M6 or M4-p

[D-M]

I wish I could have the budget for a MP or M7 but it's not the case. So, I’m looking for a used first RF. Witch one, between a M6 and M4-P you would recommend and why.
I found a M6 in very good condition recently serviced, and a M4-P with a 28/2.8
for almost the same price of the other.
My main concern is the metering system, what are the advantages of the M4-P over the M6 if there’s some. Is it easy and fast to use and get used of an external meter devise? Is it more comfortable to use the M6 wit it's integrate system.

I'd like to have your opinions.

Thanks

 

[rover]

Once you get used to using a handheld meter I think the photographic process is faster than when you rely on a built in meter. My reason is that you have one less issue to consider when you bring the camera to your eye as the exposure question is answered in advance. So, raise the camera, focus, compose and click, other than focus, mess with exposure, then compose and click.

 

[FrankS]

There is no advantage of the M4-P over an M6. The M6 has a built in meter, otherwise they are pretty much the same. The only advantage is in the 2 deals you have available. What is the make of the 28mm lens? If it is a Leica, then buy it with the M4-P because it has a considerable value. Personally, I would pay up to an additional $300 or so for an M6 over an M4-P, to get a newer camera with a built in meter.

 

[FrankS]

If one camera is serviced and the other is not, consider that you can spend $100 to $300 for a CLA (depending where you get it done.)

 

[Pablito]

I own both and prefer the feel of M4-P, which is smoother and maybe a tiny bit quieter, but I use the M6 more because of the convenience of the meter.

 

[George S.]

I'd agree it depends on condition, and the 28mm lens's value added to the deal. The M6 has the built-in meter, but I've been using one of the newer Voightlander slip-on meters and find it to be just as fast to use. I've always had a personal preference for the black M4-P.

 

[George S.]

How do I get rid of the phantom gallery link at the end of my posts? I never had a gallery.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

D-M, the M6 only has a battery for the meter, so if you take it off, voilà, you have an M4. Can you put a battery in the M4 and turn it into an M6? Nope. So, take the M6. That's what I'd do.

George, go to the Control Panel (User CP in the line of menus on top of this thread, below the main banner), and edit your Signature. That ought to do the trick!

 

[tripod]

How do I get rid of the phantom gallery link at the end of my posts? I never had a gallery.

And here I thought it was "conceptual art". You know, a link to nothingness. I must have tried to read too much into it. Art, like beauty, I guess, is in the eye of the viewer. 😉

 

[oscroft]

Other things being equal (ie if they're both being sold at about the right market price, in similar condition, etc), I'd also go for the M6 (and, in fact, did so - though if I'd had the money I'd have gone for a new MP instead). And that's simply because of the meter - I've always used cameras with built-in metering and I'm a bit lost without it (I do sometimes wander around with a meterless RF and a handheld meter, but I'm a bit slow - One day I'd perhaps like to get an M3, but I need some more meterless practice first).

 

[JNewell]

Once you get used to using a handheld meter I think the photographic process is faster than when you rely on a built in meter. My reason is that you have one less issue to consider when you bring the camera to your eye as the exposure question is answered in advance. So, raise the camera, focus, compose and click, other than focus, mess with exposure, then compose and click.

The following is offered in a friendly and respectful tone of voice...I'm not trying to start one of those bicker-fests...but I really disagree. I began shooting with an M3 35 years ago and bought an M6 when they first came out - it was a huge plus. Why? Because you can encounter significant differences in light without even taking a step, especially inside. Turn and face one way and the subjects are in bright light...turn another and the subjects are in deep shadows. Quick - how much to adjust the exposure? Some people get pretty good at estimating, but it's quite tricky, especially indoors. There are tricks you can use to compensate...meter various areas of the room when you first arrive, try to remember the adjustments...but maybe it's a mix of natural and artificial light, and therefore changes as the hour progresses...

Ignoring the relative price issues, I'd go for an M6. Other than the meter, the M4-P and M6 are essentially identical, other than normal sample variation from one body to another.

 

[robbo]

I think it has all been covered pretty much by the members above. I moved from an M4-P to an M6TTL for two reasons - 1. I wanted metering in the camera, 2. I wanted the newest/least used Leica I could afford.
If you want a 28, go for that deal and use a separate meter. Using one is no big deal, but I didn't like juggling the two bits of equipment.
If you're not sure about using a 28, go for the M6. Both are excellent cameras and I don't think either would disappoint you, as long as you choose the one that suits your style of shooting. I believe that last point is the most important to you. Think about what you're going to be shooting mostly and whether or not that will involve rapidly changing light. If it does - M6, if not M4-P. Hope that helps

 

[Maxapple88]

I also had to choose between M6 and M4-P in the end and went for the M4-P. Haven't regretted it since, I carry a handheld meter but am very used to metering once and then adjusting on the go already. I think it might be true that the internal meter slows you down.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I also had to choose between M6 and M4-P in the end and went for the M4-P. Haven't regretted it since, I carry a handheld meter but am very used to metering once and then adjusting on the go already. I think it might be true that the internal meter slows you down.

To me it's the opposite, Max. But then, to each his or her own.

BTW, I experienced the meterless with my M3, and it was the agony of defeat, the triumph of victory every time I shot it.

Now, as long as one use only print film with a meterless camera, because of its relative tolerance, all will be fine and dandy. 🙂

 

[Joop van Heijgen]

I also had to choose between M6 and M4-P in the end and went for the M4-P. Haven't regretted it since, I carry a handheld meter but am very used to metering once and then adjusting on the go already. I think it might be true that the internal meter slows you down.

'"There is nothing boring per se with good exposures, but there are no surprises either! Sometimes I find that we are obsessed with correctly exposed shots and that achiving these takes to much time (fiddling with aperture rings and speed dials) rather than shoot "now". It sometimes is akin to "chimping" the digital. Far to often you see digital shooters staring at the back of the camera, whilst the really good shots are happening in front of them!'
__________________
Tom Abrahamsson
Flickr: Photos from T&T and Mr B
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[Pablito]

Other than the meter, the M4-P and M6 are essentially identical, other than normal sample variation from one body to another.

Just be aware that if you are going to use a 75mm lens the frame lines for this lens are MUCH better in teh M6. M4-P only gives you little corners, no real lines.

 

[robbo]

Actually, thinking about these two Leicas some more; they are light tight boxes. Just buy one and enjoy it! You can't really lose.

 

[D-M]

Thanks for the replies. The M6 seems to make consensus, the M4-P very close as well. I still have to think about that deal on the M4-P. I forgot to mention it comes with the Leica meter, and I was wrong about the lens, it's not a 28mm but a 35/2.8 summaron. I’m going to meet the seller this evening. So if there is something specific to look at, please tell me. The price is actually at 1600$ CAD, it's negotiable.

This afternoon I received an offer thru a friend of a friend, it's a M6 with 35/2mm and 50/2mm Summicron and a 90/2.8 Elmarit for 3500$ CAD, it looks very good regarding the picture he sent with. I haven’t talk with this seller so far, and I guess it’s negotiable. That makes me more to think about. It’s more than I wanted to put for the budget, but there is two interesting lens, coming with it. That looks like a ready to go.

Again if there is things to check carefully before I buy, let me know.

 

[D-M]

Actually, thinking about these two Leicas some more; they are light tight boxes. Just buy one and enjoy it! You can't really lose.

They are light tight boxes, that's is why I'm seling my SLR and looking for a RF. And I'm sure one or the other, I'll be happy.

 

[back alley]

http://www.halfhill.com/leica2.html