New M6 user - what a joy!

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Primitive J

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Hello,

I'm new to the forum, but I've been lurking for almost a year and reading about rangefinders for a while. I took a photography class 10 years ago but never really got into it. About a year ago I bought a Nikon D90 and started exploring some more. By chance, I stumbled upon a Nikon FM2n and dove into film photography. I registered for a darkroom class with the university art school and met lots of interesting people, and learned a lot about developing, photography and wet printing. It didn't take me long to sell the D90 and buy some good glass for the FM2n, as I was immediately drawn to small cameras and bright viewfinders. My priorities were;

1. Small simple camera
2. Big bright viewfinder
3. Quality optics
4. Easy to handle

By this time, I didn't know anything about Leica, but it was suggested by a friend. I eventually committed to funding a Leica M6 and with a bit of patience, found one for a good price. I ordered it in January but was plagued with problems. Fortunately, the seller agreed to pay for the repairs - which took quite a while since the meter had to be ordered. It was CLA'd and is in excellent condition. I also found a 50mm Rigid Summicron for a good price, and my M kit was complete. I've had it for 3 weeks now and absolutely love it. Just one of these things I guess.

Still getting use to rangefinders and photography in general, but the Leica M6 is the perfect camera for me. It feels completely natural to me, but it's taking me a while to get use to focusing quickly. Also, the 50mm lens is a bit long for me, and I find the depth of field to be a bit shallow, but until I can afford a 28mm lens, I'm quite happy. The Summicron handles light like nothing I've seen before. It definitely has a signature and I'm quite fond of its rendering.

I don't know how to post images yet, so here's a flickr link with a few samples from the last 3 weeks;

http://www.flickr.com/photos/49215063@N05/

From the east coast of Canada,

Julien
 
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^---- I'd assume that it's because a built-in meter is extraordinarily convenient and gives you one less thing to buy, carry, lose, or drop.

The question answers itself if you think about it for more than 2 or 3 seconds.

And yeah, the M6 is the best user's Leica ever made, seeing as how you're planning to take pictures with the thing. Built-in meter, fast loading, complete set of frame lines.

Leica's made slightly different cameras, but none better.
 
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The M6 was also my first Leica. It was my re-entry into shooting film and very enjoyable. If the M6 is the best choice or any other M (or a different brand ?) is purely an academic question (if at all...) as long as you enjoy to make photos, which should be the main purpose.

Show some of your work !
 
All M's are great.
Which Ms.... that is just icing on the cake.
The luxury of choice that we have nowadays 😉

Congrats on your M6 by the way. You have some really nice shots. Peggy's cove is lovely.
 
The M6 is the sweet spot with Leica cameras. Everything you need, nothing you don't. As reliable as any camera. Looks like you are getting some good photos, too. Glad you persevered to get the camera back in action.
 
@Primitive J - I am impressed with your abilities.

You researched, accepted input, decided what it is that you wanted (with well thought out reasons 'why'), then made it happen, and are now happy with the results - all in under a year. It just doesn't get any better than that! Congratulations.
 
I didn't get the M4-P because I wanted the M6.

It was very simple for me; having a built-in meter would reduce the equipment I use. Nothing against the M4-P, of course. My M6 is the black Wetzlar edition (1985) and was in mint condition externally. It probably sat on a shelf and was not used much - the meter was not working, which from my limited knowledge was a problem with the earlier runs. The meter was replaced and shutter speeds adjusted. The camera is in perfect working order. I've also managed to put a few brightlines and even a small scratch on the paint. I'm glad it happened early and now I don't have to worry about it. I can just shoot.

One thing I'm starting to realize about the M cameras is that not only are they small, but they feel small by virtue of their design/ergonomics. It's how they handle that's been the most impressive. The curved sides just sink in my hand so naturally, and I find it very easy to hold all day without thinking much about it.

The viewfinder is reason alone for me to use this camera. It's big, bright, and comfortable to look through. Although 50mm is not my focal length of choice, it does allow one to see much more outside the framelines, which changes the experience.

