Time to buy my first Leica

Jon,

I think Tom A. is far too modest about his contributions to the rangefinder community.

There's a set of short films on Leica M camera's on Youtube by him. Shows you how to load M2's, M6/MP, screwmount Barnack camera's etc.

Recommended!
 
Jon,

I was in a position just like you're in now. I was saving for a 5dMkII when all of sudden I decided, and wanted, to try a completely different shooting experience. I have SLR (nikon and minolta) and DSLR (canon) so I thought I would try a film rangefinder camera and see if I like it.
Long story short, I bought a Leica M6. Prior to that I had never shot a rangefinder and the time I received my M6 was the very first time I put my hands on a rangefinder camera. It was like a gamble since the camera was not cheap, but the way I see it, if I didn't like shooting with an RF, then I can always sell it later. But as it turns out, I love shooting with my M6. I seldom carry my dslr now.

So I would suggest you just go ahead and buy a rangefinder, be it M2, M3 or M6. If you don't like it, you can always sell it later. 🙂

Bob
 
So it looks I'm buying a pretty nice M6 from cirque here on this forum, for a decent price. He lives in Norway, so luckily I don't have to think about custom taxes on that one.

However, I haven't figured out a lens yet. I've been into quite a few, but right now I'm thinking about a 35mm Summicron ASPH or a 35mm Zeiss Biogon.
I almost decided on a Zeiss when reading the reviews and after talking to a few people. Some mentioned that the Biogon and Summicron ASPH were pretty similar.
But then I started to look at the pictures taken with both lenses.
For me, it looks like the Biogon got way to much contrast in it compared to the Summicron.
Let me show you guys a few examples.

Summicron ASPH:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/quixotic54/3114170266/in/set-72157609556765526/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/quixotic54/3186633823/in/set-72157609556765526/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/quixotic54/3333888480/in/pool-m-mount
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dotfoto/3332636814/in/pool-m-mount
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dotfoto/3234316314/in/pool-m-mount
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dotfoto/3233468157/in/pool-m-mount

Biogon:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59177039@N00/1362496974/in/pool-m-mount
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59177039@N00/1240529643/in/pool-m-mount
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59177039@N00/1659218875/in/pool-m-mount
http://www.flickr.com/photos/onenil/2524781095/in/pool-m-mount
http://www.flickr.com/photos/59177039@N00/2642218973/in/pool-m-mount
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shudaizi/3643867951/in/pool-m-mount

Is it only me, or is it a major difference? For me, it seems like the Summicron can produce the feel in a picture that I really want, but the Biogon can't.
I would love to hear your guys opinion on those lenses.

Jon
 
Congrats on the upcoming M6, cirque started a Kodachrome project here the other day and is a fine fellow to deal with, good choice!

I shoot an L-Hexanon 35mm f2.0 and a Kyoei Acall 35mm f3.5 and both are brilliant, cheaper than the Summicron or Biogon, and more difficult to find as well, I'm afraid...
Can't really comment on the lenses, but it seems you have made up your mind more or less already, what might comments change to that?

Still, looking forward to see which you will choose!
 
Well done on selecting the M6, a lovely all purpose body. As for your lens all I can say is that I look at the negatives and see detail in the shadow areas that I have never seen in my 1970's - 2000's nikon or canon negs. I am sure older nikon and canon lenses are different though? Maybe I am smitten with the leica glass? The japanese glass is so clear, precise and sharp. When I use film I like to getaway form that in a sense. Not saying that german glass is not as good but there seems to be so much more in my negs than before. Shooting on f2 my backgrounds have so much more appeal to my eye anyway. Either way you will choose whats right for you I am sure. It's a personal preference that only you know what will be right when it happens.
 
Today I went into Red Dot Cameras here in London, and I came out with an 35mm Summicron ASPH and a red filter, and I'll probably get my M6 sometime next week.

I'm happy right now. 🙂
 
Hi guys...newbie here, so I'm sorry if this topic has been asked before.

Anyway, I am also intending to buy my first ever Leica. I have in mind either M2 or M3. I see quite a few of these cameras on offer on ebay (or elsewhere) that are in really good nick except for the fact that the frame-finder illumination glass may have just a slight crack. Please tell me, does a crack on the frame-finder illumination glass affect picture-taking or focusing or some other aspects negatively in any way at all?

Tnx!
 
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