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M6 as a portrait camera?


KCS

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I love the portability of the M6. The camera and a few lenses easily fit in a small Domke bag and I can carry them around without feeling like I'm going to injure my back. It's great for street photography, documentary work, and I take it everywhere. But I have yet to use it for a portrait session.

 

Lately I've been doing a lot of sr portrait sessions (in the US high school seniors typically get a portfolio of portraits done--these are not formal posed shots, but more 'here's me in a field... with my favorite jersey on...' sort of things. For these, I always revert back to my giant DSLR and lenses. Funnily enough, I think my 'hit rate' for in-focus shots is lower with the DSLR and autofocus than it is with the M6. That got me wondering--is anyone out there using an M specifically for portrait sessions? Care to share any examples or experiences of when it's worked well/not well?

 

 

Karen

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I used to use an M6 for portraits and weddings, but now I use an MP. Not much difference there as far as the camera handling, focus, exposure settings, etc. Rewinding is a little different though with the blasted crank versus the cool retro knob. One of the main reasons I use M's for portraits & weddings is the connection you have with the person in front of you. The M doesn't break that human connection and you obtain more natural expressions in my opinion. This was taken with my M6 and a 90mm Elmarit:

 

heidi_fall1_web-75628.jpg

Edited by msweeney
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I like the M for portraits. Here are a few I shot with 90mm lenses:

 

Chris Almqvist - Photograpy

 

These portraits are wonderful but they clearly demonstrate that modern Leica lenses are not desperately flattering showing every spot and pimple and really sharp. I think that the older Leitz lenses were much more flattering and better for portrait use

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Yes extremely suitable for portraiture. One of M cameras' great strengths in fact. On the M6 the APO Summicron 90 ASPH or its 75 brother are superb for this purpose. Quality aside the creative control from the fast lenses is more than useful.

Casual portraits Photo Gallery by Geoff Hopkinson at pbase.com

People Photo Gallery by Geoff Hopkinson at pbase.com

I love the portability of the M6. The camera and a few lenses easily fit in a small Domke bag and I can carry them around without feeling like I'm going to injure my back. It's great for street photography, documentary work, and I take it everywhere. But I have yet to use it for a portrait session.

 

Lately I've been doing a lot of sr portrait sessions (in the US high school seniors typically get a portfolio of portraits done--these are not formal posed shots, but more 'here's me in a field... with my favorite jersey on...' sort of things. For these, I always revert back to my giant DSLR and lenses. Funnily enough, I think my 'hit rate' for in-focus shots is lower with the DSLR and autofocus than it is with the M6. That got me wondering--is anyone out there using an M specifically for portrait sessions? Care to share any examples or experiences of when it's worked well/not well?

 

 

Karen

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90 is the classic choice, but 50 'cron and even 135 are good. 135 needs very careful focusing and a steady hand. Here is one with the 90 T/E and another with the 50 'cron.

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and the 50.

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and the 50.
The 50 does it for me. It is very difficult to take a ladies picture up close and make it flattering to her eye. I know men can be as critical as women in fact I gather men now spend heavily on facial products but traditionally women maybe spend more time in front of a mirror and can be very critical of how a photographer presents them.
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Good question. I feel that a large (D)SLR with a variable focal length lens is imposing on an individual. A small camera with small lens is less intimidating. But, mostly you need to develope a rapport with the subject. They need to feel that you will not make them look silly or ugly. First have a pleasant conversation then ask if they are ready.

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