New Leica M User! And my experience with KEH BGN Condition.

PatrickT

PatrickT

New Rangefinder User
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I've finally joined the ranks of the Leica M users.

Yesterday I received a Leica M6 and Nokton 40/1.4 from KEH, both ordered in BGN condition. I've had great experience with them in the past with their BGN rated lenses and bodies, so I figured, what the heck! There' always the 14 day (no questions asked) return policy.

I got the camera yesterday and it looks and functions just how I'd hoped it would. For a bargain grade camera, it sure looks nice. There are a few scuffs here and there mainly on the top plate. The battery cover looks a little worn and the white "Leica M6" lettering is a tad off-white, but aside from that, it'd perfect. No dings or dents anywhere. The lens is the same way...some small scuffs here and there, but overall, fantastic. I put a quick test roll through it and it functions perfectly! Images are exposed well, etc. No problems that I can see.

I know I'm going to really enjoy using this camera. After starting out mainly in digital (Canon Rebel XT, Canon 5D), I started doing more and more film. Initially it was a Yashica GSN, then a Yashica GX (which I still love), and then more and more into medium format (Rolleiflex, Pentax 67, Bronica ETRS) and even 4x5 (Speed Graphic). Add somewhere in there a Konica Hexar AF, another Rolleiflex and various pint and shoots and that's pretty much my camera history :)

I can't wait to get out and use this Leica more...I know good things will come of it!

With that said, ONE question. I'm looking for a camera strap for my M6 (I like the gordy one, but would prefer something fabric as opposed to leather). I really love the thin, light strap on the Hexar AFs and would love something like that for this camera. I've been eying the Leica stock strap, but don't like that big shoulder pad on it. Can those be removed?

Anyway, great experience with KEH BGN grade, great camera, beautiful lens...can't wait to get out and use it!

Now time to go sell some stuff to pay for it :)

leicam6_02.jpg


leicam6.jpg


Patrick
www.trautfieldphotography.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/weezintrumpeteer/
 
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Congratulations on your M6. I think of buying from KEH as KEH roulette except the buyer tends to win, and if you want the house allows "do overs".

Take a look at Domke straps, they are about an inch thick and made of cotton.
 
Congrats, super camera and lens.

I can only recommend the Artisan and Artist cloth straps, or the Voigtlander straps, which are basically the same. They are nylon, soft and very strong - I use them now on all my cameras. They come with leather lug protectors, which I take off. Easy to put in a bag, like this:

953611951_qNwM6-L.jpg


I just purchased another type of cotton strap from ebay, will see how that comes out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330439878437&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Roland.
 
Think there's a thin Nikon woven nylon strap on my Leica. The straps last forever and are more flexible than many. I use Domke straps on SLRs but they seem too chunky for rangefinders.
 
Congrats - post some pictures. As to the pad on the Leica strap - no I don't think it can be removed, at least the ones I have can't. I use the Domke gripper straps for my M's
 
With KEH and Ffordes you can't go wrong, and prices are often times less or equal those seen in Ebay auctions.
 
ferider said:
Congrats, super camera and lens.

I can only recommend the Artisan and Artist cloth straps, or the Voigtlander straps, which are basically the same. They are nylon, soft and very strong - I use them now on all my cameras. They come with leather lug protectors, which I take off. Easy to put in a bag, like this:

953611951_qNwM6-L.jpg


I just purchased another type of cotton strap from ebay, will see how that comes out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=330439878437&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

Roland.
Click to expand...

Roland: What bag is that if you dont mind me asking?
 
Joe Brugger said:
Think there's a thin Nikon woven nylon strap on my Leica. The straps last forever and are more flexible than many. I use Domke straps on SLRs but they seem too chunky for rangefinders.
Click to expand...

I use the nikon strap on all my cameras..... in MHO they can't be beat
it is a Nikon AN-4B here is a link to a picture of it

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Straps/639/AN-4B-Nylon-Neck-Strap-(Black).html

note: it does not say Nikon on it and i find it perfect for a M camera
 
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You can remove the pad on the Leica strap. You should be able to just stretch and cut it with something sharp, being careful not to cut through the nylon strap in the process. Note that you will wreck the pad through this process, but you can remove it, contrary to what some others have said here.

--
http://www.LivedCaptured.com
 
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On my Leica straps, you can't remove the pad. I actually like them. They are small and pliable, yet have a grippy pad which can be useful.
 
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