m6: which version should i look for?

[JNewell]

I don't use a 28mm much. When I finally bought an M6 classic with .85x viewfinder I thought I'd died and gone to heaven...well, almost...

These are a lot more affordable than the M6J or doing a la carte or equivalent...the M6/.85x bodies generally don't sell at much of a premium, considering there were only around 3,100 made before they switched to the TTL.

 

[-kk-]

hi guys, update on the search. so i now also have an offer for a very good condition M3 (SN 1 million +) and a circa 1961 50/2 DR summicron with eyepiece+E39 chrome rim filter shipped to my door for approx USD 1800.

for the M3 alone, its approx USD 1200, that has been "updated by Leica and now has M4-type film advance lever and flash plugs." is this a fair price or too much? i may just do the body, coupled to a nokton 50 1.5 and save up for a 50 'lux.

i think im more undecided than before i started!

 

[paragon]

You will pick up a good condition "user" M3 DS or even a single stroke in the UK for £400 - it will look good with maybe a mark or two on the top plate. For £500 you will get a really good one.
Not from a dealer buy bought privately

For £550 you may even get a good one with a 50/1.2 lens and for £600 lens plus not too old CLA

The M3 is really nice - it is a classic - if you are shooting B & W you do not need a built in light meter

If you want to check your exposures buy a good secondhand analogue Gossen for £25.

Try the M3 first - if you buy it right you will always get near your money back

I have only been on this Forum for 3 or 4 weeks - but I am sure that one will come up from a Forum member in the next week or so, and I am sure that this is a good place to buy.

If not the prices above are what are charged by good EBay sellers that have 100% positive ratings and have a rating list full of cameras that they have sold.

OK you may take a risk with EBay - but do your homework, don't buy the first that you see and you should be able to minimise any perceived risks that you have.

Just my view - (i have an M3 but have just bought an M6, (GAS problem amongst others)

Hope it helps

 

[mr_phillip]

I'm not at all sure I'd count an M4 wind-on lever on an M3 as an upgrade. The price with the DR 'cron seems ok, but body-only $1200 is a lot. Remember too that M3s lack 35mm brightlines (which sadly rules one out for me). It sounds like you really need to decide on what spec you want, then check which suitable model falls within your budget.

If you mainly intend to use longer lenses (50-90mm) think either M3 or 0.85 M6. If you plan on using 35mm optics much, go M2, one of the M4s or a 0.72 M6. And if you really need a built-in meter, go M6.

 

[wontonny]

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/photopost-classifieds/showproduct.php?product=5163

This is fate.

 

[BillBingham2]

The price of the M3 and lens sounds very high, IMHO. The M6Ti listed above seems much better value. While the M3 is a great camera, I think you will be happier with the built in meter.

From a lens perspective, get a new CV 40/1.4 and have it modifided to bring up the 35mm frame lines (about $20 USD). It's a great ballance between speed, size and quality.

B2 (;->

 

[35mmdelux]

being that your funds are limtied, set a budget and buy the newest M6 classic you can find.

 

[ferider]

From a lens perspective, get a new CV 40/1.4 and have it modifided to bring up the 35mm frame lines (about $20 USD). It's a great ballance between speed, size and quality.

B2 (;->

Second that ! One of the best lenses you can buy ... Also, M6 35 lines are great for the Nokton (see my avatar).

Roland.

 

[peter_n]

being that your funds are limtied, set a budget and buy the newest M6 classic you can find.

I second this. Forget about the color of the body; it is immaterial. Get the newest one you can afford and with luck you won't need a CLA for a few years.

 

[-kk-]

thanks to everyone who responded. i think i may just hold off the purchase for now until i can go into a store and feel/grab the actual units (as opposed to buying from my couch).

I did feel an M7 and MP in a local store last weekend, and it was oh so nice. local prices are prohibitive though.

I guess my trusty canon film camera will have to suffice for now. A plus to this optino is that I can now find out if i can live without AE (which i usually use a lot), if i cant then saving up for an M7 is on the cards.

cheers all, kelvin.

 

[peter_n]

Comment on M7

Comment on M7

A plus to this optino is that I can now find out if i can live without AE (which i usually use a lot), if i cant then saving up for an M7 is on the cards.

cheers all, kelvin.

Kelvin: As an M7 user, I would say start saving now. It's an M6TTL with on-demand AE. Perfection... 🙂 You might also want to try the Zeiss Ikon in your local store - very similar to the M7 in many ways.