Overall the M6 has exceeded my expectations, and not for the reasons that are often touted in Leica reviews. It's all about handling for me. Took me a few days to get use to it, and I'm starting intuitively change my settings and focusing faster than the first days out.

My next step is buying lots of color film in bulk, a JOBO for C41, and a decent printer since I like printed images. Maybe next year I'll purchase a 35mm, but the Summicrons have risen in price considerably since the micro 4/3. I'm also considering other 35mm lens, such as the Voigtlander color skopar, and the ZM line.

J
 
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I'm also thinking of an M2 down the line...I wanted a meter in camera, but I also use sunny 16 metering, or available elements such as my hand, pavement, etc.

J
 
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I have the M6, too. But this one I got has some sort of problem. The issue is that at some point, the film does not advance anymore. It could stop at frame 5, or 13 or 20 or whatever! I have to send it to somebody for a check up.

That aside, the M6 is a fine camera. I also have the M4-P. Truth be told, I am somewhat partial to all mechanicals. If somebody were to ask me for a recommendation on their first Leica, I'd say bag an M4-P. In fact, I'm going to get a second one.
 
Don't forget there are a lot of non Leica lenses that will fit your M6. The modern CV lenses are great and there are lots of old Nikon and Canon lenses in Leica screw mount that will fit your M6 with a simple adapter.

Several months ago I got a Nikon 35mm f2.5 in Leica screw mount and it is a wonderful lens. Small with great results. Fits both my M6 and my IIIc.

Be warned that Leicas can get addictive. First an M6, then an M2 and then a IIIc (just for fun) and then maybe a Ia.......

Good Luck,
Joe
 
I started with an M6ttl and soon got the bug for M's. I sold that and bought an MP. Sold that after I'd discovered M2's but missed the meter so bought a mint M6. I sold that because it was too nice! mistake number 1. There followed many M2's, M3's, M4's and M6's. I've bought, used and sold as and when I've wanted to try other stuff out. I think i've had 20 odd M's go by me in the last 5 years and the one I've always regretted selling was M6's. Every time I sold one I always wished I hadn't and bought another.
I've kept an M2 but never use it. I can't sell it as it came with an elmar 50 and a 3 element 90 with the original purchase receipt and I want it to stay as a 3 piece set rather than get broken up.
I've settled on a Wetzlar M6 for my Leica experience and recently added an identical 2nd body for no other reason than it was offered to me. I was going to sell it but having just got it back from service decided to keep it. A good decision as I know I will regret selling this one. Original box and papers etc.
Latest arrival is an M4 I picked up to do my paint project but as soon as i've finished it, will sell it as I have no affinity for cameras without meters anymore.
Whatever you decide don't sell an M6 without thinking it over for 3-6 months🙂
 
The M6 is great. It was my first Leica as well. I just bought an M2 about 3 wks ago. I like it because of the simplicity.
Nice shots by the way on Flickr. I saw you busted the Leica myth; they are not invisible.
 
No need to worry; I don't plan on selling the M6! In fact, I might add another Wetzlar model as a backup. I'm looking for simplicity here.

So far it's the lens that's been the most impressive. That old glass is really beautiful with colour film. Hard to describe why I like it so much, but "smooth" comes to mind. There's no harsh transitions, and it just renders so naturally.

J
 
Here's a quick question;

Do all the other M cameras (maybe not the M5) handle like the M6? It's the only M I have ever handled or even held, so I don't have much to compare with.

J
 
I too just got my first Leica (M6 classic) and a 50mm summicron(from 1969 according to some serial number listing) I'm really in love.

I've already put 6 rolls of film trough my new love.

Here's the first film on flickr(a few of the worst ones have been removed):
http://flic.kr/s/aHsjvPRprK
 
With the exception of the M5, the other M cameras feel the same. The difference is in the finder. Most M6's have a finder with .72 magnification, M3 was .91 and later M's gave a choice of .85, .72 or .58 for wide angle lens use. I use an M6 .85 and an M6 .72 for my 50mm and 35mm cameras and these two do most of my photography. There are other minor differences but that's the most important stuff. Joe
 
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