New to Leica and film. Jumping in deep end?

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danielv10

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Greetings from Sydney, Australia 🙂

Lately I've been considering entering into the world of rangefinders and film. I've been after a small, discrete, and good quality camera to take out and about with me everywhere.
A rangefinder seemed like a good fit. I also wanted to learn about the world of film as recently I stumbled upon some old film photos and played with my friend's F3HP which was lots of fun.

Basically I've been offered an excellent condition (I believe) Leica M6 from ebay for approx. USD$1050 from a reputable seller. From my research this seems to be a good price?

I'm just wondering I should just purchase a cheap rangefinder and take baby steps instead of jumping into the deep, and expensive end of things?

I have very little experience with film (and none with rangefinders) aside from a old film P&S camera when I was young.
Leicas seems like an good choice due to the quality, size, durability, lenses available etc. And also the reputation and mystic is a factor 🙂
I have been shooting with a 5DMK2 for a few years with my 35/1.4 almost permanently stuck on. I absolutely love it. But I would love something smaller and discrete. I've followed the mantra of buy good, buy once and its worked well so far.

Any opinions and advice is greatly appreciated 🙂
 
Go for the Leica range Daniel. Buy the best and don't look back. I did quite recently and have not regretted it. Like yourself I came from a 5DMK2 background and sought something more discreet. I acquired a M6 ttl and I'm loving it. In fact, I'm currently touring the UK and left the digital stuff at home. I can't speak for the value of the camera you have in mind but sure others will advise, but one thing I can say is I'm happier now than I've been for many a year.

Good luck.
 
If you've got the money: go for it!
Even if you decide that rangefinders are not your cup of tea, the camera can be resold and you'll have your money back. The M6 is a great choice for a first-timer, with it's integrated light meter.
 
actually, with film cameras so cheap, it doesn't hurt to try out different film cameras, i am assuming that a) you have time and money to experiment b) you are willing to learn new stuff.

while leica is a whole system to itself, there are many interesting cameras that would be a shame to ignore it. i only started 3 years ago, but i find that i am always drawn to Olympus cameras, eg. Pen-FT half-frame film cameras, XA rangefinder, 35RD series of RF cameras. So much fun and so little time 🙂

raytoei
 
Welcome!

M6 is a good camera, and the price is very good. Has it been serviced recently? Might need to budget for that.

In our classifieds, Helen has a Cosina-Voigtlander 35/2.5 lens for sale. Thats a very good lens, for a fraction of the price of a Leica lens.

You might also want to look at the consignment gear at Mainline Photographics in Sydney - Scott often has some good rangefinder gear.

As Flip indicates above, eventually most of us answer the Leica call. Think of it as rental - if you decide it's not for you in 12 months time you can sell it for 95% (or better!) of your original purchase price.

The soul of Leica photography is in B&W - you should count on developing and scanning your own film as it gets very expensive, real quick, to rely on commercial operators.
 
An M6 for around $1000 in good condition seems to be a good deal, but see what warranty is given, 90 or even 30 days is probably enough to make sure it's OK.

If Leica is calling out to you, just get one, if you don't like it, you can always sell it for what you paid for it.

The only thing I would point out is to remember that the F3HP and of course your 5D will shoot in aperture priority, the M6 will not. If you're OK with that, not a problem, but if you are not, you could look at Leica CL, M7, Zeiss Ikon, Hexar RF, or one of the Bessa cameras.
 
If I were doing the return-to-rangefinders route again, I would go for a Leica M right off the bat. I have accumulated a collection of Japanese and FSU cameras along the way that served as stepping stones and now sit on a shelf unused.
 
Wow thank you so much for the replies!

I think I will jump on this M6 pending a reply from the seller confirming a few details on the condition of the camera.
It has been listed as fully functional but there isn't any detail on warranty provided listed (apart from accepting returns) or if it has been serviced recently. I'm treading with caution for now as I've read almost everywhere, it's better to be cautious with purchases from ebay.

I usually shoot manual with my 5D2 so the M6 with the meter should be OK.
Not that I'm disregarding other brands and cameras that are probably more technologically advanced and/or cheaper, but I think my heart will always say go for the Leica. I think it also gives me a chance to think more rather than rely on AE which I've started becoming more reliant on now..

