Leica owners - your advice needed

Posted by: Kevin-W on 08 May 2009

Chaps

I've always wanted a "proper" Leica film camera (an M6 especially), and what looks like an absolute peach has come up via a pro photographer friend of mine (it belongs to another photographer).

It's an early M6, which is absolutely pristine. It's had approx three rolls of film put through , and has been kept in a safe otherwise (a terrible waste, I know). The lens is the acclaimed 35mm ASPH f1.4 Summilux.

The camera and lens are absolutely mint and unmarked, boxed with all the paperwork. Also included are strap, leather Leica case, Metz flash, lens hood, cap, b+w filter, all instructions and bits.

Asking price is £2650 all in. I've held the camera and it feels glorious, I'm hoping to go out with it this weekend to try it out. Any recommendations for the best film to use?

Do you guys think I'll be getting a bargain if I decide to go for it?

Thanks in advance for your help
Posted on: 17 June 2009 by shoot6x7
Series IV Summicron 35mm, has the best bokeh of all Leica glass :-)
Posted on: 17 June 2009 by Christopher_M
Cheers for that Shoot, I've learnt something there with 'bokeh' which I'd never heard of before.

My Editor simply demands that they are simply sharp and upright. Winker

Best, Chris
Posted on: 18 June 2009 by jon h
Very happy with my leicas (m6 and m8, and a pile of glass)

Wonderful things to use -- a buy-for-life decision.

Use d3x in the studio for paid work. Nice, but not a touch on the M for feel and operation. (The Leica O is even wilder!)
Posted on: 18 June 2009 by jon h
quote:
Originally posted by shoot6x7:
Series IV Summicron 35mm, has the best bokeh of all Leica glass :-)


Nah -- Nocti 1.0 rooolz!
Posted on: 18 June 2009 by SC
It did Jon....But now, we have the .95 ASPH don't we..! Big Grin

And Leica will even sell you a ltd ed white M8 to screw on the end of it....Perfect unobtrusive photography ! Roll Eyes
Posted on: 18 June 2009 by jon h
I have some Nikon glass to buy before I buy a second nocti :-)
Posted on: 19 June 2009 by Adrian Nast
I have an M6 and amongst other lenses, the Summicron 35 ASPH. I think that lens is as good at the 35 Lux and is more compact also.

The price you have been quoted seems a little high to me.
Posted on: 20 June 2009 by shoot6x7
quote:
Originally posted by jon honeyball:

Nah -- Nocti 1.0 rooolz!


IMO the bokeh at 1.4 on a 'lux is borderline weird, but on a Nocti at 1.0 is too weird and distracting for me ...

I think that the Nikon D3's amazing high ISO capability has changed the way we shoot in low light.

Having said that, I'm torn between an M8.2 or a D3 ... in any case C$5,000 will take a while to save ...
Posted on: 20 June 2009 by icogs
quote:
Originally posted by Christopher_M:
I've found Kodak Tmax 400 to be good for b&w and it has the advantage of being able to be put through a C-41 processor at Boots.


TMax 400 uses regular B&W processing - you mean BW400CN.
Posted on: 23 June 2009 by GraemeH
quote:
Originally posted by shoot6x7:
quote:
Originally posted by jon honeyball:

Nah -- Nocti 1.0 rooolz!


IMO the bokeh at 1.4 on a 'lux is borderline weird, but on a Nocti at 1.0 is too weird and distracting for me ...

I think that the Nikon D3's amazing high ISO capability has changed the way we shoot in low light.

Having said that, I'm torn between an M8.2 or a D3 ... in any case C$5,000 will take a while to save ...


Don't underestimate the fabulous 40mm Summicron which is my lens of choice for the M8.

It is available on a certain auction site for usually £200 or so and suits the M8's conservative 35mm framelines.

By my reckoning M8 plus 40 'cron could save you quite a bit on your proposed 5,000 C Dollar spend.

Graeme
Posted on: 25 June 2009 by shoot6x7
I already have the fourth generation 35 'cron as well as a bunch of 50's so I don't need any glass.

Having said that the 40mm is a sweet lens.
Posted on: 25 June 2009 by Christopher_M
Well with Kodachrome going (gone?) you've one less choice of film...

Best, Chris