Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/07/30
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Yes, I think the 0.85 M6 is worth it for stage photography. I too do a good deal of it, and found that my focusing accuracy improved, particularly with the 90 F/2 and135 F/2.8. The 2.8 has "eyes" that increase the magnification so that the 135 image can use the 90 framelines (which it brings up). I never thought that the 135 2.8 was really good until I got the 0.85 - the focus was usually off. This lens is not expensive used, as Leica things go. Actually, I had a 50 Summilux (the older mount only focused to one meter) but sold it for a Summicron because the exra stop was not as important as the ability to get close - I often wanted to get closer for portraits. I really love my 0.85 with the 50, and take most of my pictures with that combination. I use the 0.72 for the wider lenses, and usually use two bodies. Most of my work is B andW - for on stage and candids backstage I use Kodak P3200 at 1600. Jesse Hellman