In the market for an M6

[Ara Ghajanian]

Hi all,
It's been quite a while since I've been on this forum. I'm finally going to purchase a rangefinder and I'm certain that I want an M6. I shoot alot of available light photos especially bands in clubs. My Nikon F3 was doing the job okay, but I need a mirrorless camera. I like the idea of shooting with a Leica with both eyes open. This concept fascinates me and I want to explore it. The only thing is which M6 should I get? The .72 or the .85?

Also, I want to get a 50mm preferably an f2 or so. I don't want to spend more than $500 on a lens and it has to be Leica. Any suggestions?
Ara

 

[back alley]

put a want to buy ad in the classifieds here, no charge.

joe

 

[ghost]

the .85 viewfinder is not high enough to get the floating frame effect.

 

[Kyle]

If you want to shoot with both eyes open you're going to need to get the .85 M6 and add a 1.25x magnifier. Or you can get a Voigtlander Bessa R3A/M which has a 1:1 viewfinder magnification.

You can get a 50/2 Summicron for $500. There's also the new Zeiss 50/2 Planar which is a really good lens, can be had used for $500. It really is a stellar lens and you shouldn't discount it just because it doesn't have a red dot.

 

[BillBingham2]

You might want to look at CV lenses too. I have a 40/1.4 which is great wide open. They also have a 35/1.2 which is a bit higher new than you want to spend, but speed often helps. How close can you get to what you are shooting? You might look at a 85/2 or 90/2 (Nikkor or Leica), both are great lenses. If you're into existing darkness, the 35/1.2 and 75/1.4 (CV and Leica) would make a great pair, big, but they would pull in light like a black hole!

I'm not much of a 50mm lover, but agree with Kyle, don't ignore non-Leica glass. The new stuff, CV and ZI can be very close to and in some cases better (in some aspects) than current Leica.

Welcome to the fun side of photography.

B2 (;->

 

[ghost]

i recommend the r3m and 50/2 heliar classic set.

http://cameraquest.com/voigt_250.htm

 

[ijohnnyz]

I'm also in the market for an M6 but I would wait until after the holidays when everyone is broke with bills to pay. I think used prices will dip a bit come February. Just wishful speculations.

 

[pvenables]

Ara

My recommendation for a cheap 50 would be the Dual Range Summicron.

Mine is 46 years old and I am absolutely bowled over by its look and sharpness, even wide open.

It does flare facing into strong light so with you taking photos in clubs it might be worth your while buying one, and seeing if you like the effect. A hood helps. If you don't like it I'm sure there would be people on the forum interested in buying it from you.

Given that potential drawback it could be the only 50 you'll ever need. Of all my lenses [35 v4 Summicron, current 50 Elmar, 50 DR Summicron and 90 Elmar-C] it's the one I'd least like to part with.

Paul

Paul