Should I sell my kit?

[Sofa King]

So, as you all know, M mount equipment is REALLY expensive. I am a student, currently looking to transfer into a photojournalism/documentary photography program from a fine arts photography program. I don't have very much money, but have managed to scrounge enough together to afford an M6 and a Biogon 35/2. I like the kit, but can't say that I'm really as in love with it as some seem to be, granted I've only had it for about 3 1/2 months and put approximately 30 rolls of film through
it.

I've recently been looking at Nikon kits and have realized I could probably sell my kit for a profit, as I got my M6 very cheaply. With the money I could get a Nikon F4 with the 50/1.4 ZF AND the 35/2 ZF and have money left over.

The only reason I'm considering selling my Leica system is that shooting with just a 35 recently has left me wanting something longer for more intimate shots and longer-range street photography and I just do not have the money for a longer M lens.

So what do you think? Should I sell it or keep it?

 

[zuikologist]

the F4 is likely to be a shock in terms of bulk and weight compared to the M6. Also perhaps not quite as discreet as the M6.

Is 50mm long enough for intimate (portrait?) or longer street photography - perhaps an 85mm or 105mm? The equivalent used Nikkors might also be a better bet on $/performance terms.

Your flickr site has lots of low light/portrait shots - a rangefinder should excel in these situations.

On the plus side, the F4 is built like a tank and should survive photojournalist treatment where an M6 might not.

One further thought - with some careful buying, you might be able to afford the F4/Nikkor combo and perhaps a Bessa/CV lens for similar funds to the M6/Biogon.

Good luck either way - your photos show you have talent.

 

[Sofa King]

Yeah, I've given thought to an 85, but I've never really shot anything longer than a 50 that wasn't a zoom (I don't count those though).

How big is the F4? I have a D50... is it any bigger than that? I have thought about the discreetness issue and that could be the dealbraker...

PS - Thanks for the advice and kind words.

 

[JonR]

Given that you can today get a Nikon D50 kit relatively cheap I would look that way also.... you could then combine a couple of fixed lenses with excellent optical quality for portrait with a good AF zoom like the 24-120 mm VR or the 17-55 mmm VR.

I am not a Leica fan myself but if you are short of money I would go for a Nikon SLR and/or DSLR set if that can get you a couple of more lenses...

/Jon

 

[clintoncourier]

Keep It Simple is the mantra of Leicaphiles, many of whom have shot for decades using nothing more than a body and a 35 lens. The urge to acquire a large SLR kit at more attractive prices than say Leica is great. I have an MP-4, 35 & 90 lens kit (and occasionally use an ancient (1930s) Summar with an adapter. This kit has travelled all over the world under some of the worst conditions and have never failed. It all fits into a small f64 shoulder bag along with a small flash (for fill) and a Sekonic 508 multimeter. The M4-P has an MR-4 light metet attached. I also have a Nikon kit (film & digital) with lenses ranging from 24mm to 400mm. This I use for professional photo work, such as sports, where "getting up close" from 100 yards away is important. But hanging around my neck is my M4-P and 35 set to hyperfocus which I use for those truly close sideline shots in football, soccer, and basketball, for example. I also prefer the Leica for under-the-basket shooting because you can see what's coming into the frame and then snap when the object is in the middle at the peak of action. I've done the same with the Nikon and 24, but even with 6 fps I sometimes miss the "peak" shot that the faster, single frame Leica can capture. If I were your mentor, I'd say 3-1/2 months using your M6/35 combo is perhaps a year or so too short a time. Play with the kit you have; you'd be amazed at the results you can get. Moving in close with a short lens reveals a world of imagery you will not see through an SLR with a bazooka on the front.

 

[Never Satisfied]

Just remember what one of the masters of photo journalism said, 'if your photos lack impact, then you are not close enough', or words to that effect. I don't think CAPPA meant getting a longer lens. Now you have such a quality set up learn it and enjoy it. There are always deals on old film SLRs with all manner of glass going very cheaply. Give it six months at least, cheers Andrew.

 

[pvdhaar]

Yes, the F4 is larger and heavier than the D50, and not by a small margin I might add. But if you've already got a D50, then I see no point in selling the M6. These cameras complement each other wonderfully. Put a 50/1.8 (such a lens shouldn't break the bank) on the D50, and the field of view corresponds to a lens of ca. 75mm. That's twice the focal length of the Biogon on the M6.. splendid spread over somewhat short vs. somewhat long.

Another reason why I wouldn't sell the M6, is that you've not yet started in the PJ/Doc program. See how it fares there for a while before you draw any conclusions.

To me, this all sounds like a bad case of GAS...

 

[maddoc]

Just curious, what made you choose the 35 FL as your first and only lens with the M6 ? Sure, many have used the combo 35mm / M for decades succesfully but 50 mm / M as a one camera / one lens approach is not bad either. I wouldn't sell the kit but maybe the Biogon and get some 50mm glass ...

