Interesting and very informative discussion. I too was contemplating between a used M6 and a new non-Leica rangefinder. For me, at the time, it was a decision between the M6, the Bessa R2A, the Z1 and the Rollei RF.
The R2A and Z1 dropped off pretty quickly due to the fact that they are battery dependent. That was a big one for me. I’ve been there in the past, where I picked up my camera for a “decisive moment” to find the battery was dead. Even if you have a spare taped directly to the camera, by the time you take the old one out and put the new one it, the “moment” is gone. I wanted, needed, a camera that would still shoot if the battery was dead or weak.
Thus, it came down to the M6 and Rollei. Just entering the rangefinder world, I did what research I could (with some research done at this forum and the helpful comments by the members here) and was vexed. It finally came down to price. While I didn’t (and still don’t) have experience on rangefinders, I do know a little about lenses and I liked what I heard and read about the Rollei Sonar lenses. I could get the Rollei kit, body and the Sonnar 2.8 lens for $999. With more digging, I may have been able to find the M6 with a compatible lens for around the same, but I was having no luck. So, I chose new over used. So far, I have been very happy with the camera and lens. And, if I am pulled into the rangefinder world as many have been, I may look at a Leica down the road, simply to say that I own a Leica. Until then, the “box” I purchased gives me the results I want.
Good luck with your decision and purchase!
