KCS Posted September 29, 2009 Share #1 Posted September 29, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted September 29, 2009 Posted September 29, 2009 Hi KCS, Take a look here M6 as a portrait camera?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Walt Calahan Posted September 29, 2009 Share #2 Posted September 29, 2009 I've used my M6 with a 75 mm for commercial portraits for clients. Get combo. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
msweeney Posted September 29, 2009 Share #3 Posted September 29, 2009 (edited) 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: Edited September 29, 2009 by msweeney Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCS Posted September 29, 2009 Author Share #4 Posted September 29, 2009 Thanks for the responses. I should probably just take the M with me next time and shoot a roll at my next session and see what I get. Karen Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpattinson Posted September 29, 2009 Share #5 Posted September 29, 2009 Shot with an M7/M8: stealing beauty Shot with an M7/M8 with two obvious exceptions: portfolio - people Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
christer Posted September 29, 2009 Share #6 Posted September 29, 2009 I like the M for portraits. Here are a few I shot with 90mm lenses: Chris Almqvist - Photograpy Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
KCS Posted September 30, 2009 Author Share #7 Posted September 30, 2009 Advertisement (gone after registration) Nice examples. I think for me it's partly a confidence issue with the M6--need to practice more. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneth Posted October 1, 2009 Share #8 Posted October 1, 2009 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted October 1, 2009 Share #9 Posted October 1, 2009 People had less spots and pimples in the good old days... Regards, Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hoppyman Posted October 1, 2009 Share #10 Posted October 1, 2009 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 Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneth Posted October 1, 2009 Share #11 Posted October 1, 2009 People had less spots and pimples in the good old days... Regards, Bill Joking apart, I think you have a point Bill Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted October 1, 2009 Share #12 Posted October 1, 2009 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. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/98438-m6-as-a-portrait-camera/?do=findComment&comment=1058071'>More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted October 1, 2009 Share #13 Posted October 1, 2009 and the 50. Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Quote Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/98438-m6-as-a-portrait-camera/?do=findComment&comment=1058073'>More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted October 1, 2009 Share #14 Posted October 1, 2009 People had less spots and pimples in the good old days... Regards, Bill Less stress, better diet........ Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneth Posted October 1, 2009 Share #15 Posted October 1, 2009 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NZDavid Posted October 2, 2009 Share #16 Posted October 2, 2009 Flatter them, of course! A razor sharp rendition isn't always necessary. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted October 2, 2009 Share #17 Posted October 2, 2009 Good portrait lenses would include the 5cm Summar and 90 f4 Elmar. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pedro Posted October 2, 2009 Share #18 Posted October 2, 2009 Shot with an M7/M8:stealing beauty Shot with an M7/M8 with two obvious exceptions: portfolio - people Great set! Congratulations. P.S. Could not identify the "obvious" exceptions... Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
tobey bilek Posted October 2, 2009 Share #19 Posted October 2, 2009 Works fine. .85 is better. M3 with 90mm top of the heap. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smb Posted October 2, 2009 Share #20 Posted October 2, 2009 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. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.