Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/11/03
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Chip wrote: <<<I have the R8, do I "need" a M6? I'm just an amateur with a lot to learn who loves the outdoors and Leicas..... What would a M6 do for me? I don't see myself doing a lot of street scenes?>>>> Hi Chip, A couple things to consider: Money, as in how much do you have to spend? If you're like the rest of us never enough for the wants, let alone the needs. Do you need an M6? At the moment not likely when you have the R8. Unless your well healed and buying it wont make much of a dollar difference. Will it make a difference in your picture taking? Depends on your skill, experience and subject matter. Skill and experience being the most important. The M6 is really a people camera IMHO, others will disagree, but I have used mine primarily in photographing people oriented assignments. And very rarely do I use them for shooting colour, other than when I want to do a special effects shoot using the Noctilux at f.1.0, even then it will be people. You being an amateur and owner of the R8, I suggest get the comfortable feeling of it first and making it work efficiently for yourself before you start on the M6, not that the M6 is a difficult camera by any means. It's just practical to become familiar with one camera, rather than trying to learn/use two completely different cameras at the same time. I would say, if you are doing mostly outdoor non-people subjects then the M6 isn't going to make any difference in your picture taking life. Use your time to become more competent with the R8 and maybe a lens or two for that camera, before plunging into the M6 leaving yourself shy something for the R8. Another lens or winder? Sorry bout the R8 being at Leica, I assume at NJ. Look before they send it back, have them change the viewing screen to an all matt screen, it will work wonders in your viewfinder. It also works more efficiently with long and macro lenses. Not sure what it costs, about a $100 and change US, but really worth the money. The standard screen is returned with the camera. I hope this is of some help, but as I said, my gut feeling and experience says, "you don't need an M6 right now!" Never mind everyone else raving about their M6, they don't have the R8 and maybe they only shoot people/street things. Take your time, get the one camera right and when your ready, move onto the M6. You'll enjoy it more after your learning experience and skills have made you a better photographer. regards, ted