Why should/would I want to upgrade?

cosmonaut

cosmonaut

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I currently use an M6. It is in perfect working order and probably will be when I am not. Why should I upgrade to a M7 or MP? I have been watching the prices and I am not sure why. Maybe I should just get some new glass. Is there anything in an upgrade that would be worth all the funds?
 
If your asking the question on this Forum, then you don't need to upgrade. The M6 will do everything the MP will do. If you haven;t found the need for the auto shutter or TTL flash of the M7, then your M6 will do very nicely.-Dick
 
A different camera will not make you a better photographer. It will only satisfy your "wants" until you start looking at an M8/M9. It is a never ending cycle (until you make the conscious decision to break it). If you need to "upgrade" then buy some sweet glass.
 
So, my owning an M4 and now buying an M3 DS is a downgrade? Wow, guess it's a good thing I'm happy, eh? It's all in the eye of the shooter.
 
I love my M6. I know it works, has been all over the world with me. I wouldn't "upgrade".

The only real difference to an MP in usabilty, IMO, is the viewfinder. If the M6 viewfinder flare bugs you, you could consider an upgrade for the finder only.

New glass is always a good idea 🙂 Or a second body, like an M3.
 
ferider said:
I love my M6. I know it works, has been all over the world with me. I wouldn't "upgrade".

The only real difference to an MP in usabilty, IMO, is the viewfinder. If the M6 viewfinder flare bugs you, you could consider an upgrade for the finder only.
New glass is always a good idea 🙂 Or a second body, like an M3.
Click to expand...

Good point. I used to switch to an M2 when flare was a problem with the M4-P. But like most 'problems' with Leicas, it's quite easy to imagine from internet babble that the difference is, in fact, considerably greater that it is. It was the meter and the improved finder that drove me to the MP from the M4-P. That, and it's smoother and a nicer camera. Oh: and that I once bent the rewind crank and had to straighten it (in situ, with a Leatherman) in the Julian Alps. But the M4-P is still perfectly usable (if very ugly in 30-year-old worn black chrome).

Cheers,

R.
 
Pirate said:
So, my owning an M4 and now buying an M3 DS is a downgrade? Wow, guess it's a good thing I'm happy, eh? It's all in the eye of the shooter.
Click to expand...

The M3 finder is better for 50mm, 90mm, and 135mm lenses. Higher magnification. I use an M3 and an M2 for much the same reason- M3 for a fast 50 and 90, the M2 for a 35 or 50/2. They complement each other. The M3+M4 setup should be superb.

But you knew that...and I love stating the obvious.
 
if you'd like to upgrade, you might look into having sherry krauter replace the rangefinder in your m6 with that from the MP. less flare, much easier to focus. Compared my m6 last night to a buddy's m9
 
also, that's kind of the beauty of film cameras. There is no upgrading. You m6 will shoot the same pictures that the mp will. just depends where you take your camera and who you meet
 
M7 has better, flare resistant VF. If you use a RF for what is was intended for (fast action shots) AE is heaven sent.

I love my M4, far better VF than the M6, I've had it for decades. Once I bought an M7 I decided I needed a second. now my poor M4 sits on the shelf and is only good for fondling when I feel lonely.
 
In many ways I prefer the M6 as a metered M. The two diodes in the finder are quick and easy to use. The TTL/MP three diodes means that you spend a lot of time fiddling to get the center one lit. Unless you want a 0.58 or 0.85 finder - just stick to the M6. Get some interesting glass instead. The body is just a box with a meter in it and a viewfinder.
 
Having both an M6 and an M7, I can't say I prefer one over the other. They are both nice to have. The M7 is a little quicker to use in AE snapshot mode with my two little kids running around. But the M6 feels a little smoother in operation, probably due to it being older and more 'broken in'. They have been very reliable with no functional issues at all. I like 'em both!
 
Tom A said:
In many ways I prefer the M6 as a metered M. The two diodes in the finder are quick and easy to use.
Click to expand...
It all depends on what you grew up with. I found it far easier and quicker to get the right settings with my MR-4 meter on top of the camera. After I had the M6 for a year or two I kept going back to the M4. Then I got a CLE, loved it and ended up buying the M7. If I'm going to diddle around around with an exposure meter I'll use the 5x7 and tripod-🙂.

The perennial question on which camera is better depends totally on one's preference.
 
cmdrzed said:
A different camera will not make you a better photographer. It will only satisfy your "wants" until you start looking at an M8/M9. It is a never ending cycle (until you make the conscious decision to break it). If you need to "upgrade" then buy some sweet glass.
Click to expand...

Letting the M6 go and using a camera with AE made me a better photographer. Was too slow and missed too much without AE.
 
I had an M3 but sold it to get an EP-1. The focusing patch wasn't very clear and focusing was a pain. The VF upgrade for my M6 is a nice idea any ballpark figures for the cost?
 
Dave I am in Rome. 80 miles NW of Atlanta. I don't remember discussing this but then again I am scatter brained to the max. I probably will never part with my M6. I loved the feel ofthe M3. I may get another one. I really liked the framelines on it. How is Atlanta for street photography? One of the only times I tried it there I was approached by several pan handlers.
 
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