To be or not to be ....

[AntoninoRusso]

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..or shall I say...

 

To sell or not to sell

 

This is my Hamlet dilemma:

Shall I part exchange my m6 classic and 50f2

for the X2?

 

Over to you my brain needs a rest!

 

Thank you

[wda]

Difficult to answer in isolation. What other kit do you possess for your everyday and travel photography?

 

I guess the M6 plus 50 Summicron would lose less monetary value than an X2 if such considerations enter the equation.

[AntoninoRusso]

Hi David

 

I do some interior and food photography and for that I use a Canon 5d.

Prize devaluation is something that I take into consideration.

On the other hand I am hardly using the m6 these days.

Not an easy decision.

[robert blu]

I would say that if you are ok with only one lens and if this can 36 (equiv.) and you prfer the digital workflow (for any reason you do not need to explain!) the x2 can be an excellent choice. And you can always use your Canon for specific opportunities where you need a long tele, or zoom or macro possibilities.

robert

PS: I only own an X1 but think the x2 for sure is better!

[metalbernd]

If you have the money I would keep the Leica, but if you don't I think the X2 is a option. Maybe you can loan or try a X2 at a camera store?

And maybe you have to buy a viewfinder with the X2, because you are use a finder on the M6?

[gnuyork]

I have both the classic M6 (with 50f2) and the Leica X1 (as well as a many other cameras - 4x5, 5DMkII, etc..). As much as I like the X1, I would NEVER get rid of the M6.

 

I just recently did a photo exhibit with the photos exclusively from the M6 and summicron 50. I scanned Kodachrome and printed digitally. I was shocked at how large I could make these prints. This was my first time printing from scans. I had always either did darkroom work in my college days, and digital capture and output for the past 8 years.

 

Most of these scanned images were output to 16 x24, but I really went crazy with a couple prints that I made 24x36 and even a couple that were 48 inches wide (but cropped for a panorama comp). Sure you could see the grain close up, but step back even two feet and it was quite remarkable how good these prints looked.

 

Also the M6 is a pure joy to hold and shoot.

 

This is my 2¢

[AntoninoRusso]

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Can't afford both and so if one comes the other one goes.I do love the feel and look of the m6.

I am out at the moment with it with a Ilford hp5 and spoke to a few lab which charge a fortune just to develop.So if the m6 stays I would at least have to get a scanner and then either process the films myself (that will make go back in time) or work with c41 and just pay for the development.I must admit I do like the idea to develop and scan my own films but I am so used to see the results immediately that I am afraid to get bored with it.Sad I suppose,digital has taken something away from photography,I think.

[enboe]

The X2 goes for $2000 new, or $1600 used from a reputable source. Second hand will be even less.

The M6 goes for $1000-1400, the Summicron goes for $1200-$2000 depending on condition and model.

 

So, if you are in a rush, you can trade ~$3000 worth of gear for a $1600 camera, or sell your items, buy the X2, and keep the cash difference.

 

Personally, I would keep the M6, as it has already fully depreciated, and will serve you at no additional cost, other than maybe a CLA every 20 years or so, for the rest of your life.

[colonel]

I am hardly using the m6 these days.

Not an easy decision.

 

I never keep around hardware I am not using

If you are not using it, it says alot about the photography you want to do

 

I bought an M6 recently, and loved the form factor. Also people give you really favourable comments

 

However I could not get used to the quality of film (I'll probably get flamed, but its no where near digital), the delay of 1-2 weeks waiting for the results and particularly the cost (£25 for a roll of 36, including film and scanning).

So I got rid of it.

 

I find the X2 great for general walk about, with great quality (see my pics link).

Note that its focal length is 36mm, not 50mm. So this is more to the point, if you like this focal length.

 

I still need a super sharp FF camera. For that I have my M9 now, perhaps an S2 at some mythical time in the future ...

[earleygallery]

Selling an M6 to buy an X2 is akin to the fashion in the 60's for ripping out the original Victorian fireplace from a house to fit an electric bar heater.....

[AB007]

Only you can make that decision based on your shooting style and preferences.

 

Most likely, you will get different answers from different people. I shoot both film and digital using different mediums/formats.

 

Personally, I love the film Ms but have never used/owned M6. Cron 50/2 is considered very good don't know which version you have. If you decide to get a digital M later on, you might regret selling the 50/2.

[iforum]

If you don't shoot film then sell it to someone who does otherwise it is a dust collector

[otto.f]

No

[AntoninoRusso]

Thank you all for your point of views.

I guess the decision for me will be: do I go with my head or my heart.

At the moment I am tempting to follow my heart and keep the M.

[otto.f]

Yes!

[gnuyork]

Sad I suppose,digital has taken something away from photography,I think.

 

You know for the past 8 years or so I have focused mainly on shooting digital cameras (mostly canon) and I do truly feel it's made me a little lazy. But the results I get when I put the effort in with film work are quite rewarding.

 

Now with scanning film into DNG files and working in light room is sort of a hybrid method that satisfies both the old school and the new school. That being said I've yet to see an inkjet print (as good as they have come) look as good as an Ilfochrome print.

[AntoninoRusso]

Now with scanning film into DNG files and working in light room is sort of a hybrid method that satisfies both the old school and the new school. That being said I've yet to see an inkjet print (as good as they have come) look as good as an Ilfochrome print.

 

Couldn't agree more.I am thinking to do exactly the same.I work quite a bit with LR 4 and I am planning to buy a scanner to scan film into DNG.

Looking at the moment a a Plustek 7600.Have read a lot of good review.

Its the way out for us traditionalists.

Best of both world at last.

[rob_w]

I would certainly recommend giving the X2 a good trial run before making a commitment.

 

I have just done that with a Fuji X100 and in the process of returning it. The X100 is a lovely camera and its IQ is considered roughly equivalent to the X2. But for my purposes the X100 IQ was totally unacceptable. I realised this was a camera I would never use without regret.

 

Others think differently, of course. And maybe their experience is different too. Just saying, after all the reviews and research, check it for yourself before making the final decision!

[robert blu]

I work digital with my x1 (the only digital camera I own) and I see the benefits of this workflow. But I still shoot a lot of film, hmmm ...not so much lately with my m7 or other film cameras I have. B&W develop myself, color I give to a lab than in both cases I scan and post process (LR3+CS3). Final prints are ink-jets.

Hybrid work flow has the benefits of both worlds, but has also the problems of both worlds.

But I like it...

robert

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Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[Fokus]

I agree with colonel. I would sell the M6. The X2 is a small lightweight and has a very good image quality. So you could take the X2 with you when you would leave the Canon or the M6 at home.

 

For me, film is the past, I only have old cameras when there are special memories connected with them.

 

Greetings

Ralf