Merkin
For the Weekend
After doing research and budgeting for a few months now, and after considering eight million different camera and lens options, I have narrowed my choices down to two main options that I could manage for about the same price. I am considering the following:
a used M6 body and either a CV 35mm f1.4 or a zeiss planar 50mm f2
or
a new CV r2a/m (haven't yet decided between having aperture priority and the ability to run without batteries) and both the CV 35 1.4 and the zeiss planar.
The crux of the issue is this: I know that the M6 body is better built than the CV, and I like the fact that there are more framelines on the M6. However, I do not know when I will be able to expand my lens selection, and I would like to have the planar for daytime shooting and the CV 35 for low light, out on the town sort of situations, as I shoot in both situations equally. The other thing is that this camera, whichever I get, will be a daily walking-around camera which will go pretty much everywhere with me. I tend to shoot medium format when I go out to get a very specific shot, like a landscape, so the question becomes one of balancing the increased ruggedness of the m6 with the decreased price point of the bessa.
I have decided that even though I can afford a used m6 body, I cannot afford Leica glass, so whichever option I choose, i will be using CV or zeiss glass for a long time to come.
Regarding the framelines, a used m6 costs almost the same as two new bessas, so when I do finally get around to buying a wider angle lens (i am holding out hoping that CV will make a 28mm f1.4) I could just as easily buy an r4 body at the same time.
As an Apple computer user, I definitely understand the smugness factor, as well as the pleasure of use and superior results of owning really good equipment, but I am afraid that the red dot on the front of an m6 would act like a bullseye to thieves, where a CV might fly a bit more under the radar, so to speak. Also, how much does the body factor in to the overall result of your photography? I would think that the glass would be much more important (obviously, the skill and creativity of the user is the most important factor, but you get my point.).
Considering these choices and the parameters surrounding them, is it better to start with a better body and only one lens, or a body that isn't quite as good, with more lens flexibility?
Since I am leaning more toward the CV and 2 lenses option, I thought I would bring this to the leica section to make sure that there weren't any factors I am not taking in to consideration.
Thank you all very much in advance for your time and advice.
a used M6 body and either a CV 35mm f1.4 or a zeiss planar 50mm f2
or
a new CV r2a/m (haven't yet decided between having aperture priority and the ability to run without batteries) and both the CV 35 1.4 and the zeiss planar.
The crux of the issue is this: I know that the M6 body is better built than the CV, and I like the fact that there are more framelines on the M6. However, I do not know when I will be able to expand my lens selection, and I would like to have the planar for daytime shooting and the CV 35 for low light, out on the town sort of situations, as I shoot in both situations equally. The other thing is that this camera, whichever I get, will be a daily walking-around camera which will go pretty much everywhere with me. I tend to shoot medium format when I go out to get a very specific shot, like a landscape, so the question becomes one of balancing the increased ruggedness of the m6 with the decreased price point of the bessa.
I have decided that even though I can afford a used m6 body, I cannot afford Leica glass, so whichever option I choose, i will be using CV or zeiss glass for a long time to come.
Regarding the framelines, a used m6 costs almost the same as two new bessas, so when I do finally get around to buying a wider angle lens (i am holding out hoping that CV will make a 28mm f1.4) I could just as easily buy an r4 body at the same time.
As an Apple computer user, I definitely understand the smugness factor, as well as the pleasure of use and superior results of owning really good equipment, but I am afraid that the red dot on the front of an m6 would act like a bullseye to thieves, where a CV might fly a bit more under the radar, so to speak. Also, how much does the body factor in to the overall result of your photography? I would think that the glass would be much more important (obviously, the skill and creativity of the user is the most important factor, but you get my point.).
Considering these choices and the parameters surrounding them, is it better to start with a better body and only one lens, or a body that isn't quite as good, with more lens flexibility?
Since I am leaning more toward the CV and 2 lenses option, I thought I would bring this to the leica section to make sure that there weren't any factors I am not taking in to consideration.
Thank you all very much in advance for your time and advice.
