Leica M2,M6 or M8

[Dpingr1]

Great thing about Leica M's is that the prices are pretty stable -- if you don't like it you can get most, if not all, of your money back (unless you greatly overpaid.) If you're not sure about a film/scanning workflow, then you probably won't like the M2 or any other film camera anymore. As for developing, it is easy to do by mail and pretty cheap if you don't have prints made. (Easier to do at home, but again, not for everyone.) Everybody here is familiar with the desire to shoot with a film M, but actually using one is definitely not for everyone. Don't feel bad -- use the camera you want, film or digital. That's why there are so many kinds.

 

[Bill Blackwell]

Keep the M2, save a little more and grab an m240.

Personally I hated the M8 (crop factor, small 10mp sensor, IR Cut filters) - no thanks!

It comes down to the the old decision of digital vs. film.

If you like film, then stick with the M2 - there's arguably no better M camera on the planet!

But if you opt for digital, get yourself an M240 (or, better yet, an MP 240) or an M10 and get your lenses 6-bit coded (Don Goldburg "DAG" can get that done for you for about $100 per lens - including shipping both ways). 6-bit coding will make your digital shooting experience much more pleasant and you'll have your lens info on the EXIF data for future reference.

 

[David Hughes]

There are mail order labs and film is worth waiting for or does it have to be a 10 minute service?


Driving costs money and time but waiting for film to be D&P'd used to be part of the fun...


Regards, David

 

[teddy]

I love my M2, it has all I need. Sometimes I want a built in meter but then there will be a compromise on build quality. This is why it's a classic.

 

[punkzter]

If you can get an M6 at the price of an M2, grab it. Try it out, and then sell it if you don't like it.

 

[Range-rover]

I know what you mean, I went a purchased a new to me Gossen Luna Pro digital
to use with it, it's arriving late I hope it's not lost.

 

[punkzter]

...otherwise, tell me/pm me where it is, so I can buy it 🙂

 

[jsrockit]

Bob, keep the M2 for when you want to play with a Leica (and get the rolls developed and scanned) and use the Fuji and other digital cameras for your real photography!

However, if you can truly get an M6 for a little more than the M2, you should...because they go for a lot more these days everywhere else.

 

[Range-rover]

I'll have to search for that John, the prices are really high for those.

 

[Mark C]

Bob, keep the M2 for when you want to play with a Leica (and get the rolls developed and scanned) and use the Fuji and other digital cameras for your real photography!

...

Or get a Fuji for messing around, and keep the M2 for real photography! That's what I did, but the Fuji doesn't get much use.

 

[Bingley]

Hadn't thought of that, the Ricoh GRIII, then go Leica Digital M style, budget permitting.

Agree with Helen and Akiva: an M2 with a 50, and a Ricoh GIII would be a really sweet kit. I do something similar with a Fuxi X70 instead of the GIII.

 

[jsrockit]

Or get a Fuji for messing around, and keep the M2 for real photography! That's what I did, but the Fuji doesn't get much use.

I knew that would get someone's attention. I only said it because he doesn't want to develop and he lives far from somewhere which can process his film. Of course the M2 is perfect for real photography.

 

[Beemermark]

Put an MR-4 meter on the M2 and you have a far better camera than the M6. Just IMHO.

 

[jrose125]

That's like asking if you should buy a pickup, a station wagon, or a sports car. If you're going to shoot film and need a built-in meter, the M6. If you're going to shoot film and don't need a built-in meter, the M2. If you want digital and don't mind the crop factor, the M8. Just don't buy the Miata and then complain when it won't haul a cord of firewood.

This is an analogy I can get behind!

 

[Damaso]

Grab the M8!!!!!

 

[Mudman]

I used an M8 for several years. I have 0 regrets upgrading to the m240. I would personally skip the m8. Great camera for its time, but imo way overpriced and quirky for today

 

[steveyork]

M2 is my favorite film M, and I've used a lot of different film M's over the years.

 

[narsuitus]

I'm a bit confused I purchased a m2 in really nice shape, but all
of the sudden I find a M6 and M8 at a price's a little more than the M2
I purchased.

I enjoy using the M6 for black & white film and the Fuji X-Pro1 for digital color.
If I were in your position, I would keep the M2 and also get a Fuji X-Pro2.

Leica M6 & Fuji X-Pro1 by Narsuitus, on Flickr

 

[Range-rover]

That's what I kinda have now, a Fuji X-pro 1 and a Leica M2. I really like the
Fuji it's sharp and colors are great. I used to have another used one a few years
back but it was well worn and had a strange stain on the sensor.

 

[Ccoppola82]

Put an MR-4 meter on the M2 and you have a far better camera than the M6. Just IMHO.

Totally agree. I have an m2 and m6. When I got the m6 I put the m2 down for a few months. I sent the m6 to DAG for some work, picked up the m2 again and went "damn this is such a nicer camera!" Now they are used equally. Different film stocks and both frequently used.