writer
Newbie
Hello all,
This is my first post on this forum.
About six weeks ago I started getting into manual film cameras. I purchased a chrome Nikon FM and a black Nikon FM.
Then I started reading about rangefinders. I couldn't believe they were more expensive than the old SLRs. But they were a bit smaller and lighter than my FM cameras and a little more discreet to use in public.
I almost purchased a Bessa R4M, but then decided to get a Leica M6 classic. It was a risky decision because I had never used a rangefinder. But I could afford a used M6 so I decided to go for it.
Last weekend I placed a winning bid on a MINT classic M6 with original black plastic box, original Leica strap, original Leica grip, and a Luigi case for just over $1500. The camera recently went through a basic CLA service. I felt I did not overpay, but maybe I did. Did I?
Anyway, I received the camera a few days ago. Wow! The camera looks brand new. It is solid. It makes my D40 look and feel like a toy. The grip is brand new too and the Luigi case is like new as well. But I will not use the grip or case. I will sell them and recoup some of the cash I spent. Besides, I want a case that covers the entire camera.
I am assuming this camera has been treated more as a collectible than an actual user camera. It's going to be tough for me to treat it like a user camera. That's how pristine it is. But I want to use it and not baby it.
Although I had never used a rangefinder, I do like them so far! Focusing for me is really intuitive and I am getting used to the meter. I purchased the CV 35mm/2.5 pancake lens. I am still trying to get a feel for it. It may be a bit on the small side to handle, but if the results look good I will stick with it. Is the CV 40mm/1.4 Nokton more comfortable to use in terms of setting aperture/focusing?
I will load my first roll of film this weekend. The strange thing is that I use my right eye to focus on the M6. When I use my right eye to try and focus with my FMs, things are too blurry. Is that because the viewfinder on the M6 is really bright?
I look forward to participating more on this forum in the future.
Frank
This is my first post on this forum.
About six weeks ago I started getting into manual film cameras. I purchased a chrome Nikon FM and a black Nikon FM.
Then I started reading about rangefinders. I couldn't believe they were more expensive than the old SLRs. But they were a bit smaller and lighter than my FM cameras and a little more discreet to use in public.
I almost purchased a Bessa R4M, but then decided to get a Leica M6 classic. It was a risky decision because I had never used a rangefinder. But I could afford a used M6 so I decided to go for it.
Last weekend I placed a winning bid on a MINT classic M6 with original black plastic box, original Leica strap, original Leica grip, and a Luigi case for just over $1500. The camera recently went through a basic CLA service. I felt I did not overpay, but maybe I did. Did I?
Anyway, I received the camera a few days ago. Wow! The camera looks brand new. It is solid. It makes my D40 look and feel like a toy. The grip is brand new too and the Luigi case is like new as well. But I will not use the grip or case. I will sell them and recoup some of the cash I spent. Besides, I want a case that covers the entire camera.
I am assuming this camera has been treated more as a collectible than an actual user camera. It's going to be tough for me to treat it like a user camera. That's how pristine it is. But I want to use it and not baby it.
Although I had never used a rangefinder, I do like them so far! Focusing for me is really intuitive and I am getting used to the meter. I purchased the CV 35mm/2.5 pancake lens. I am still trying to get a feel for it. It may be a bit on the small side to handle, but if the results look good I will stick with it. Is the CV 40mm/1.4 Nokton more comfortable to use in terms of setting aperture/focusing?
I will load my first roll of film this weekend. The strange thing is that I use my right eye to focus on the M6. When I use my right eye to try and focus with my FMs, things are too blurry. Is that because the viewfinder on the M6 is really bright?
I look forward to participating more on this forum in the future.
Frank
HuubL
hunter-gatherer
Welcome to RFF. It seems that you got a good camera for about the right price. I would keep the Luigi half case!
writer
Newbie
HuubL said:
Thanks. That's good to know.
The Luigi case is an awesome quality case. The thing is that whenever I am done shooting I put my camera in a backpack. I would rather put it in my backpack in a full case instead of a half case. Plus, the case is the one made for use with the grip, which I don't plan on using.
Frank
Xmas
Veteran
writer
Alas it may be you are old, the FM screen image is close in and you will need a diopter to move it out, the M image is normally out at normal vision distances.
FM diopters are probably still available new.
Welcome and enjoy
Alas it may be you are old, the FM screen image is close in and you will need a diopter to move it out, the M image is normally out at normal vision distances.
FM diopters are probably still available new.
Welcome and enjoy
nightlight
Well-known
writer,
welcome on RFF and welcome to the blissfully addictive world of Leica M's. I just purchased mine last week and even if it's a 40 year old camera, it feels rock solid and there's a certain 'aura' that comes out of the camera.
enjoy, keep on shooting and post some pics!
welcome on RFF and welcome to the blissfully addictive world of Leica M's. I just purchased mine last week and even if it's a 40 year old camera, it feels rock solid and there's a certain 'aura' that comes out of the camera.
enjoy, keep on shooting and post some pics!
Ariya
Peter Williams
Welcome Writer. I jus purchased my first Leica (M6TTL) in June. It really is a fantastic camera. While the camera is a joy to use, I do suggest finding a Leica lens or two to put on it. Enjoy!
