Charlie Johnson Posted May 17, 2011 Share #21 Posted May 17, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I had an Olympus XA2 when I was in the infantry. Small enough for a chest pocket and had a using cover to protect the lens. There are plenty around now used for under £50 so if it does break its no huge deal. If I took an M6 it would live in a webbing pouch or the top of a pack. Relatively accessible but safe. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 17, 2011 Posted May 17, 2011 Hi Charlie Johnson, Take a look here How Rugged/Tough is a Leica M6 TTL?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
Archiver Posted May 18, 2011 Share #22 Posted May 18, 2011 +1 for the Olympus XA2. While not a M6, it is far lighter and more compact, and will deliver great results. The sliding front cover protects the lens very well. You don't even have to focus it with your eye, as it uses zone focus. Load it with decent film and it rocks. I use Fuji XTRA 400 in mine, as well as Kodak Portra 400 VC. And as mentioned above, it is very easy and inexpensive to replace, unlike a M6. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwrz Posted May 18, 2011 Author Share #23 Posted May 18, 2011 How does the IQ compare? One of the reasons I wanted to switch to the Leica glass was for the IQ, as it is the m4/3 definitely is pocketable. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbretteville Posted May 18, 2011 Share #24 Posted May 18, 2011 The original XA is the only one of the series that has a rangefinder. The XA2 and the others all use zone focus. The image quality from the XA's 35/2.8 is good, but not on par with Leica glass from the same area. OTOH the XAs are tiny, light weight and the shutter is so silent it makes the M6's shutter sound very loud. Shutter speed stops at 1/500. I like the XA and they are cheap, buy be careful when buying. It took me a few attempts before I found one that really worked as it should. Also be prepared for the light seals needing to be replaced. The XAs are 30 years old now, the foam seals are turning into goo - same as on the R4. New seals can be bought on eBay so not har to find. Replacing the seals is straight forward, but can be very messy. Carl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StS Posted May 18, 2011 Share #25 Posted May 18, 2011 Well, I have the XA, which, unless the XA2, is a rangefinder. For some time, the XA used to go everywhere, where I went. It is good for A3 sized prints - unless one compares it directly to same sized prints from the Leica. But to be fair, for the form factor and portability, the XA delivers excellent results. The design makes the camera very rugged. The shutter has a reputation for poor reliability, but I guess a camera, which has survived until now, should have a low risk. I prefer a smaller, more basic camera on the location over a larger one, which was left at home. Stefan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StS Posted May 18, 2011 Share #26 Posted May 18, 2011 Sorry, Carl, crossed posts... Stefan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Randle P. McMurphy Posted May 18, 2011 Share #27 Posted May 18, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) Or consider an Nikon F. Don McCullin's stopped a round from an AK47 and saved his life! Don McCullin - Nikon F | Flickr - Photo Sharing! Nobody whould try to shoot at a Leica because its so expensive. They try to hit the photographer - seriously. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
bill Posted May 18, 2011 Share #28 Posted May 18, 2011 My M7 with 50mm Elmar-M attached has travelled all over the world with me in a LowePro Street&Field Pouch 30. Never missed a beat. 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! I can also speak highly of the XA, and have a Rollei 35SE at the moment which is so small it goes everywhere. Built like a tank, too. Regards, Bill Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! I can also speak highly of the XA, and have a Rollei 35SE at the moment which is so small it goes everywhere. Built like a tank, too. Regards, Bill ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/151832-how-ruggedtough-is-a-leica-m6-ttl/?do=findComment&comment=1675637'>More sharing options...
dwrz Posted May 18, 2011 Author Share #29 Posted May 18, 2011 I'll definitely consider the XA and the Rollei (I am still broke from the Leica and will be for some time). I have a tactical pouch for my E-P2, but it's a bit tight for the M6. I'll have to look around. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
pico Posted May 18, 2011 Share #30 Posted May 18, 2011 Good gosh, you are an infantry soldier. The last thing to worry about is the ruggedness of a camera that can be replaced. Take care of yourself first and if the camera breaks, it can be replaced. I will even chip-in to help if that happens. Take care! -- Pico - in-service 1964-1970 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwrz Posted May 19, 2011 Author Share #31 Posted May 19, 2011 I took the camera out today, then it started pouring. Now I have condensation inside the lens (Elmar-M 50mm) and the aperture blades are wet. Should I worry? What should I do? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobYIL Posted May 19, 2011 Share #32 Posted May 19, 2011 I took the camera out today, then it started pouring. Now I have condensation inside the lens (Elmar-M 50mm) and the aperture blades are wet. Should I worry? What should I do? Take the lens out, film out, place it and the camera without the bottom plate and rear door (simply take the door out by pressing the small pin toward inside) somewhere warm, say above 100F and leave it for a day. Camera should be OK but check the lens the next day if you would see any stain or haze behind the first element (in front of the aperture) by opening it fully to f2.8. Look inside carefully under a light source. If there's stain or haze you will either use it so or send to cleaning. (Hmmm, if you keep on getting wet so perhaps you need a Nikonos ) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwrz Posted May 19, 2011 Author Share #33 Posted May 19, 2011 Assuming the worst case scenario, how much is the cost of cleaning, usually? