Re: [Leica] Uses of M series - M2/M6 rangefinder spot brightness

[Mark Rabiner <mrabiner@concentric.net>]

Bill wrote:
> 
> Simon Pulman-Jones writes
> 
> >This is only my second posting to the list - the first, about use of R
> >lenses on a Viso III, received no response, so I hope for better luck this
> >time.
> 
> Sorry I could not help you with R lens to M camera use.  I went the other way
> and integrated the M lenses and bellows to the R6 body.
> <<snip>>
> 
> >I have a question that relates to an M6 0.85 that I have acquired recently.
> >I am surprised to find that the rangefinder image (the one that moves as you
> >change focus) of the M6 0.85 is less bright and contrasty than that of my
> >1959 vintage M2. There isn't an enormous difference but it is definitely
> >there - the M2 double image is easier to focus. The higher magnification of
> >the M6 is very useful for fine focusing on the 50 and 90 - but I'm a little
> >disappointed by the double image.
> 
> I have an M3 rather than the M2.  I find the M6 0.85 to be vastly inferior to
> the M3.  Because of this, I am avery unhappy with the M6.  The M6 viewfinder
> appears to be brighter but there is not as much contrast.  In addition, I find
> that the M6 viewfinder flares to the extent that it is unusable in low-light
> backlit situations.  I bought the M6 0.85 specifically to use the 75/1.4.  I
> find myself using the M3 and guessing at the frame.  (The M3 has the verticle
> portion of the RF slightly out and I still find it more usable than the M6).
> 
> >Does this tally with other people's experience? Or should I be sending the
> >M6 back to Leica for attention?
> 
> Let me know if you send yours back and if it helps.
> 
> Regards,  Bill Larsen
> ohlen@lightspeed.net

I can relate with being a lover of the hard core solidness of the M3 but
then you want to use the 75 1.4 and go out and get the M6 .85 to shoot
it with: not very hard core. Dump that WizBang outdated pumped up lens
and get the new 90 Summicron or older Elmiret and I think you will find
your system on your side again. I'm having the 75 framelines taken out
of my M6.
Mark the Shark Rabiner