M6 On The Way!

[digitaldave]

Based on numerous recommendations from people here, I just ordered an M6 Classic, my first Leica, from Ffordes! The serial number puts it around 1997 I think, so a very late model. It was quite a bit cheaper than most other M6 Classics I've seen in UK dealers, mainly because the condition is listed as Exc+, so I'm expecting a few scratches. It should be with me tomorrow morning, I can't wait 🙂.

Now all I need is a lens to put on it!

Dave.

 

[kully]

Congratulations Dave, having bought from FFordes before their condition marking is nicely conservative. My Exc++ VC T-Winder only had a small nick I had to search to see.

 

[markinlondon]

Enjoy the M6, Dave. ffordes are usually a bit conservative in their ratings so it shouldn't be too beaten up.

 

[Gid]

Enjoy. Its a lovely camera. Nice to see a non digital post 🙂

 

[ChrisN]

Congratulations! What lens are you considering?

 

[digitaldave]

What lens are you considering?

No idea yet! The problem is that funds are somewhat limited, so I need to find a relatively cheap one to get me started. I'd like a black 50 Summicron to match the black body, but none of the UK based dealers I've looked at have them. I might have a look at the CV options if nothing else comes up.

Any suggestions?

 

[markinlondon]

You can't go wrong with a Summicron, Dave. You could get an older Elmar for about the same as a used CV Nokton. They look sort of OK on a black body.

http://static.flickr.com/96/250473781_2ebe1a1e62_o.jpg

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[Leicabug]

Congratulations! I am sure you will enjoy yours like I have enjoyed mine for almost 10 years. Our M6s are probably of the same age. Mine M6, #2289569, bought brand new from Tamarkin in '97. It has not given me any problem whatsoever. I had mine replaced with MP finder last year by Leica. The meter is extremely accurate and the photos are stunning. Enjoy it.

 

[Benjamin Marks]

Congrats. You will like the camera. I think that the M6 classic is the best Leica value these days. A camera that will work hard for decades and take all of that great glass. I have had one since the early 90's and it has served me well.

Post some snaps!

Ben

 

[jja]

Congrats, the M6 is a great camera. For affordable lenses, have you considered a 40/2 Summicron or 40/2 Rokkor? These lenses have very good reputations, and will cost about half the price of a used 50/2 Summicron.

Here are a couple for sale:

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00IkWx&tag=

The seller is based in the UK. I do not know him, but he is a photo.net regular. Good luck.

 

[digitaldave]

Congrats, the M6 is a great camera. For affordable lenses, have you considered a 40/2 Summicron or 40/2 Rokkor? These lenses have very good reputations, and will cost about half the price of a used 50/2 Summicron.

Here are a couple for sale:

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00IkWx&tag=

The seller is based in the UK. I do not know him, but he is a photo.net regular. Good luck.

I saw that ad this morning, but I have no idea what they sell for. My main worry would be that 40mm is very close to 50mm and 35mm, both of which I was thinking about getting - unless I just get the 40mm and take a few steps forward or backward 😉.

 

[markinlondon]

They usually sell for £200-odd, Dave. One thing to consider with the 40 is that it brings up the 50 frames in an M body which are a bit tight for 40 (actually in he M6 the frame is a bit tight for 50) so most people modify the lens to bring up the 35 frame which is a very close fit.

 

[jja]

I saw that ad this morning, but I have no idea what they sell for. My main worry would be that 40mm is very close to 50mm and 35mm, both of which I was thinking about getting - unless I just get the 40mm and take a few steps forward or backward 😉.

You have outlined the exact reason I have hesitated getting a 40--it's very close to what I already have, a 50mm and a 35mm. That being said, I've always been tempted by the 40's compactness. Since this is your first lens, you could see it as a temporary acquisition until you're ready for a 35 or a 50. You will not lose money reselling a 40/2. I don't know what they sell for in the UK, but I have seen the Rokkor go for around $250-$300 on these forums. Someone can correct me if I am off.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[jja]

See bottom of this page, under "40mm Cron C and my new M6!" for samples of the 40/2.

 

[digitaldave]

Well, I ordered the M6 on Friday AM, and it arrived Saturday AM. You guys are right, Ffordes do err on the side of caution with their descriptions - although it has clearly been used, the general standard is really good, with a some slight wear to the finish on the rewind crank, and apparently there is a very small ding somewhere around the bottom plate, but I'll be damned if I can see it! The rest appears pretty good to me, the covering is in good shape, and it even has the clear plastic film on the bottom plate 🙂.

Dave.