 

[Sofa King]

I chose 35 because last year I kind of fell in love with the 28 focal length on an SLR shooting in very crowded areas and indoors. Then I tried it on my M6 with a borrowed lens and just could not handle the framelines. I could barely see them even though I don't wear glasses. I decided to buy a 35 since the framelines are easily viewable and it's still relatively wide. I don't regret my decision as I've had lots of fun with it and would probably feel restricted without it, but I also feel restricted without a normal lens. When I was shooting the 28 I always had a 50 I could fall back on.

 

[maddoc]

Got it ! 🙂 I had a look at your flickr gallery, some really good photos !

Wearing eye-glasses I also have a hard time to see the 28 mm frame lines (0.72x VF) but 28 / 50 is my favorite travel kit with the M camera. I use the 35mm as a single lens kit mostly for shots in bars / events otherwise the 50mm.

 

[Andrew3511]

Leica lenses are expensive but you are fortunate in that you are looking for the cheapest available focal length. 50mm Summicrons are easy to obtain and the older rigid version isn't pricey, mine was under £200. The 90mm Elmarit from the 60's is widely available and cheap, as low as £150 for a well-used one, the thin Tele-Elmarit a bit more expensive. You won't lose anything on the resale.

 

[oftheherd]

Never had a Leica RF, nor any 35mm RF, only MF RF, so bear that in mind. But my advice, based on what you have said about enjoying your M6, is keep it for a while. If you get rid of it and regret it, you will not be in a position to replace if for some time as a student. If you continue to use it and enjoy it, why get rid of it.

Mind you, I am of the opinion that cameras are more tools than jewelry. I can get GAS just like anyone else, and if fact suffer from it constantly. But I don't use much of what I have. Silly, huh? Try not to fall into that yet.

I enjoy SLRs a lot, as well as some fixed lens RFs and a P&S. For me, SLRs are more comfortable to use. Maybe if I went for an interchangable lens RF I would change, but I don't think so. You are in a position to enjoy both. Do so and if one stops being fun, you will have learned something and won't regret a change. Just my 2 cents YMMV.

 

[back alley]

are you in love with the d50?
what about the m6 plus 35 are you not in love with?

my advice is to keep it. it's a fine basic kit that can stay the same or grow as you like. it's always nice to have a smaller kit to throw over your shoulder rather than a ton of gear.

if it's not working for you then consider selling it.

i have bought and sold all my gear over the years, never developing an emotional bond with any of it, i buy to use and evaluate and if it doesn't work for me then i sell and buy some more. i like my current kit pretty much and intend on keeping it for awhile.
if it's a matter of budget and a 50mm lens, look for a used cv 50/2.5, it's a good lens and will last you for a long time.

joe

 

[ywenz]

My advice is to sell it asap. Especially if you need the money right now. There are plenty of Leica kits out there or many other options such as Bessas or Zeiss if you want to return to RF in the future.

I just sold my M6+50 a few days ago and it felt great! Like you, I was no longer enamored with RF as much as I was used to and to keep such an expensive kit around with other needs just didn't make sense.

 

[jan normandale]

The previous comments should show you what an SLR or RF camera is good for. You are making a decision based on money not photography. Don't confuse the two. If you really need money and you don’t employ the RF style of photography then it makes sense. If you do then remember the number of threads here about people selling their RF and regretfully coming back into the market to repurchase.

I get the impression you think the SLR will do what the RF will do and one camera will “do it all”. History shows it doesn’t. What you choose will determine what and how you photograph. That’s why there are SLRs, RFs, MFs, TLRs, DSLRs, P&S and LF cameras. All are special styles of cameras and do specific jobs well. You can use a LF for street photography but….

You know best what style you are.

 

[ywenz]

Another point to consider is if you don't feel that much love for the RF style but can see yourself shooting with a RF camera once in a while, it makes much more sense to replace the M6 with a cheaper RF.

 

[lns]

You already know you don't love it, so I agree with whoever said to sell it. You can get a Nikon FM2n, which is nearly Leica size, or the FM3a, plus a Nikkor 50 1.8, and still have a ton of money left over. I think the F4 is not a good idea.

 

[Pherdinand]

How 'bout this:
Sell that D50 and get a good lens and some film.🙂
Or get a cheaper TLR and some 120-film and try medium format. You are in for a surprise.

 

[mllanos1111]

If your thinking of going to an F4 and Zeiss, I would consider going to a nice clean F3 or F3/T.
I''ve been using the F3 with a Zeiss 50mm 1.4 and I love the setup and it's pretty small and built like a tank.
The F4 is bigger and heavier and if your using Zeiss, the autofocus on the F4 is not usable.
You will miss the quiet shutter on the M6 and the ability to shoot at a slower shutter speed with the RF.

 

[ferider]

I'm confused:

If money is the issue, why do you only consider expensive Leitz
or Zeiss lenses for either RF or SLR ? You could for instance, just try
the CV Heliar 75/2.5 which would set you back US 250 or so, and be
a great fit with your Biogon.

If you think you cann't use the Leica for what you shoot, by all means,
move to SLRs. Also there, you could get practically the same quality
by buying older and much cheaper stuff, like an OM1 with Zuiko 35/2 and 85/2,
not much inferior to the Nikon/Zeiss gear that you mention.

Frankly, from one addict to another, it sounds more like you are trying to
rationalize a mild GAS attack 😉

Good luck,

Roland.