Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1996/10/30
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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