Re: [Leica] Complement F5 with a M6/M3

[Dean Chance <mreyebal@pacbell.net>]

on 11/9/00 11:02 AM, Ravinder Walia at ravinder_walia@hotmail.com wrote:

> Hello everyone,
> 
> I have been lurking for a couple of days and have now plucked up the courage
> for my first post.
> 
> A bit about my background first. I started off in photography with a canon
> A1 and a 50mm lens and then acquired a number of primes. As my A1 started to
> die I bought myself a T90 (also a Canon FD camera). When I investigated
> having my A1 repaired the response was Canon didn't support the FD cameras
> anymore and that the parts required made repair uneconomical. As I thought
> that this problem (parts wearing out) would only get worse I decided to sell
> my FD system while it still had some value and change system. I did this and
> moved into the Nikon world.
> 
> Over the years, I have noticed that my photographic interest mainly lie in
> the area of event photography for which my Nikon system with it's excellent
> flash capabilities is great. However (here it comes), I have noticed that
> there are times where I would like to take pictures unnoticed and this is
> not possible with an F5 35-70/2.8 SB28 and associated paraphernalia. Also I
> would like to be able to have a light camera that I would be able to travel
> with. Also something that would be pretty much back to basics. As opposed to
> the wonderfully gizmoed F5.
> 
> Now for my questions :
> 
> Should I take the plunge? By this I mean do you think something like a M6 or
> M3 would fit the bill?
> 
> What would be the best way to start, second hand or new body?
> 
> Basically I want to think this out before I take the plunge and am probably
> using this list as a sounding board.
> 
> I would appreciate and comments, suggestions or warnings.
> 
> If this is not an appropriate post for this list, I apologise.
> 
> Many thanks,
> 
> Rav.
> 
> P.S. Sorry for the long post.
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A great source of answers for this very question can be found at
www.cameraquest.com. There are long articles on choosing a Leica model and
buying a used Leica.
I started with a Canon AE1 purchased in 1983. I went on to buy an M3, which
is now in need of an overhaul and two black M6s, both slightly used, but
virtually mint. (At least when I got them. They've acquired a few dings
since.)
I have never purchased anything at any price that has made me has happy as
these three cameras. I never venture outside my house without at least one
of them along. I really can't explain it - it's beyond a fetish.

Dean Chance
Sacramento