M6 28mm lens help

[Huss]

why is the 0.58 more expensive and rare?

Leica made far fewer of them.

 

[robbeiflex]

is your m6 the classic 0.72?

Yes it is.

 

[Hjortsberg]

Thank you for everyone's time and input.

 

[maddoc]

I have no glasses and the 28mm frame lines of my 0.72 M6 were not comfortable for me at all. I sold my CV 28/3.5 because I rather use a 25/4 w/ external finder. The lens is great tho .. one of the best I had.

Same here. The Leica 0.72x VF is not really a good option for a 28mm lens, it is manageable if you take your time. I now have a 25/4 Snapshot Skopar, only f/4 but does not require using the RF and works well with external VF and the M3.

If you want a camera with a VF suitable for 28mm focal length, I would recommend the Hexar RF (0.6x VF) or even better the Bessa R4 (A or M).

 

[WJJ3]

I have an M6 (classic, with 0.72 finder) and I have difficulties with my 35 mm lens (with glasses). I survive somehow and do not have much difficulties with framing, but I would perfer the 0.58 only for 35mm, not to speak of 28mm.

Maybe others have less problems, but I would recommend to try to find a camera to test it - with glasses on.

I can echo this sentiment, the 0.72 mag finder doesn't allow comfortable viewing even for the 35mm focal length. I don't wear glasses but shoot lefty and don't like smashing my face against the camera...

FWIW eyepoint and viewing distance are worth considering if you are picky about camera handling.

To the OP, if you don't mind changing lenses while you are out shooting just go for the 28mm shoe-mount finder 🙂

BTW, I use a M3 and 0.58 M6, and they compliment each other really nicely

 

[Huss]

If you want a camera with a VF suitable for 28mm focal length, I would recommend the Hexar RF (0.6x VF) or even better the Bessa R4 (A or M).

Best camera for the 28mm VF is the Minolta CLE.

 

[VertovSvilova]

imho, Leica rangefinder cameras have never been about critical framing. fwiw, I use a Nikon F3 (100% viewfinder) when it's really important to be precise.

I don't wear glasses and use the 28mm Summicron on both a .72 M6 and the M4 (with no 28mm frame lines at all; just the outside edge of the finder window.) It's my most used lens and for me any subject matter with a Leica (and a wide angle lens) is about a spontaneous sort of photography and not so much as a calculated style. The Leica frame lines are more like "viewing aids" than anything else. At least that's how I use these cameras.

External viewfinders are good aids, too. But personally they slow me down. I use a 21mm on the M4 with no finder. That's a focal length that works well for me for zone focusing and quick reaction photography.

Everybody has their comfort zone and their own way of working. Maybe try out a 28mm and M6 .72 and also an external finder (borrow, rent, steal) and see what works best for you.

p.s., I don't understand why the .72 M6 and a 28mm are "difficult" at all (?) There are very visible frame lines in the finder. I use this combo all the time with zero issues.....

 

[Muju79]

I've found shooting 28mm on my .72 M6 frustrating, either by using the native VF or an external VF. I don't wear glasses and although I can see the 28 framelines it kind of gave me the same "what you see is not what you get" feeling of shooting a 35/40mm lens on a M3. I've put the 28 on a Minolta CLE, and it's a perfect pairing.

 

[Rob-F]

I wear glasses and I require the .58 finder for a 28mm lens. I even find it helpful with a 35mm lens. There is no need for concern about focusing accuracy. I use the 28mm Summicron (f/2) and at this short focal length the .58 finder is well within the necessary accuracy.

Are you sure you want to start with a 28mm? The 35mm is an easy lens to learn to shoot with, and has a very natural angle of view, and works well enough with the .72 finder when wearing glasses if you don't get a .58 finder.

 

[benji77]

I use my M3 with the ZM25/2.8 and the Zeiss 25/28mm Viewfinder. The option is to shoot your 28 blind, and on the fly without a viewfinder. I do this when I am lazy to have the VF on the camera. It is actually very refreshing, as it allows you to 'compose' on a whim and on instinct.

You dont have to buy an M6 for it 🙂, and instead, fund more lens.

 

[Hjortsberg]

I wear glasses and I require the .58 finder for a 28mm lens. I even find it helpful with a 35mm lens. There is no need for concern about focusing accuracy. I use the 28mm Summicron (f/2) and at this short focal length the .58 finder is well within the necessary accuracy.

Are you sure you want to start with a 28mm? The 35mm is an easy lens to learn to shoot with, and has a very natural angle of view, and works well enough with the .72 finder when wearing glasses if you don't get a .58 finder.

After reading comments here and doing a little more research, I actually think this is what I'm going to do, start with a 35mm lens.

Unless through some stroke of luck, I'll probably get the 0.72 M6. If the 0.58 shows up, I'll snatch that one up instead but they seem almost impossibly rare.

Thanks again for all the input.

 

[jonmanjiro]

The other options, although I don't know if either suits your needs, would be either a ZI or a Bessa R4.

Both these options are worth considering for 28mm IMO. I used to own an M6 TTL 0.58 and an MP 0.58, and found the ZI finder easier to use for 28mm lenses than these. Less finder distortion too (the Leicas have some barrel distortion). With it's lower mag. finder, the R4 will show even more space outside of the 28mm frame.

 

[Erik van Straten]

I dislike leica's 0.72 MP and M7.

Yes, for precise framing with a 50mm lens the best is the M3, then the M5 and finally the M2/M4.

The M5 is with 50mm more precise than the M2/M4 because film gate is just a little bit smaller.

Erik.

 

[f16sunshine]

After reading comments here and doing a little more research, I actually think this is what I'm going to do, start with a 35mm lens.

Unless through some stroke of luck, I'll probably get the 0.72 M6. If the 0.58 shows up, I'll snatch that one up instead but they seem almost impossibly rare.

Thanks again for all the input.

For a nice goggled 35mm for your M3 Look here in the RFF classified.
Not mine but I have enjoyed good exchanges with this seller from our forum membership.

 

[ferider]

When - like me - you like the 28mm focal length, a 35 will be a poor substitute.

I suggest not to follow the advice of 35mm fans and get the focal length you prefer. And, btw, the m6 35mm framelines are just as bad as the 50 - they are too small. The Leica with the best framelines for me is the brass M4p.

Many photographers have used 28mm with M4p and m6 before the m6 ttl came along.

The 90mm framelines are paired with the 28 framelines not by accident. Think about it.

Roland.