Just bought my first leica (m6ttl)

[SBC]

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Hi,

 

I just bought my first leica. A late model M6TTL (prod 2001 from what I can tell). It looks like it has never been used.

 

 

Questions:

 

I am torn between the 35mm f2 and the 50mm f1.4. I don't have enough money for both. I shoot 50mm of my nikon EL and I like it but sometimes it feels too long. When I have shot 35mm I loved it but have wondered if it would too short for me as an everyday lens! Any advise one way or another would be great. I generally shoot street/ landscape. I really can buy only one lens for the time being. I also dont know how these lenses behave so I am seeking the best all around choice.

 

Lens color--am I the only one who things a silver lens on a black body looks great? I also like that silver is brass. Any advise for durability and reliability of silver (brass) vs black (Aluminum) lenses.

 

Thanks a lot for any input!

[hamey]

Hello SBC.

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

In my M system I have both the 35 f2 and the 50 1.4, frankly I get more use from the 35mm then the 50.

 

Compared to my SLR where I prefer the 50mm.

 

As for the chrome lens to a black body, I have no comment on that combination.

 

Good luck with your gear.

 

Ken.

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[biagio]

Generally speaking for street and landscapes 35mm is a better choice.

I can't help abut color since I only have black lenses. Normally for street photography it is preferable in order to be less intrusive.

[earleygallery]

I would choose the 35 for street/landscape generally. You always have the option of cropping a shot to get a 50mm equivalent FOV. Both lenses are well behaved.

 

Don't ignore the Summarit either.

 

If your 'new' M6 hasn't been used in all those years you might be wise to have a CLA just to make sure everything is in order. The worst thing for a camera is lack of use.

[Susie]

Well just to be different, I find I use my 50mm lens (albeit a Summicron) much more than the 35mm lens. Going wide, I use the 21mm Elmarit more as well. I just find the 35 is either too short or too long, but it goes along in the bag because it is so small (again a Summicron).

 

Susie

 

PS Welcome to the wonderful world of Leica!

[andyedward]

You can view various framelines without a lens being mounted on your m6. Download an MP instruction manual from leicas website, and use the frameline selection lever to give you some idea as to which lens you would prefer. Depending on where you live, you may be able to hire lenses, or find a local dealer where you can try or borrow one.

 

I shot mainly with a 50mm on a dslr, but now use a 35 on my MP. The 35mm framelines cover a higher percentage of the total viewfinder, which I prefer.

Edited March 2, 2013 by andyedward

[Paulus]

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buy the 2,0/50 summicron type IV . It works like magic on a M6TTL.

[Johnny_Johnson]

The silver (brass) lenses weigh a ton. If you can get your hands on one give it a try on your camera before buying. I don't care for the heft of them but you might be fine with it.

 

Later,

Johnny

[SBC]

Thanks for the help! I am sure I will have more questions soon.

 

I am going to rent both lenses for a week and see which one I like best.

[sterno]

SBC- Congrats! Iam on my first Leica/M6- 3 weeks in. I chose the 35/2. My goal is one lens for one year- good luck-sterno

[SBC]

Sterno, Thanks! I like the one lens per year rule. I will prob stick to 1 for every 2-4 years!

 

My current thinking is to one day have a 21mm, 35mm, & 50mm. Thats it for now. The question is which one first. 21mm is not in the running because its not as versatile (for me). 50mm is great but I think 35mm would challenge me more. I still have not decided.

 

I have been offered a barely used 50 Lux for 3200... Does anyone know if this is a good price?

[wda]

Hi,

 

I just bought my first leica. A late model M6TTL (prod 2001 from what I can tell). It looks like it has never been used.

 

 

Questions:

 

I am torn between the 35mm f2 and the 50mm f1.4. I don't have enough money for both. I shoot 50mm of my nikon EL and I like it but sometimes it feels too long. When I have shot 35mm I loved it but have wondered if it would too short for me as an everyday lens! Any advise one way or another would be great. I generally shoot street/ landscape. I really can buy only one lens for the time being. I also dont know how these lenses behave so I am seeking the best all around choice.

 

Lens color--am I the only one who things a silver lens on a black body looks great? I also like that silver is brass. Any advise for durability and reliability of silver (brass) vs black (Aluminum) lenses.

 

Thanks a lot for any input!

Welcome to the forum SBC.

 

I use both 35 and 50mm focal lengths equally. If funding both is a problem, for everyday photography you will be extremely well served by opting for two Summicron or even two modern Summarit lenses. They are excellent and will give you years of satisfaction. Only if you truly need f/1.4 on a regular basis is the extra cost justified, fashion and emotional preferences aside.