My M6 experience so far...

[jky]

Well it's been 3 weeks and 6 rolls of film thus far & I've got to say that I'm loving this camera more and more...
After using a digital cameras excusively for the past 2-3 years, I've had to change the way I approach a day of shooting (ie: no immediate feedback, no delete button, processing costs!). However, I again have that anticipation and excitement of receiving the processed and printed roll from my lab... it's a pretty neat feeling to have again.
Anyways, I still find myself occasionally looking at the back of the camera expecting to see an image with a histogram - silly I know - I snicker every time I do it.
I find shooting w/ a rangefinder so liberating when compared to the DSLRs I use (S2 & *ist DS). I feel like I'm in more control of the situation when i see outside the framelines - no unexpected limbs walking into or out of the frame for example.

The only downside I've experienced so far is having to shed out almost $15 for 36 roll of XP2. At my rate, it's costing about $7.00 per image (2/36). Yes I'll process my negs in house soon... haven't done it since junior high school so it should be cheap fun.

Haven't shot w/ the 50mm Nokton much - sometimes I wonder why I actually bought it. The 35mm Skopar is pretty much glued to the camera.

Anyways, just sharing some thoughts....cheers,
j

 

[photogdave]

Where are you buying your film? That seems really expensive...

 

[peter_n]

yeh - $15 for 36 roll of XP2??? 😱 Where do you live?

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

That is very expensive. If you are located in the US, buy at B&H mail order, it should be cheaper. good luck

oh, and congrats on the M6 🙂

 

[Ronald M]

Is it not nice to have a negative you can print? You can always digitize it, but can`t go the other way.

The Epson C86 died today. Never made it past the original ink carts. Another ink clog. Screw it. Epson lost on this as I never got any new inks for them to make a fortune. Tried all kinds of tricks I found on line from everbody else whose black ink cloged. I`m not the only one.

Maybe I`ll think about a Kodak Dye sub. In the mean time, file transfer to a pro lab for the color that needs computer manipulation or that which I need right away or I`m too lazy to heat some chemicals and print.

Black and white is never a problem.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Great to hear you're loving your M6. The only camera with the same features that may have been better would have been the M7, if it weren't for the fact that the shutter is battery-operated.

But, yeah, $15 for a roll of XP2??? Get it from these guys, then:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/con...916&is=REG&addedTroughType=categoryNavigation

 

[raid]

I try to get XP2 at $3 max.
My next camera will be the M6. No clue if the M6 TTL is any better.

Raid

 

[Jungle Jim]

Raid, where are you getting XP2 at $3.00? I need to get a brick at that price. Best I was able to find was $4.99 for some expired stuff.

 

[jja]

I understood jky to be saying that it costs $15 to process and print the xp2. Otherwise $15 for the actual film is crazy.

 

[Tom Diaz]

I understood jky to be saying that it costs $15 to process and print the xp2. Otherwise $15 for the actual film is crazy.

Yes, but, around here (the Boston area) I can buy the film and then get it processed at Walgreen's for just a few dollars, including scanning to a CD. I skip the 4x6 prints--who needs'em?

 

[BudGreen]

I say forget the XP2. Get some good old black & white film, a few reels & tanks and some chemicals ASAP. Talk about liberatiing.

 

[jky]

Sorry, I should've clarified... $15.00 to process....

Budgreen, yeah... I have some HP5 sitting in the fridge right now. However, I haven't gotten around to buying the processing equipment yet. Thought I'd have some fun w/ the camera first. It's been quite some time since I last processed a roll so I'll definitely be trialing a few to begin with. I've printed the Ilford beginner's guide to processing to help me through...

When I was researching chemicals, it's nice to see that in this day of frequent technological advances, chemicals from decades before are still being used.

Cheers,
j

 

[raid]

Raid, where are you getting XP2 at $3.00? I need to get a brick at that price. Best I was able to find was $4.99 for some expired stuff.

Jim: Once in a while I see such deals on ebay or someone will contact me via email after I place an ad WTB.

Raid

 

[Ben Z]

Glad you're liking your M6. I like mine too. Even if I get an M8 I may not sell them.

 

[jscolman@scolma]

...how good.

...how good.

Yes, but, around here (the Boston area) I can buy the film and then get it processed at Walgreen's for just a few dollars, including scanning to a CD. I skip the 4x6 prints--who needs'em?

Hi Tom, are you happy with the scans? How big are they, Rez., I mean. I us RiteAid here in the NW and am still trying to decide if the scans are any good, they are small, about 1.5 megapixels. The price is goodbut that may not be the best value. Thanks, Jim
www.photoday.blogspot.com.

 

[KM-25]

I really love mine as well. I only have the 35 2.0 Asph. for it at the moment but it is more than doing the trick. I am in Pie Town New Mexico starting my long term project on Kodachrome & have shot about 25 rolls through it in the last 4 days. What a joy this thing is to use!!!

Off to shoot more pics.......

 

[n8b]

Bulk Load!

Bulk Load!

I've been bulk loading for years. If I do it right you can get about 18-19 36 frame rolls out of a 100 ft roll of film. I've seen prices ranging from $35-60 bucks a roll- depends on brand and quality. It saves some money and its a bit more kinder to the environment- you just keep reusing your canisters, very minimal waste. I have to agree with BudGreen on getting some reels, tanks and chemicals and doing it all in house.

Good luck with the M6. I'm waiting for my new M6 to come in the mail- it will be my first range finder- I'm excited!! 🙂

-Nate