Now I've done it.

[Chuck A]

I recently posted about deciding between an M4-P and an R2A. I was trying both cameras to see which I liked better. Since then I have gotten a good deal on an M6TTL and have added that to the mix to try. I really can't afford this but I will make it work. I am just looking for a camera that is comfortable and fun to use. I figured that I would give these a try and sell what I don't want.

I need some insights.

1) M6TTL - I recently bought this camera on pnet for $1000. It has been recovered with black Pebble Emboss leather from Cameraleather.com and the viewfinder has been replaced by DAG with the no flare MP viewfinder. It was altered by DAG to include only 35, 50 and 90mm frames. It is a sweet setup. Everything works like it should and I like having the internal meter. It is in good shape with a few signs of use. I will include a photo below.

Strengths: MP rangefinder and very nice intuitive internal meter.

Weaknesses: Feels a bit heavy and bulky.

2) M4-P - I bought it from a RFF member on ebay for $520 and although it is an M camera, it has a different feel to it than the M6. It is only 1.5 oz lighter but feels much lighter and better in my hand. The M6 feels thicker and the Aki Asahi 4008 cover on the M4-P feels better than the covering on the M6. The viewfinder has some haze and the slow shutter speeds can be a bit erratic. While it is useable as it is it will eventually need a CLA. Cosmetically it is near mint. A beautiful camera.

Strengths: Feels better in my hand than the M6. Not a mark on it.

Weaknesses: Needs CLA. Have to carry a meter.

3) R2A - It cost me $100 less than the M4-P. This camera has a nice rubberized covering and with the side grip it handles better than the Leicas. Its only problem is that the darn shutter is noticeably louder than the Ms. It has no problems and the meter is fine. I did notice that the M6TL meter is more intuitive and less distracting to use.

Strengths: Feels a bit better in my hand than the Leicas. Not a mark on it.

Weaknesses: Loud shutter and small rangefinder base.


Each camera has its strengths and weaknesses. I now that nobody can decide for me but I am having a tough time making a decision. My choices seem to be.

1) Keep the M6TTL.

2) Keep the M4-P (eventually get a CLA) and the R2A for when I don't want to carry a meter.

3) Keep the M4-P and eventually spend the $150-$200 for a CLA.

4) Save money and keep the R2A only.


Any help is appreciated.

 

[Jon Perry]

Keep the M6TTL, you know you want to, it's the only one you bothered to post a picture of. 😉

Jon

 

[Chuck A]

Keep the M6TTL, you know you want to, it's the only one you bothered to post a picture of. 😉

Jon

Good point but I wanted to show how it had been altered. The M4-P is standard except for the lack of the red dot and the R2A is stock. We have all seen these.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Feels a bit heavy

Are you n*ts? That's a pro! Trust me, the heft helps. I think you have a winner with that M6 TTL; for only $1000 and it already has the no-flare upgrade? You don't know what a super deal that is.

Dang, I'll buy it from you if you don't want it, let me just shore up the cash.

 

[fraley]

Your house is on fire. You have only one hand free. Which camera do you grab as you're heading out the door? Use your heart, not your head, to choose.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Your house is on fire. You have only one hand free. Which camera do you grab as you're heading out the door? Use your heart, not your head, to choose.

I grab:
The Leica M6...then the M2...then the Canon 20D, then the Hasselblad...then the Rebel...then...I think I'd be trapped inside by then 😱

Oh d@mn! Then the lenses!!! The 'lux, the Sonnars, the Summitar, the Summarit... I'm toast.

 

[Jon Perry]

The fire extinguisher...

... better to go out in a blaze of glory trying to save 'em all! 😀

 

[RdEoSg]

*I stand outside the burning house as he tosses me the equipment, then I call for help once he gets trapped*

Cameras and lenses? I didn't see any. Honest, Officer. 😛

I'd keep the M6 as well. You will never get that deal again if you decide you want another.. Hell, you could sell it later if you don't want it and still make money!

