R8 vs. M6

[johnloumiles]

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Besides the obvious differences can anyone tell me their experiences with a R8 or R9 vs. a M6 or M7 and how they differ in their metering & output if at all?

 

 

 

Thanks

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[spydrxx]

Owned both an R8 and M6TTL. Metering on the R8 is certainly different in that you have a selection of metering modes, which you don't have on the M6. As far as output, I'm not sure I understand what you mean....they're both 35mm cameras, the comparative quality of output is dependent on your choice of lenses.

[johnloumiles]

Thanks for the reply. I could be more specific and ask if you had them side by side with a 50 cron on each would the images look exactly the same? I guess I was thinking more esoteric then that though.

[roguewave]

John, I took a look at your LFI gallery. Nice stuff. My first Leica was an M3, which I purchased in 1973, from Leica's first dealer in NYC. I currently own & use 3 R8 bodies, which I use with the Motor Drives. One R8 I use with my DMR. For me it remains the finest SLR I have ever owned & used. I owned an R9, which I subsequently sold. Maybe just got too familiar, if not automatic with my 3 R8's. I currently own & use an M3 (best of breed of all M's). M2 & a CL, which I use to shoot in the NYC Subway. In winter, with a glove, the CL is invisible & the noise on the subway makes it virtually silent.

 

The 50 Cron is an excellent lens on either System. in fact the 40 Cron on an M8, is one of my very favorite kits. My M8 & 40 Cron is my standard kit for just walking around. With the 1/3 crop, the 40 becomes a 50mm focal length & the images are beautiful, shot wide open.

 

Now let's get down to the nub. SLR vs M.

 

Nothing about this is scientific. When I want the very best portraits, I use my R8/DMR with an 80 Summilux. It's a very large kit. I mean HEAVY. But I have never been able to find anything that comes close.

 

Truth is I'm always conflicted about which to use for fun, so I just have both. Taking an M3 or M2 out at night with Tri X 400, shooting at a projected ISO development of 1600 is as good as it gets with film.

 

For essential work, that means MONEY SHOT, I'm an R8 man. I want to see it in the lens before the shutter falls. Just my take on things. Either way, the Leica glass will seduce you to try both venues over time. I'm sure there's a large commercial camera store that does rentals. I always think that is the best investment before purchasing. In fact most shops would credit the rental to a purchase. Good Luck. Any decision you make regarding which to go with is a good one. I'm sure you will always be able to sell a body/kit for more than you paid. All the Best. Ben

[spydrxx]

John, in response to your elaboration, my answer would be no, they wouldn't look the same...not because the lenses couldn't deliver exactly the same image, but with the R8 I probably would meter differently and would have the benefit of thinking more about the aperture selection process since I could better visualize how the main subject would stand apart from the areas I selected to be out of focus. With the M6 I might concentrate more on framing. However if the settings on each were the same, with similar lenses, they would generally be pretty much indistinguishable from one another.

[johnloumiles]

@roguewave Thanks for checking out my work and the kind words! I appreciate all the feedback, you were very thorough! I apologize if I made it sound like I was starting from scratch. I'm currently shooting with a M8, M6 and assorted lenses. Im trying to figure out if I want to add the R8 or if its redundent at this point. Aftering hearing your advice i'm thinking its not.

 

I have the 40 Summicron as well and it is a great lens for the M8. I sold a 40mm Voigtlander Nokton to buy the 40 Leitz and I have to say I've really been missing the Nokton lately. I look back at some of my favorite shots and most all were taken with that lens. Great color and contrast, I find the Summicron a bit dull in comparison. I'll never give up the 40 'cron though, stick that lens on the M6 and you can make it fit in your back pocket.

 

@spydrxx

 

I like what you said above. I'm going to shoot future projects (the big ones at least) on film and I think I'll need a little more precision then the M6 offers. I want to get off the street for a bit and think up some original content so maybe the R8 will be the perfect tool for that.

 

Now I just need a 50mm and a 75/90mm and I'm set.

[hamey]

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Hello John.

 

I use both the R8/9 and the M7, these three cameras are wonderful.

..................................BUT.........................................

My heart always leads me to the Leica R system.

When I started with Leica back in 1973 I was a young man then but my love for the Leica SL was inmence

In my opinion the Viewfinder, Focusing and light Metering on the R8/9 and the SL are superior to the M system.

 

I can rattle all day on the attributes of the R system so I will make it brief.

 

To me when using the Leica R system for general use gives the fulfillment of total photographic satisfaction.

 

When I have got the M7 around my neck and trying to compose the image, meter, and then focus the subject it sometimes frustrates me.

 

So why do I use it, because in low light the Leica M is untouchable.

 

Horses for courses

 

Good luck on your choice.

 

Ken.

[stunsworth]

Thanks for the reply. I could be more specific and ask if you had them side by side with a 50 cron on each would the images look exactly the same?

 

Provided the Summicrons were of the same vintage and the same exposure was used, yes. I believe the latest M Summicron is optically identical to the last R version.

[earleygallery]

Apart from the obvious differences between an SLR and a rangefinder, and their respective strenghts and weaknesses, I would suggest that using one or the other in similar circumstances could (would?) affect ones end results. Different tools.

 

To what degree and for the better or worse is another matter entirely! It's a completely 'personal' issue as to what works best for you.

[johnloumiles]

Well I bought a R8 & 50 Cron so I'll get to see first hand the differences. Really looking forward to checking it out for myself. I'll post some results. Thanks again for your feedback.