M-v-R System?

[kenneth]

I posted earlier this month how I had just purchased an R8. It transpires that there was a fault on the flash hot shoe connection. As this camera was a commission sale through a non leica dealer the seller chose not to have it serviced which resulted in me receiving a full refund.

Although I was happy with my purchase per say, I guess the Leica M series M6ttl had always been my most desired choice. I now am able to make that choice and although I think I know the answer, I will pose it anyway.

I can buy all items mint- R8/ 28mm Elmarit/ 50mm Summicron with filters hoods or I can buy M6ttl 0.72 chrome 35mm f2 Summicron - M ASPH with filters and hood. There is a price difference but this would be my only chance to acquire an M6. The two options mentioned are through a Leica dealer

My main photographic subject matter in landscape- mountains and general photography on Fuji Velvia 50 and B&W

[rubenkok]

Originally Posted by kenneth

I guess the Leica M series M6ttl had always been my most desired choice.
My main photographic subject matter in landscape- mountains and general photography on Fuji Velvia 50 and B&W

So........?
I have the M6TTL and a 35mm f2 Summicron and they are great. Less weight then the R8.
With an 2.8/28 or the Voigtländer Super Wide Heliar 15 mm it will be great for your landscape and mountains photography.
Hope this is some help ?
All the best
Ruben

[andybarton]

I have more or less both kits that you are choosing from.

While the R8 is permanently fixed to the DMR, it was a lovely film camera, and the lenses you describe are both first class (do either of them have the ROM installed?)

It all depends upon whether you want an SLR or a rangefinder really. Buy either, and you won't be disappointed, I am sure. Bear in mind that R lenses are cheaper than M ones and always have been. However, many are the same "formula" as the M ones, and some just don't appear in the M range at all. One of my favourites is my 60 Elmarit - a truly fabulous lens.

Check the viewfinder on the M6 with the 35 attached. If you wear glasses, the 0.72 finder can be a bit limiting.

[kenneth]

Thank you Andy- The points you make are very valid and yes I do wear glasses. Having pondered further this is my one chance to go with my desired choice and I think that it will be the M6ttl 0.72 chrome 35mm f2 Summicron - M ASPH with filters and hood.

One of my other passions is mechanical watches and I could have bought a perfectly good Omega but I went the extra mile and bought a Rolex because it felt right and it does

[andybarton]

I am very happy with my Omega

Not so flashy as some other brands

[kenneth]

Why do I get the feeling that some comments made on here are a little unnecessary.

[bill]

Originally Posted by kenneth

Why do I get the feeling that some comments made on here are a little unnecessary.

...because we don't take ourselves too seriously

Regards,

Bill

[andybarton]

Originally Posted by kenneth

Why do I get the feeling that some comments made on here are a little unnecessary.

Mine?

Just standing up for the "cheaper" option

FWIW, the M is not the Rolex if the R is the Omega.

[kenneth]

I hardly think that anyone who owns a Leica R and an M system can express support for the cheaper option. But more importantly, it was help and guidance that I had hoped for.

[andybarton]

If you want to meet up at any time to play with any of my stuff I am very happy to do so, Kenneth.

There are a few of us in the NW who meet up around once a quarter and between us, we have lots of options covered. You are more than welcome to join us.

As far as the watch is concerned, I just couldn't justify to myself or my wife spending three grand plus on a watch. I'd rather spend the difference between my Omega and a Rolex on something like, erm, an M7.

So I did.

[pierovitch]

Go for the M the R 's have always disappointed me compared to other SLRs (not the optics) but an M is for a Life of enjoyment. I had an Omega Seamaster. The second hand came off and it went all misty after a dip in the Murray River. My Seiko Quartz just keep going.

[stunsworth]

I have both systems - and all the lenses you mention (though my M6 isn't a TTL).

To be honest I think you'll be happy with either system - the R8 is a cracking SLR that feels very comfortable in the hand and has one of the best viewfinders I've used - so I think it boils down to why system you have a preference for, rangefinder or SLR. Personally I prefer the rangefinder system, which is why I bought an M and then added the R8 quite a few years later when they dropped in price.

As I say, which ever you buy you'll have a fantastic system.

Watchwise, I wear a Rolex - bottom of the range I hasten to add - though I also have a Swatch that keeps far better time.

