipment at this high level, it is the little things that count. Something that is important for one person, isn't for another. A camera is something personal like a guitar. At the mid and top range of guitars, they are all great, but little things about different guitars appeal to some and other things bug some. It's very subjective, isn't it. For me, I have more confidence (rightfully placed or not) in a mechanical camera over an electronic one. This is not an issue for others and that's perfectly okay. Everyone's mileage may vary!
Click to expand...


Frank: My M3 feels great in my hands and it is in my eyes a masterpiece to be enjoyed while taking photos with it and afterwards. I don'tknow how I managed to keep it mintish looking so long; maybe my respect for its beauty?
The Bessa T feels like a cheap toy in comparison even though it functions very well. The meter is dead on and so is its rangefinder, but using external finders is not always fun. I also prefer mechanical cameras and that's why I mentioned up front the M6, being the last of its breed. I have no hesitation using a non-Leitz lens on a Leica camera.

Yes, the small differences count, and that's way it is in real life. When you reach the top, it takes extraordinary efforts to get higher up there. I already have very functional equipment that by no means is inferior, so I need that extra jump upwards to make spend so much money [it is a lot] for yet another camera and lens.


Regards,

Raid
 
back alley said:
if it were my money...

leica m 6 with current elmar

zeiss ikon with planar

leica cl with cv 40/1.4

in no particular order...
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Joe: Can you tell me how you find the Zeiss equipment compared to that made by Leitz?

Raid
 
FrankS said:
Raid, you know how your M3 feels in your hands? Can you feel a difference in build quality in your Bessa T? Some people say they can't, or they say it doesn't matter to them because it's the results that count. That's fine for them, but for me, the process in enjoyable too, and I really enjoy using a very fine tool. That's what the M6 is.

I've not held a Contax Zi, or a Hexar RF. Both of these cameras rely on batteries to operate at all. No problem for most folks. For me, I appreciate the reassurance that my M6 will continue to take pictures sans electricity.
Click to expand...

I swear, if Frank would like in-thread images we'd be twins 😉
 
Rich Silfver said:
I swear, if Frank would like in-thread images we'd be twins 😉
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Don't get me started on the dam (sic) in-line images slowing everything down and making the thread jump all over the as it loads! 🙂

The trust in simple mechanics is not as unusual here at RFF, where most folks are using an antiquated film camera design, as it is in the general electronic-loving public.

Think of it as un-plugged. Acoustic guitar over electric.
 
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the only new leica lenses i have played with have been at the local pro shop and just for brief moments.
the leica lenses weigh more or at least they feel heavier.
they both feel smooth and easy to focus.

as much as i seem to buy/sell/trade i don't look at my gear as investments so that might make a difference for you. i remember you wanting to see/not use your m3 because it was too nice. i have no such compunctions.
i am pleased as can be with the zeiss gear i have.
and after looking at sean reid's website and the side by side testing he has done, for example - the leica, zeiss and cv 50mm lenses - i preferred the cv and zm versions to the leica, though all produced great images.

we all worry to much about gear and the small differences in end results they produce.
i have shot more this summer than most and i see that continuing in the coming rainy and snow seasons. my perspective is changing.

buy what you think will make you happy because the pics won't be all that much different.
 
raid amin said:
The Hexar sounds very good, but what about some people's concerns about the Leitz lense sbeing not 100% compatible or the repeated postings about relaibility problems with the Hexar body?
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Raid, I think the article by Dante Stella I linked to before puts that myth to rest for me.

William
 
I would definitely consider the Zeiss Ikon or even the M5 before the M6, but that's just me. From what I gather, the Ikon feels *slightly* cheaper than the M6, but is just as solid, and the viewfinder is supposed to be great. The M5, well it's an M, it has a meter, and it's cheaper than a M6.
 
matt fury said:
I would definitely consider the Zeiss Ikon or even the M5 before the M6, but that's just me. From what I gather, the Ikon feels *slightly* cheaper than the M6, but is just as solid, and the viewfinder is supposed to be great. The M5, well it's an M, it has a meter, and it's cheaper than a M6.
Click to expand...

I had the oportunity to handle a ZI a few months ago and a) yes, the body did feel 'cheaper' than a Leica M (and the design is, in my eyes, not nearly as attractive - however b) the viewfinder was really nice (bright, clear and big).
 
Raid,

Whether it is true or not that Leica is the best, it is the choice you are least likely to second guess yourself on. Which, in the end, leads to the most economical choice (no second doubts to cause more equipment trades or sales).

That said, I think you would be well served by a M6/M6TTL. Probably the best bargain in terms of the qualities you are looking for. As for lenses ... the 4th tabbed and 5th hooded version summicrons are simply terrific. Equal in just about every metric save name ... sharpness, build quality, bokeh ... are the M-hexanon Konica lenses. So a 50mm hexanon might be a great option too.

BTW, the whole incompatibility issue between m-hexanon lenses and leica bodies is nonsense and urban legend, they simply work great.

M6TTL plus late summicron will probably push you to the high end of your $2000 upper limit, but it is worth it to buy right and buy happy the first time 🙂

good luck
 
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Raid,
There's something to be said for the piece of mind that comes with buying new or relatively new. I have two M6's (chrome, of course) and a summi and modern elmar. It feels good knowing that my shots are as good as I can make them without fretting about old lenses and bodies and the quirks they bring to the shoot.

FWIW, the tabbed summi has the same optical formula as the next gen. You can save a lot there.
 
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M6 classic is a good deal these days

M6 classic is a good deal these days

I have been guilty of keeping track of M6 prices on the 'bay, here's the last two:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...30023279743&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEDW:IT&rd=1
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...80022095090&rd=1&sspagename=STRK:MEDW:IT&rd=1

I would say its a real good deal at under $1000...some of them including a lens do $1300 to $1400
Of course these numbers are for used equipment in EXC+ condition, the Mint in the box examples do more(which I don't think matters for what you want to do).
I would definitly buy the M6, use it for a few months and sell it if you still wonder about the Bessa. You won't lose much, probably going to cost you next to nothing for using the M6.
Kiu
 
I don't care about tabs or no tabs and I am this time not looking for a mint example of a camera. In fact, a recently CLA'd user's M6 would be optimal.

Raid
 
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IMO: The best bang for the buck 50 Summicron you can buy is version 3, built from 1969 to 1979, the first black 50 Summicron. It is optically very close to the latest lens. Slight improvements, esp. in coatings have been made, but for it's age, it is a fairly modern performer. $300-$500 I think
 
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