Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/04/14

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Subject: Re: M6 Dilemma
From: Steve <cameras@jetlink.net>
Date: Mon, 14 Apr 1997 20:56:18 -0700

> "What about buying the M6 as a another system?" he asked. No, I told him, I
> didn't need more Nikons in the closet. I need one camera system that I'll use.
> "Then I'm going to do you a favor," he said, "I'm not going to sell you an M6
> if you trade in any of your Nikons. Because after the novelty of the M6 wears
> off, you'll realize its limitations and you'll want your Nikons back." So I
> left, not sure if the salesperson (who uses an R7) did me a favor or not.
> 
> Thoughts?
> 

In 35 I shoot with three systems,  Nikon Reflex, Leica M, and Nikon
Rangefinder.

The Nikon Reflexes because of their incredible versatility.  If it can
be done with 35, Nikon can do it.

The Leica M's because I consider them the best there is for B/W.   In
practical terms I find little to choose from between Nikon and Leica in
Color.  But in B/W, the Leica shines.

I keep the Nikon SP because I love the camera.  Strangely, in some ways
it is superior to the M6.   Depending upon my mood, I will carry the M's
or the SP for a personal camera.

I think you got great advice.  Each system does different things
Better.  Keep both, or you will probably regret it.  I know I would.   

I would suggest that you buy used M rather than new.  You will save at
least 40% or more if you are lucky.   Rather than a single M6, I would
suggest a M2 AND a M3.  For the same money (or less) you would have the
option of keeping different films ready as well as a backup camera.  
Also the M2 has the advantage of a more elegant finder (at least in my
opinion since I don't like the crowding of six framelines in the M6) and
the M3 would give you the advantage of a larger image size for 50/90/135
as well as slightly more accurate focusing since it has a larger image
magnification on the same size RF base (.9 for the M3 vs .72 on the
M2/M4/M5/M6).

Regards,

Stephen Gandy