Leica M6 vs. Konica Hexar RF vs. Zeiss Ikon ZM

[rivyr]

Thank you everyone again for the responses! Now though, I seem to be really in a pickle! I was looking around for advice on the internet and I stumbled across the other really beautiful Leica cameras... I am not going back and forth between a Leica M2, M4, M4-2, M4-P, M5, M6. Basically the majority of these beautiful cameras. I am really Considering the M2, the M4, M4-2, M6.

Regarding the M2: I would really like to buy this camera, but I am having trouble finding one in good condition, that is at a good price.

Regarding the M4: The price for this is a little high oddly...

Regarding the M4-2: This one I am curious about, it seems really good, but some people don't really like it...

Regarding the M4-P: I don't really want that cluttered VF but I guess I am open.

Regarding the M5: It seems nice, but I don't know. Maybe just because it is unpopular I am a little weary.

Regarding the M6: Cluttered VF and the price is a little up their.

Anyway, I don't know what to do... If anyone can tell me more about any of these Leicas, like which one they like, that would be amazing! Also, if anyone has more info on the M4-2, that would be cool. Thank you!

 

[Bob Michaels]

Thank you everyone again for the responses! Now though, I seem to be really in a pickle! I was looking around for advice on the internet and ............................

May I suggest you do what people did before the internet and never ending discussion? Just buy a camera (any camera) and love shooting photos with it.

Really, this ain't rocket science.

 

[robbeiflex]

Don't over complicate this. Do what people did before the internet existed. Go to a shop that has a few of the models you are considering. Inspect them, wind film advance levers, push shutter release buttons, look through viewfinders, test meters, etc. You will figure out what you want, or at least narrow it down to much fewer options, very easily.

Cheers,
Rob

 

[robbeiflex]

PS: Had a ZI (great camera!) and now have an M6 (also wonderful!). Seems the AE was not for me. Ironically I sold the ZI to someone who had an M6 and wanted a second camera with AE. Such is life. Different strokes for different folks.

Cheers,
Rob

 

[Dirk]

Hexar Rf is not a good long-term proposition, what with the difficulties getting it repaired, etc. ZI is nice, but too close in price to a M6. M6 will probably keep its price and may even go up in value. Future ZI resale value is an open question. Given the advantage in repairability over the Hexar, and potential resale value over the ZI, I say go with the M6.

 

[Tom Diaz]

This is fun... I will never completely tire of it. On the one hand, I agree with Bob Michaels and others that, at some point, it'd be good to go hold one of these cameras and decide. Maybe even buy it and try it, on the assumption that (if you buy a Leica of any vintage) you would get back most or all of your money if you want to switch.


On the other hand, I would advise you to start with the M6 (or M6TTL). The "complicated viewfinder" has a frame for a 28mm lens, which is a good thing in my opinion. Frames for 6 different lenses, actually, so you don't need any auxiliary viewfinders for anything from 28mm to 135mm. Auxiliary viewfinders slow you down a lot...

I feel sure you would be happy with any of the other Ms you mention if one offers you a serious price advantage. If the M6 is at a good price, go for it, because it's the newest one that will have the fewest miles on it.

Tom

 

[bobby_novatron]

I'm with Tom Diaz -- I don't mind the 'complicated viewfinder' of the M6. I like having the different framelines available. The M6 is really versatile in that way.

I also agree with Tom -- go with the M6. You get the most bang for your buck, if you can rationalize spending $1000+ for a 20 year old camera.

BTW, there is no reason why any Leica camera from an honest vendor should need to be taken in for repairs immediately after purchasing it. Especially if you buy from KEH or Adorama, or a RFF member.

If it's not already obvious, I'm biased towards the M6! LOL! I really love mine to death.

I personally would not get any of the M4's, only because I think the prices have creeped up a little too high nowadays, it is hard to justify getting an M4 unless you're a really hardcore Leica collector / user and want that particular body ... an M6 is a great rangefinder camera, they're well-built, and very similar to an M4 but with the center-weighted metering. (caveat -- I know there are many Leicaphiles out there who will wince when I say the M4 and M6 are 'very similar', because I am sure there are significant differences, but they share a lot of the same design features and Leica family genes, so I don't think it's a stretch to say they're close cousins)

 

[bwcolor]

I second the suggestion that you just buy a camera.

I matched my cameras to the lenses that I wanted to use. If I had one camera to cover many focal lengths, it would be the Ikon. One camera and one lens Ikon/35mm f/2.8 C Biogon, or .58 M6TTL and the Biogon.

21-28mm R4a (or m)
35-50mm Ikon, M4, M6(TTL)(0.58)
50-90mm Fast Lenses M3
Quiet: Leica
Smallest: R4-
Best Viewfinder Ikon
Future Support: Leica
Best Image in a small package: Bronica RF645.. not owned Fuji

Pick one.. they are all good.



Just buy a camera...