 

[rover]

Let me vote too for the M6. Even if $ is an issue sell the other two because you will not be able to rebuy that M6 anywhere near the price you paid.

 

[Chuck A]

You are right that I can't easily replace the M6 and that is definitely making me think about keeping it. I guess that its pros outweight the cons. I could always replace the M4-P or the R2A if I want them later. Most of the votes are for the M6 as well.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

Keep the M6, you paid a steal of a price for it, it also has terrific work built into it by DAG. You won't find another one with those modifications easily.

 

[BillBingham2]

M6TTL.

To bring the M4P up to snuff will bring the price about equal. The Bessa is not in the same class. It's a fine camera, well worth the price, but the EBL of the RF IMHO is SO (Sub Optimal).

The M4P does feel better to me too, but the built in meter for me tilts the ballance.

B2 (;->

 

[wlewisiii]

I'm going to go against the grain and say the M4-P. Better feel, I'd far prefer the framelines of 28/35/50/75/90/135 in it as opposed to the "chopped and channeled" finder the previous owner had DAG give it (OTOH I own really good Canon 28 & 135 lenses (LTM, but I own adaptors) so getting a finder without those lines wouldn't be a good idea) and if you pick up the VC Meter II from Cameraquest the M6 has no real advantages in my book. Give it a CLA and be happy. In the end it will be a far more flexable camera. Unless you really want the mods done to it, sell the M6 to someone who does want it. Given the very subjective nature of this game, it might not be all that easy to find a buyer who want's that specific mod in the future.

Stick to an OEM classic 😀

William

 

[ghost]

ooh, can i buy your m6 ttl? 😀

 

[richard_l]

I would sell the mutilated M6TTL and keep the M4-P. If you really like having only 35-50-90 framelines, sell both the M6TTL and the M4-P and get a good M2. Using a good M2 (or M3) is a unique delight which must be experienced, as words are totally inadequate.

Of course, if your M6TTL is absolutely perfect except for the mutilation, then this might complicate the decision. However, keep in mind that most potential buyers would probably like to have all the standard M6 framelines. I notice that a couple of the responses indicate a desire to purchase your M6TTL. This might be a good opportunity to sell it, if that's what you want to do.

Richard

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

ooh, can i buy your m6 ttl? 😀

Hey, get in line, bud, I asked first 😎

 

[Chuck A]

I really don't see the M6 as being mutilated. It was just customized a bit an I like what was done. It is much stealthier this way. I would prefer to have a 28mm frameline but the 28mm framelines are so close to the edge that using the entire frame works fine. The lack of a 75mm frame is not a problem for me now. Plus the 75mm frames bother me when I am using the 50mm lines. Anyway the framelines are not gone forever. They can always be replaced. From what I know, they are still there just masked out. An easy fix. The camera works fine except that the vertical rf adjustment is off a small amount.

As far as handling goes, I may try a grip os some sort to see if it helps the handling and feel of the M6. It was interesting to see that others think the M4-P has a bit better handling than the M6. I thought that I was just being too picky. The actual difference in thickness is so small but you can feel it. The M4-P does feel better in my hand.

The R2A is going, anyone interested in it? I haven't decided what is happening with the Leicas.

What to do, What to do!

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

By the way, do you know how much the prior owner paid to have DAG put in the MP modification? thanks

 

[rogue_designer]

Are you n*ts? That's a pro! Trust me, the heft helps. I think you have a winner with that M6 TTL; for only $1000 and it already has the no-flare upgrade? You don't know what a super deal that is.

Dang, I'll buy it from you if you don't want it, let me just shore up the cash.

/concurs/

That's a great camera - seems to address all your stated needs, and a great deal.

If you decide to sell, it will be a race to see which of us can save up faster.

 

[Ken Ford]

My take: keep the M6TTL, sell the other two and buy glass (or pay off the credit card). Recover the M6 with a kit from Aki Asahi if you prefer.

I didn't realize how much I would enjoy the meter in my M6 until I had it. My last Leica was a M4-P - I'm much happier with the M6 as a shooter.