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Which one should I buy M4 or M6?


BobPS

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Greetings everyone,

 

I'm a new member here. I don't have Leica yet, but I am getting one, a used one cause the new one is too expensive. I'm an amateur photographer, been shooting since the 80s using minolta xgm and nikon FM2N, until last year when I went digital and bought a canon 30d.

 

Anyway, currently I have two options. First one is M4 for about $700 and the second one is M6 for about $1500 with a collapsible 50 f/3.5, IIRC. Both in god condition, with the M4 has a worn out section near the ASA indicator.

 

Now if you were in my shoes, which one would you get? Price wise, I lean more toward the M4 and thinking about buying a used leica lens or a new zeiss ZM.

Second question can I use my old nikon SB 22 flash or my canon 430ex?

 

Thanks in advance,

Bob

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Prices look about right for top condition cameras, but I don't understand the lens -- sounds like an old screwmount, are you sure about that?

 

M4 is very well made, but so is M6 and it has the advantage of a built-in meter. Do you need that?

 

I'd go for a secondhand 50 or 35 Summicron, whichever body you choose. Sorry, can't help with flash.

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if you want something which works like your FM2, the M6 is closest. Personally, I would not like to fiddle with an external meter always, so M6 would be (and actually was) my choice. If it really has to be classic at some point, I'd rather go for an M2.

 

Regarding cash-out, the Zeiss ZI may be an interesting option as well. There are enough deals out there for around US$ 1000 in like new condition. The ZI doesn't have the 75mm framelines and sports an aperture priority automatic.

 

I cannot comment on the lens other that a 3.5 isn't something which appeals to me strongly.

 

** edit for the flash question **

 

And yes, you can use your SB-22(s) on the M6. I use this flash quite a bit on different cameras (mostly not Nikons ;-) and I like the AA battery form factor and the flash footprint. I'm not sure whether the M4 has a hot or cold shoe. The SB-22 however has a PC cord socket, so it should work on the M4 as well.

 

 

Regards

Ivo

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I tend to agree with the above. The M4 is a great camera, with nice uncluttered framelines, but the addition of a meter makes the M6 irresistible. If you're not going to need through-the-lens flash metering then go for an M6 'classic'. You could buy a good user on ebay for under $1000 if you're patient. A clean late model 50/2 summicron would set you back about $600. Around $1000 for a good gen IV 35/2, $1200- $1500 for the aspherical. Otherwise check out igorcamera.com for realistic retail price guide. That's not a plug, but I've bought a few bits and pieces from Igor over years and I've never had a problem (And I'm in Australia). Anyway, whatever you decide, you'll have a terrific camera. Enjoy:cool: :)

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Guest DuquesneG

Realize that if either camera needs service (and most Leicas tend to have erratic slow shutter speeds if they've been unused for some time...like months or a year in some cases) it will set you back about $300. So if you're on a strict budget, factor that in. If either camera can be documented to have been serviced in the last say 5 years, that would make it a good buy.

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Thank you very much guys.

 

Servicing the camera is one thing that I have to consider. I'm in Jakarta, Indonesia so servicing means shipping it overseas which would cost quite a lot. I'd rather not do that if possible. Buying from ebay (or from oveseas) is also something that I try to avoid, hate the import duty so I'm trying to find it locally.

 

edited: re zeiss ikon, I thought about getting ZI, but the nearest dealer is in singapore. I asked them and zeiss if they have a dealer here, but they don't. So if I want to buy ZI I would have to buy it from overseas (import it), which at the time being I'd rather not do.

 

Light meter ... well I've never been without one so if I buy the M4 I guess I would have to buy a light meter.

 

Thanks again guys, I'll let you know how it comes out.

Bob

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I've owned both, but when it came down to which one got the most use, my M4 won hands down. I've subsequently sold the M6 which I owned and used for 5-6 years. If you really need the light meter...the M6 is mighty convenient. Either way, you will end up with a great camera. An M4 may need the CLA sooner than the M6, if that is a consideration for you.

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Thanks again guys.

My decision has been made easier by your advice and the fact that the M4 just been sold :D Anyway, I picked up my FM2 from the shop today, it had been repaired (shutter stuck at slow speed), bought 2 rolls of film and I realize how nice manual camera is .. and how nice a light meter is. I hope the M6 will still be there in two or three weeks time, when I've enough money to buy it.

Take care,

Bob

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I hope the M6 will still be there in two or three weeks time, when I've enough money to buy it.

Take care,

Bob

 

Why not put down a small deposit and ask them to keep it on on one side for you ? Common practice in many parts of the world.

Whichever, enjoy.

BTW if you want to see what it's like to shoot without a meter - take the battery out of the M6 :)

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