[rob_x2004]

I think we need to get it out in the open...and have a Rolex thread.

[kenneth]

Thank you all and thanks Andy for the invite. After much searching and agonising, I have decided to opt for the M6tti 0.72 chrome with the 35mm f2 Summicron - M ASPH, and strangely enough Andy I am buying it from your namesake at a main Leica agent in London. I am also pleased to hear Andy that you have both systems which means you are able to give unbiased advise. I appreciate that the R system is first class, in fact as indicated in my earlier posts I had an R8 from a local camera shop here in Yorkshire but there was a minor fault in the flash hot shoe which has given me this unique opportunity to ponder the R v M option.

On the watch front I had a Rolex Explorer 1 circa 1965, decided I would prefer a watch from a different manufacturer so opted for a Jaeger Lecoultre Reverso, found that I missed having my Explorer 1 so bought a new one as well last year. Interestingly as noted by Mr Stunsworths comment, my Rolex keeps perfect time compared to a radio controlled quartz Oregon clock in our dining room. It might be worth asking Rolex to check it for you as a registered chronometer is meant to be constant. But I guess that is a subject for a horology forum of which are are some good ones on the web- Thanks again all

[clw]

Enjoy your new purchase, Kenneth!

I've owned both the R8 and R9 at one time, but i've been thinking about going the route you've just gone. That sounds like a really nice combination.

You said you like taking pictures of mountains: If you're ever in East Tennessee in the US, make sure you get to the Great Smokies!

(Sorry for the crappy picture - it was a quick snap w/ my D300 at 1PM with the sun directly overhead and I had no lens shade.)



P.S. I have a Tag Heuer Carrera Automatic that will serve me well until I can afford a Patek Philippe!

[kenneth]

Dear clw

Thank you for you message. I feel confident that I have made the right choice, thanks in no small way to the dedicated help offered by this forum

Re watches, maybe we could suggest a watches tag for the forum as I feel sure that anyone motivated by precision engineering within a product will be equally in awe at the levels of skills which go into the manufacture of fine mechanical watches. I am with you regarding Patek Philippe, surly the pinnacle of watchmaker as Leica are with camera-making but I am quite content with my Explorer 1 and my JLC Reverso Grand Taille. You might like to check out Fine Watches, Food, Wine, and other interesting passions - ThePuristS

[hamey]

Hello Kenneth.

I use both systems, for low light it's the M7, but for all other photography it's the R system
As they offer so much, better metering, better focusing, larger range of lenses,
Wide angle, standard, macro, short and long telephoto, etc,etc and most importantly
You don't need three hands to change a roll of film on the R system like you do on the M's.

Still love the M7 but unless I am doing some night shots. I usually take the Canon G9 with my Leica R's.
It's become my perfect outfit.

Ken.

[hamey]

Originally Posted by hamey

Hello Kenneth.

I use both systems, for low light it's the M7, but for all other photography it's the R system
As they offer so much, better metering, better focusing, larger range of lenses,
Wide angle, standard, macro, short and long telephoto, etc,etc and most importantly
You don't need three hands to change a roll of film on the R system like you do on the M's.

Still love the M7 but unless I am doing some night shots. I usually take the Canon G9 with my Leica R's.
It's become my perfect outfit.

Ken.

As for my watch, I have the 1971 Omega speed master.

[stunsworth]

Originally Posted by hamey

You don't need three hands to change a roll of film on the R system like you do on the M's

If you use an M on a strap, flip the camera upside down - so that the lens is pointing towards your body - and you then have both hands free to change the film. I reckon it takes less time to change film on an M than on a flappy back camera.


You should also find that wide angle lenses are easier to focus in poor light if you're using an M.

[gyoung]

Originally Posted by stunsworth

If you use an M on a strap, flip the camera upside down - so that the lens is pointing towards your body - and you then have both hands free to change the film. I reckon it takes less time to change film on an M than on a flappy back camera.


You should also find that wide angle lenses are easier to focus in poor light if you're using an M.

And the shirt breast pocket is a good place for the base plate......

IMHO M3/M2 loose take up spool is at least as quick as the M4-7 etc. by the time you have checked the film is far enough into the take up to wind on OK, 'quick load' usually means no take up!

Gerry