Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/10/30
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Item Subject: cc:Mail Text I am on the verge of purchasing a Leica M6 Rangefinder camera to replace my Pentax 67 system. I use the heavy Pentax system for B&W photographic art work mainly still life and landscapes and some portraits many times in low light conditions. I do prefer sharper images but do not require 4x5 system features such as tilt controls and etc. I usually have prints enlarged to 8x10 or maybe up to approximately 20x30. In future, I may want to shoot some color Velvia transparency film and print up to 20x30 Ilfachromes or color negative film and print. Would anyone please answer two questions: QUESTION 1: ---------- What quality results might be expected from final prints (8"x10" and 20"x30"), for example in terms of resolution/sharpness, tonality, contrast and etc. taken under two conditions? Condition A: Using a Leica M6 Rangefinder on a tripod with Leica's fast and high quality lens (for example, 35mm, 1.4 f), Kodak TechPan B&W Film 25 ASA or another similar slow and high grain film. and Condition B: Using a Pentax 67 Medium Format camera on a tripod, mirror locked-up, with a larger 120 negative (2 1/4 x 2 3/4), higher grain TMX 100 ASA Film and Pentax slower lens rated at 105mm, 4 f. I believe the difference in results will probably be attributed to the following differences in the two approaches: - lens speed and quality - size of negative (e.g.,number of times negatives need to be enlarged for final prints) - the difference in film characteristics (grain, tonality, contrast) - the amount of camera vibration (probably more for Pentax 67 shutter assuming even though I still lock-up the mirror when taking a picture) QUESTION 2: Do you have any hints or advise in using the Leica M6 built-in light meter to determine exposure settings and adjusting for various lighting conditions? I use a spotmeter with my Pentax 67 very successfully (e.g. using the zone system to predict what zone a specific object in scene will fall) and am concerned about going back and relying on a camera's built-in light meter (average a scene,etc.). As you can see I would like to use the lighter weight Leica system and still achieve sharp gallery quality B&W prints close to what I get with the Pentax 67 system. I would be very appreciative if you would offer your thoughts to my questions. Best regards, Ken