Ah gee, GAS reflux is extra strong this time. It's been well over a year since any photography-related purchases :angel:


Thanks so much for the advice and keep 'em coming 🙂


Dan
 
Hi Dan,

About two - three years ago, I ditched all my digital gear, and bought a Leica M6 TTL with a 35mm f1.4. Best choice ever. All my portfolio images where taken with the M6. http://www.pgrant.co.uk/portfolio/

So yes, providing its good quality, jump in and enjoy!

Sadly though I am from the UK, so cannot offer you any advice on where to buy.
 
Dan,

Peter's (understatement) advise is reinforced by his photos. And the M6 prices are so stabilized I do not think you would lose any money if you decide to sell it later.

When I'm asked for a camera to "grow with", I always recommended film M's. Indeed mine was a great journey since 1963.
 
Yeah, I think M6 prices have basically bottomed out. If it's not your thing, you'll get your investment back.

If you get others first, you'll still want to try the Leica in the end, so if you have the cash, I'd say cut to the chase and get the M right off the bat.
 
I got into film just 3 weeks ago because dslr just wasnt the thing for me and I didnt like digital darkroom stuff very much. so I jumped into Leica with a M6ttl chrome and a 50 Lux ASPH chrome... I didnt regret any € I paid for the combo and I dont think you will if you go for the red dot
 
Before you buy an M6 check out a Bessa R2m or R2a. This is a sweet camera plus the money you save you can buy film & the stuff you need to develop your own b&w film.
 
flip said:
Sooner or later, Leica.
Click to expand...

I second flip! I had been shooting film with SLRs and also had a Yashica Electro 35 GSN rangefinder before I got my first Leica around 3 months ago. BTW it has its own story under Leica CL thread. But now I rarely grab my other cameras.

After making sure that the camera is in full working condition, I reckon getting a Leica is a wise decision. BTW I'm also based in Sydney, and it's good to see more RFF members around. Maybe we can arrange a meetup sometime.
 
If there's no guarantee then look up on how to inspect the camera on the spot. You can test most things on film cameras to a certain degree of accuracy.

I too started out with multiple other cameras before getting a M6. I still use the others like SLRs but I sold the other rangefinders like Bessa, Canonet etc, the only one I use is the M6 now.
 
I would suggest a Leica M6 and Summicron-C 40mm. I have owned 3 M6's over the years a couple M4's an M3 and an MP. I plan on keeping my current M6 for good. They are well designed, reliable and just plain sexy. I like the built in meter on the M6 for quick readings and use an incident meter when I have time to measure the light. The 40 is a good, compact all-purpose focal length and can be had for around $500 if you are patient. You are looking at $1000 for a clean M6 as well, be patient and don't pay more unless it has an "upgraded" MP finder (additional $250) I would also suggest picking up some film storage sleeves. I had not originally planned on doing my own printing and now it is the most gratifying part of the process. Enjoy!
 
danielv10 said:
Greetings from Sydney, Australia 🙂

Lately I've been considering entering into the world of rangefinders and film. I've been after a small, discrete, and good quality camera to take out and about with me everywhere.
A rangefinder seemed like a good fit. I also wanted to learn about the world of film as recently I stumbled upon some old film photos and played with my friend's F3HP which was lots of fun.

Basically I've been offered an excellent condition (I believe) Leica M6 from ebay for approx. USD$1050 from a reputable seller. From my research this seems to be a good price?

I'm just wondering I should just purchase a cheap rangefinder and take baby steps instead of jumping into the deep, and expensive end of things?

I have very little experience with film (and none with rangefinders) aside from a old film P&S camera when I was young.
Leicas seems like an good choice due to the quality, size, durability, lenses available etc. And also the reputation and mystic is a factor 🙂
I have been shooting with a 5DMK2 for a few years with my 35/1.4 almost permanently stuck on. I absolutely love it. But I would love something smaller and discrete. I've followed the mantra of buy good, buy once and its worked well so far.

Any opinions and advice is greatly appreciated 🙂
Click to expand...

The good (bad) thing about the Leica M system is that you have lots of choices for lenses. 😀

Spend on the cheapest and best condition M-mount camera body you can find and put your money into some good glass... and film... and chemicals... and film scanner... and negative sleeves... and shoulder strap... and wrist strap... and camera bag... oh then for that great deal on a lens in RFF classifieds...and then for another body... and more glass... and bigger cabinet... :bang:
 
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