J J Kapsberger
Well-known
Xmas said:
Noel, I don't quite get what you're saying here. Is there a built-in compensation in the M viewfinder?
markinlondon
Elmar user
Welcome. The M6 was a fine choice and financially more sound than a new Bessa which will have lost about 1/3 of its value by the time you take it out of the box. If you have the PII (M mount) version of the 35/2.5 I think you'll find the 40/1.4 just about identical in handling.
peter_n
Veteran
Frank welcome to the forum and congrats on your new M6. That was my first RF body too and I hope you enjoy yours as much as I've enjoyed mine. Haven't touched my Nikon SLR gear since I changed over to rangefinders...
Xmas
Veteran
JJJ J Kapsberger said:
I think it is easier to have the SLR screen at 25 inches, and the rangefinder at 6 or more feet.
Using a M3 with both eyes open is easy.
Noel
Flyfisher Tom
Well-known
welcome Frank
my first RF was a M6, then a M3, M2, and back to a M6 ... you will find many of us traveling on that long and windy M journey
look forward to your future contributions, welcome again
my first RF was a M6, then a M3, M2, and back to a M6 ... you will find many of us traveling on that long and windy M journey
look forward to your future contributions, welcome again
cmogi10
Bodhisattva
Congrats on the Leica! the M6 was a great choice.
R
rpsawin
Guest
Writer,
Excellent choice. The M6 is a fine camera and the 35/2.5 will serve you well.
Welcome to RFF and Best Regards.
Bob
Excellent choice. The M6 is a fine camera and the 35/2.5 will serve you well.
Welcome to RFF and Best Regards.
Bob
ocean7
DSLR Defector
Hello,
Same boat as yours here. I got myself a nice used M6 last week too! I only shot two rolls so far but using such a divine camera is a real treat. I really enjoy it. I got myself a Rokkor 40/2 although I also looked at the Voigtlander. I have Canon L glass too but I believe nothing as sharp as this ol' little Minolta lens. That being said I already foresee two Leica lenses in my bag in the future months.
Oh and btw how much for your grip? Please email me
Philippe.
Same boat as yours here. I got myself a nice used M6 last week too! I only shot two rolls so far but using such a divine camera is a real treat. I really enjoy it. I got myself a Rokkor 40/2 although I also looked at the Voigtlander. I have Canon L glass too but I believe nothing as sharp as this ol' little Minolta lens. That being said I already foresee two Leica lenses in my bag in the future months.
Oh and btw how much for your grip? Please email me
Philippe.
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LeicaTom
Watch that step!
Congrats on the Leica M6! Great choice.....I used one for many years, just traded her for my Leica IIIC K
get a early to mid 1990`s black chrome f2.0 Summicon with caps, uv filter and hood and shoot away, it`s the BEST all around Leica combo - you will enjoy it!!!!!
Tom
PS: Don`t worry about using it...find a good acid-free black tape and that will protect it enough - I had tape on mine for 10+ years, took it off cleaned it up and it was a EX+++/Mint- camera - and yours just had a CLA so that`s money saved
get a early to mid 1990`s black chrome f2.0 Summicon with caps, uv filter and hood and shoot away, it`s the BEST all around Leica combo - you will enjoy it!!!!!
Tom
PS: Don`t worry about using it...find a good acid-free black tape and that will protect it enough - I had tape on mine for 10+ years, took it off cleaned it up and it was a EX+++/Mint- camera - and yours just had a CLA so that`s money saved
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FrankS
Registered User
Welcome Frank!
When I got my first Leica, an M4-2 with Summicron, many years ago now, I wasn't ready for it. It didn't grab me. I foolishly traded it in on a Nikon 801s and 35mmf2.
Now I have matured, and I have several Leicas.
PS: Do you happen to have a last initial?
When I got my first Leica, an M4-2 with Summicron, many years ago now, I wasn't ready for it. It didn't grab me. I foolishly traded it in on a Nikon 801s and 35mmf2.
Now I have matured, and I have several Leicas.
PS: Do you happen to have a last initial?
thomasw_
Well-known
Welcome to Rff, Frank without a last initial! I used a M6 for just under a year as my first L body. It was a fine body with a mater; but I grew to prefer my more purely mechanical M4/3/2s over it. I guess it comes down to how comfortable you are without a meter? Sometimes I have my doubts after i miss a few shots on a roll I think if I do ever go for camera with a meter again, though, it will be one of those zeiss ikons; I believe they are well liked by many who have them.
I think if I do ever go for camera with a meter again, though, it will be one of those zeiss ikons; I believe they are well liked by many who have them.writer
Newbie
Thank you all for the kind words.
I can't afford to have more than one Leica or even more than one lens. But I will enjoy what I do have.
My D40 is my main camera mainly because of its convenience.
However, it is not as much fun to use as my MF cameras. And I don't feel like a photographer when I use it, if that makes any sense.
Regards,
Frank V. (I do have a last initial )
I can't afford to have more than one Leica or even more than one lens. But I will enjoy what I do have.
My D40 is my main camera mainly because of its convenience.
However, it is not as much fun to use as my MF cameras. And I don't feel like a photographer when I use it, if that makes any sense.
Regards,
Frank V. (I do have a last initial
)
erik
Established
Welcome to the dark side or the cool side or the windy side or whatever it is. You made a good choice. Get plenty of film and shoot away, don't worry about the camera, it can handle it. Oh, and your D40 is a toy. Have fun!
Have fun!