raid
Dad Photographer
I agree with you, Helen.
I downloaded on my iPhone the app MyLightMeter. It is cheap and it works very well.
Question about buying a film Leica
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I downloaded on my iPhone the app MyLightMeter. It is cheap and it works very well.
jukka
Established
Well, I do hate to single anybody out, if you catch my drift. And yeah, in growing numbers people with expensive digital gear seem unable to get over the fact that the M6, with current prices, is as coveted as it is.
This thread is a testament to that and, it seems to me at least, there is a somewhat similar thread on nearly every online gear forum.
I repeat myself here, but all this remains kinda funny: "When the ships were made of wood, the used M6 was correctly priced!" 🙂
It seems to me though that it might have been underpriced earlier. Buying the M6 now should not make anybody loose terrible amounts of money – unlike any new digital body.
noeyedear
Established
When were Leica ever cheap? Of course there are cheaper cameras, there always have been. I'm struggling to like my first Leica, a M4-P, but it's happening. Today I loaded a bag with a Canon F1 system, picked it up and thought bugger that., too weighty for a hike..... swapped out the Canon for the Leica.
But the reason you use a rangefinder not a SLR isn't a cost thing is it?
But the reason you use a rangefinder not a SLR isn't a cost thing is it?
JeffS7444
Well-known
It seems to me that current M6 prices are about $800 higher than they were a less than year ago so yes I'd say something odd is happening (maybe people cashed in their Bitcoin?) but this can change from month to month. Prices won't necessarily plummet overnight to their previous level, but you may start seeing a glut of cameras offered for sale at high prices, but with few takers.
M6 "Wetzlar" cameras are older and likely don't have newer meter which flashes the LEDs if you forget to remove the lens cap.
M6TTL commands a hefty premium, but unless you plan on using TTL flash a lot, I don't know that it's justified.
Standard 0.72x finder places 28 mm frame lines close to the edges of the finder winder where they can be hard to see, especially if you wear glasses. I find it more comfortable with 35 mm and 50 mm.
M6 "Wetzlar" cameras are older and likely don't have newer meter which flashes the LEDs if you forget to remove the lens cap.
M6TTL commands a hefty premium, but unless you plan on using TTL flash a lot, I don't know that it's justified.
Standard 0.72x finder places 28 mm frame lines close to the edges of the finder winder where they can be hard to see, especially if you wear glasses. I find it more comfortable with 35 mm and 50 mm.
MISH
Well-known
2020 really sucked for me but one bright spot for me was that I pulled the trigger on a M6 ttl that was for sale here in the classifieds. This camera checked off all the boxes on my wish list, .58 viewfinder, large shutter speed dial, MP finder, recent Cla by DAG, coin slot battery cover, black dot instead of red. I am getting older and not shooting as much 35mm as I used to so was it wise for me to tie up so much money in a camera body? Let me tell you I certainly have no regrets. Did I pay too much? Probably. Am I getting my money's worth enjoyment out of it,you bet. Could I sell it for more than I paid for it? Absolutely
(My experience for what it's worth)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
(My experience for what it's worth)
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Ronald M
Veteran
Buy a film Nikon and Nikon Ai or AiS lenses or lenses that are already converted to Ai as second choice.
They can then be used on digital Nikons if you go that way. Stay away from old Nikormats with controls around the lens.
Do not buy anything unless you have or can use a black and white darkroom. Commercial places usually butcher monochrome.
unless they are an expensive pro lab you can not afford.
Color film is almost as bad.
You will not see leica quality in normal commercial work in color either.
If no darkroom, you need to shoot digital or scan film.
Leica land is a bottomless money pit, but unless you have lots of cash to buy more and more and repair what you already bought, and most will need repair,
you are better off with digital and a computer.
CLAdictic
Established
I have both a Leica M6, also M4-P and M7. All are with their specific features. I also have a Nikon EF2 and FM2n. All have similar characteristics, the big difference is in price. You can pick up a good condition Nikon for a few hundred dollars and top quality glass. The three Leicas are in varying amounts of hundreds over the Nikons.
hap
Well-known
You are smart Robert. I got my ME Super having been CLA'd for just a bit more over a year ago. My only complaint is that the good K mount manual lenses get sucked up by anyone with a digicam , especial those with Pentax K DSLR's.
Super small, bright finder, the mini Pentax cams.
Louisianaman
Member
Recently purchased a Canon 7 rangefinder and it's got a nice viewfinder and I'll put it up against any Leica and of course it's the lens that takes the photo.
johnwhittingdon
Newbie
OP,
If you want a Leica M6, then buy the Leica M6. You're looking at Leica, so you already know you're going to have to pay Leica prices.
Historically, the market for M6s never (usually) goes down. As the interest in film continues to surge and with the repeat advertising of the M6 via various YouTube channels and Instagram, I can't see that it will go down from its current figure. You can get some deals secondhand, but you have to look continuously because the Leica M6 these days is as a chip on a street to a pigeon; interested people are all over it. It's a solid investment; buy an M6, use it, if you like it keep it and if you don't resell it and make your money back.
We all know the Leica is small, compact, discreet, and a joy to use in its own way -- as are many other cameras. It's quiet, sleek, has a built-in light meter and is my personal carry for every day use. If you want to do away with a light meter, go for the M2 or M3 (you can pick up a good M2 for £800-£900 and a good M3 for a little more). There's a couple of new compact light meters (Keks I think is one?) that you could attach, depending on what you would enjoy practically and aesthetically.
Others suggest good alternatives and I personally love my FM2. Amazing glass to go with it. But it's not a rangefinder and it's not a Leica. Not that Leica is definitively better. It's personal choice.
And so I revert from my digression to my first statement. If you want a Leica M6, buy the Leica M6.
If you want a Leica M6, then buy the Leica M6. You're looking at Leica, so you already know you're going to have to pay Leica prices.
Historically, the market for M6s never (usually) goes down. As the interest in film continues to surge and with the repeat advertising of the M6 via various YouTube channels and Instagram, I can't see that it will go down from its current figure. You can get some deals secondhand, but you have to look continuously because the Leica M6 these days is as a chip on a street to a pigeon; interested people are all over it. It's a solid investment; buy an M6, use it, if you like it keep it and if you don't resell it and make your money back.
We all know the Leica is small, compact, discreet, and a joy to use in its own way -- as are many other cameras. It's quiet, sleek, has a built-in light meter and is my personal carry for every day use. If you want to do away with a light meter, go for the M2 or M3 (you can pick up a good M2 for £800-£900 and a good M3 for a little more). There's a couple of new compact light meters (Keks I think is one?) that you could attach, depending on what you would enjoy practically and aesthetically.
Others suggest good alternatives and I personally love my FM2. Amazing glass to go with it. But it's not a rangefinder and it's not a Leica. Not that Leica is definitively better. It's personal choice.
And so I revert from my digression to my first statement. If you want a Leica M6, buy the Leica M6.
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