M6TTL/M6 or M7 ???

[Neil]

Having decided to further my film photography (I have an M2) I would like an M with a meter. Apart from the AE does the M6/M6TTL and M7 all have the same meter.
Alternatively, should I save money and go with a hand meter/Voitlander meter.
I have a Pentax spotmeter but find it all too clumsy messing with wheels and stuff
one is too obvious taking so long metering.
Any suggestions appreciated.
ps. I intend to shoot 50/50 neg/trannie

 

[raid]

Neil:
I went for simplicity and functionality, and I recently bought a clean M6.
The M6 TTL is better for some flash photography and the M7 oofer aperture priority. If you like non-automatic exposure control,buy the M6 or the M6 TTL.If flash photography is unimportant with a rangefinder camera, go with the M6.

Raid

 

[peter_n]

Neil I have both and AFAIK the meters are the same or at least very similar. The only difference I notice is the display in the bottom of the VF. The meters in my samples of M6TTL and M7 are extremely accurate and a joy to use. If you can fund it, try for an M7 as the AE adds an extra dimension to your shooting experience over the M6TTL. Keep an eye on the FS ads at photo.net as there have been good M7 sales over there recently.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[SteveRD1]

M7 & Mp

M7 & Mp

I bought an M7 4 months ago and LOVE it to death. With AE it makes its operation pretty fast and it's very easy to work with. It broke 3 days ago and I hadto send it in to Leica as it was under warranty so I went ahead and purchased a black paint MP to use as a backup.

It arrived today and while it is a beautiful camera, it is not as convenient as the M7. BUT it does seem to be a little better made and is a weeeee bit smoother. With the M7 you can just dial it in to AE and never have to spin the dial, just change your aperture. With the MP, you have to adjust both shutter and aperture so it takes a bit longer to get the shot.

Ive only shot 10 frames with the new MP so I can not saywhich camera I would prefer but I feel that after 2-3 days I would probably prefer the MP over the M7 as I kind of like working harder to get the shot. In any case, its just like an M6 operation wise (or so Im told) so you can pick up a used M6ttl for much less than a new or used MP.

The MP seems like it is built to last. The M7 with its electronics seems like it could be more prone to failure. My film advance busted after 4 months on the M7. Leica said today it should take 2 weeks to get back to me.

Ayway, the MP is a NICE camera (black collects fingerprints like you would not believe though) and the M7 is also nice but more convenient. Also, the MP is a bit smaller (but feels a bit heavier??) than the M7.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request