Own a M6+28f2.8ASPH, Buy a 50cron or a R camera + 50?

[jaifo]

Hi folks,
Title says almost everything. I have some money i could spend on new (used) gear and i'm debating whether i should stick with my M system and buy a decent 50 (cron or lux) or open to the reflex system with a R + 50. There ara several good oportunities with mint R (even R8) for the same price.
I love M system, wich i carry with me all the time. But for the price of a lens i could have a camera+lens combo...
What would you do in my place?
Thank's

P.S. I also own a SWC and a 500CM+80 wich i use for architecture jobs

 

[payasam]

Just how much do you love your M? Easier to answer, do you foresee much use for a second 35mm body (different film is the most common reason)?

 

[anabasis]

Unless you need a second body, you're better off with just the M-lens as it is easier to carry.

The only reason to go with an Leica R is if you wanted more reach (telephoto) or macro.

JCA

 

[Benjamin Marks]

The strengths of SLRs are in longer than normal lenses, accurate TTL framing, true macro capability and high speed motor drives. I am not saying that M's can't be jury-rigged to solve some of these problems, but IMHO SLR success in these areas are the principle reasons that the SLR supplanted the RF as the default choice for most photographers from the 1960's onwards. You really have to ask whether the new tool (and these new capabilities) will help you solve the type of problems you will confront. If you never need to go longer than a 90mm lens and if precise framing is not a requirement of your work, then stick with the M's.

That said, if you are a gear head like me and just enjoy having the equipment, by all means get an R camera and a couple of lenses. I have several and while they are utterly surplus to my requirements, but are fun as hell and prices for gear of this quality have never been lower.

Ben

 

[Al Kaplan]

Leitz teamed up with Minolta and replaced the Leicaflex line with the R series. They were made by Minolta, and while there were some differences between the Leica R models and the Minolta bodies for a long time they were really rebadged Minoltas with a Leicaflex lens mount. When buying used lenses you have to make sure that it has the correct cams for your camera model or the metering won't work correctly. The original Leicaflex had a single cam, the SL and SL2 added a second cam, the R series used a third cam, and at some point they stopped putting cams 1 and 2 in the lenses. Cams can be added but it ain't cheap.

There's a good reason why mint R series cameras are cheap! If you want a Leica quality camera get a Leicaflex SL or SL2. Use stop down metering if you get some bargain lenses with the "wrong" cam.

 

[Tom A]

The SL/SL2 is a good choice here. Built to last way past Armageddon! If you go for one, rather than the 50mm f2/1,4 - go for a 60f2.8 Macro Elmarit and have the advantage of macro shooting as well as a good "normal". You can also cancel any gym membership. You will get enough exercise hauling that package along. Leica SLR's are cheap (compared to the M's), but they do have some of the most stunning lenses you will ever need, the aforementined 60f2.8, the 100f2.8 Apo-Macro, the 180f3.4 Apo Telyt (probably one of the highest resolving lenses ever made - @f3.4 and infinity - which is what it was built for).
The later R's are very good, but they are not as well built as the SL/SL2's - and, lets face it - nothing is! These cameras were typical for Leica's penchant for over engineering and overbuilding cameras. They are "bullet" proof in every way.

 

[jaifo]

Thank's for your helpful responses.
I must admit that i find the M system more adecuate to my preferences. Silent, compact, unobstrusive... The kind of photography i do with my Leica is not professional (I am an archictect and i use Hasselblad when i need architecture photos). But i take my M everywhere! So i think that the obvious answer is keep with it, add a 50 (i can carry it in the pocket). But i can buy a used R5, R7 or even R8 plus a 50 for about the price of a 50 M lens! So, being a gear addict as most of you, the option is tempting. I don't use lenses longer than 50, but that's perhaps because i habve never tried a R. With my Nikkon F90 i used to carry telephotos...
Difficult decision. But pleasant one!
BTW, what do you think of the R5?

 

[aizan]

i would get an m-mount 50mm, because it's much smaller than an r + 50mm.