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobYIL Posted May 19, 2011 Share #34 Posted May 19, 2011 Assuming the worst case scenario, how much is the cost of cleaning, usually? It's a 15-minute job for one having the right tool set. A little isopropanol and basta.. I do not think that any Leica technician (e.g. Youxin) will charge for an Elmar more than $30 while he CLAs an M-Leica for $100-150. Tell them you are an infantryman possibly they will not charge anything other than the shipping. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwrz Posted May 19, 2011 Author Share #35 Posted May 19, 2011 Something like $30 is ok. Like I said, short on cash right now, but I'm sure the technicians need to make their living too. Not being without the lens is really the only bummer, but so long as it's not a $100+ job, I'll take the hit. Thanks a lot for all the info! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobYIL Posted May 19, 2011 Share #36 Posted May 19, 2011 Something like $30 is ok. Like I said, short on cash right now, but I'm sure the technicians need to make their living too. Not being without the lens is really the only bummer, but so long as it's not a $100+ job, I'll take the hit. Thanks a lot for all the info! How about sparing your Leica for leisure time and having an Olympus Epic in your pocket all the time even in rainy weather? It is plastic, can handle shocks with no dent, is whether resistant so use it any day of the year, has a sliding cover so the lens will not be damaged even if you drop it and has a good 35/2.8 lens. I believe you will like it as an everyday pocket camera for it is also much lighter and smaller than a Leica. It goes for around 50 bucks and has become a cult camera. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwrz Posted May 19, 2011 Author Share #37 Posted May 19, 2011 I think I will look into other film cameras when I get the chance. I was hoping to take the Leica around though, because of the quality of the glass. The body itself actually took the rain without problems, but I think the Elmar-M is a bit fragile in comparison. In any case, here's my update, which might be useful for reference. I wrote to some Leica repair technicians (SK, YY, DAG) to get a cost for the repair. Sherry Krauter mailed me back with the suggestion to use a hair dryer on the lens, which I did, twice. It made the condensation turn to water droplets, and it looked like some of it was evaporating, but even after a long time the water was still there. I left it back near the heater and waited until now. It's clear, but there are dried water droplet marks inside the lens. In addition, this is what Youxin Ye had to say: "Regardless you should send your lens for a service. Even if the moisture dries out, it may leave rust spots somewhere in the lens." He suggested sending it to DAG for service. Since this is my only lens at the moment, I may hold off on doing that, but I will definitely send it in when I can. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xmas Posted May 19, 2011 Share #38 Posted May 19, 2011 Hi You can get condensation autumn and spring in temperate countrys, from e.g. coffee shops, and outdoor indoor humidity temperature changes, and rain which will pull down the cameras temperature to ambient, even if it does not penetrate much. Normal procedure, zip lock bag, freshly ovened silica gel bag, packs of tissue, dry droplets from camera and stick in zip lock bag with silica gel before entering coffee shop, UV filter on the lens, carry a brolly in one hand... Aside from internal rust, the lens and camera lube can turn to butter earlier. Your scope would be sealed... A pro will have the camera servicer more frequently... Noel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwrz Posted May 19, 2011 Author Share #39 Posted May 19, 2011 I'm waiting to hear back from technicians. I'll probably send it out if I can afford it. I haven't gotten any responses yet, though, and I've heard the wait for DAG is something like 3-4 months. I'm pretty worried about the lens and very much want it to remain in good condition. I just got back my first roll today. The quality (of the image, not the photographer) is stunning. Leaps and bounds beyond what I am used to. Here are some of the first "test" shots: Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lincoln_m Posted May 19, 2011 Share #40 Posted May 19, 2011 Dwrz, Nice shots. The Elmar is a great performer. I think you took my advice over a VM lens? Just shooting in the rain was a bit too much, try a poly bag over most of the camera & lens next time perhaps! Considering your profession the choice of a Black M6TTL instead of the Chrome one was safest, don't want silver reflecting in the sun catching their attention. I guess the Elmar although very light weight has the collapsible parts which may let in the moisture. The Leica ERC short front is very tough leather, I have one I don't use any more but I'm guessing you are based in USA while I'm in the UK. I would suggest you look at one (used) and consider wearing the camera (in the case) strapped across your body with the strap fully extended. One shoulder to opposite hip and up the back. The Leica straps are pretty strong but you might prefer to get some webbing and make a tougher one. With the Leica ERC I'm sure you can "hit the deck" as needed or even stand on it and not break the camera (almost). I'll have to check if the Elmar can be extended with the hood on inside the short front ERC when I'm back home tomorrow. I took an M6TTL to Nepal for 3 weeks, -10C at night + 30C during the day but quite dry up to 18,000ft (5500m). Batteries didn't last long with cold temps only 3 films per battery when at normal temps they would last 10 films. Perhaps I had a dodgy one. Buy some spare batteries keep them on you. The ERC was too tough for me so I use a Crumpler bag (olive green outside, pumpkin inside) or the Optech neoprene skin for protection from hard objects inside a Bergen / day pack. Given the lightness of M6 + 50 f2.8 collapsable you might be able to find some padded belt kit to take the camera, like Bill's but it would survive diving into a ditch? You might need to use only a hand grip as the strap would just get tangled. Keep safe, Lincoln Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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