The two-body problem

[JoshuaR]

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For the past year I've shot with three cameras: an M2, a Q2, and Pentax 67ii. I've just sold the Q2, having concluded that I much prefer film to digital. My photography—mainly of my family, and of my travels as a journalist—is probably 75% 35mm, 25% medium-format.

Now I'm trying to figure out what to do with the proceeds from my Q2 sale. (I also sold a Ricoh GR III and some old lenses.) One possibility is that I could buy a used digital M; I'm unlikely to do that, though, as I'm enjoying being fully committed to film, and am building out a home darkroom for wet printing. I have four non-digital options, and wonder if any of the long-term film shooters on this forum have any advice.

Option 1: pocket the cash and put it in the college fund.

Option 2: Buy an M6, so that I have two film bodies, one with a light meter. (Even at the current inflated prices, an M6 would be a cash-neutral transaction.) Maybe I'd use the M2 for black and white and the M6 for color. I also wouldn't mind having a body with TTL flash, as low-light / indoor photography is the only area where I kind of miss shooting digital.

Option 3: Sell the M2 as well, and use the lump sum to buy an MP (or M-A).

Option 4: Keep the M2, and instead upgrade my lenses—I have a Zeiss 35 f/2.8 Biogon and 50 f/1.5 Sonnar, and could possibly move to Leica Summicrons, or to a Summicron / Summilux combo. (I'm confident that I want to stay with 35 / 50.) I'm inclined not to pursue this option, since I'm quite happy with my lenses now, and I could imagine doing this kind of upgrade one lens at a time in the years to come.

I quite like my M2, but there are a few things I don't like. I bought it for cheap, and it's fairly beat up, with a small dent and a random ID number of some kind engraved on the top plate by a previous owner. It's also probably in need of a CLA; the 50mm framelines don't come up perfectly (a bit of one of the 90mm lines appears in the finder). I'm also one of those people who finds the flare in the RF patch to be an irritation, and I also sometimes wonder if there's haze in my viewfinder, as it's a bit dreamy in there. So all that has me thinking about how nice it might be to own a pristine MP, or perhaps M-A. On the other hand, it seems to me that there would be advantages to owning two bodies, especially for film. I could keep different stocks loaded in each, and I could know for sure that I'd always have a working camera if I have to send one away for repairs.

Basically, I'm curious to know how many of your shoot with two bodies, and what your views are about the choice between owning two old film cameras or one new film camera. Would you rather own a beat-up M2 and an M6, or a brand-new MP? Or should I just stick with my M2, with which I'm currently producing photos I really like, like this recent picture of my kid in the driveway?

Edited to add: I know that this is ultimately one of those "only you can decide" situations, but I'd appreciate any input. Thanks very much for your time!

 

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Edited August 19, 2022 by JoshuaRothman

[Matlock]

6 minutes ago, JoshuaRothman said:

For the past year I've shot with three cameras: an M2, a Q2, and Pentax 67ii. I've just sold the Q2, having concluded that I much prefer film to digital. My photography—mainly of my family, and of my travels as a journalist—is probably 75% 35mm, 25% medium-format.

Now I'm trying to figure out what to do with the proceeds from my Q2 sale. (I also sold a Ricoh GR III and some old lenses.) One possibility is that I could buy a used digital M; I'm unlikely to do that, though, as I'm enjoying being fully committed to film, and am building out a home darkroom for wet printing. I have four non-digital options, and wonder if any of the long-term film shooters on this forum have any advice.

Option 1: pocket the cash and put it in the college fund.

Option 2: Buy an M6, so that I have two film bodies, one with a light meter. (Even at the current inflated prices, an M6 would be a cash-neutral transaction.) Maybe I'd use the M2 for black and white and the M6 for color. I also wouldn't mind having a body with TTL flash.

Option 3: Sell the M2 as well, and use the lump sum to buy an MP (or M-A).

Option 4: Keep the M2, and instead upgrade my lenses—I have a Zeiss 35 f/2.8 Biogon and 50 f/1.5 Sonnar, and could possibly move to Leica Summicrons, or to a Summicron / Summilux combo. (I'm confident that I want to stay with 35 / 50.) I'm inclined not to pursue this option, since I'm quite happy with my lenses now, and I could imagine doing this kind of upgrade one lens at a time in the years to come.

I quite like my M2, but there are a few things I don't like. I bought it for cheap, and it's fairly beat up, with a small dent and a random ID number of some kind engraved on the top plate by a previous owner. It's also probably in need of a CLA; the 50mm framelines don't come up perfectly (a bit of one of the 90mm lines appears in the finder). I'm also one of those people who finds the flare in the RF patch to be an irritation, and I also sometimes wonder if there's haze in my viewfinder, as it's a bit dreamy in there. So all that has me thinking about how nice it might be to own a pristine MP, or perhaps M-A. On the other hand, it seems to me that there would be advantages to owning two bodies, especially for film. I could keep different stocks loaded in each, and I could know for sure that I'd always have a working camera if I have to send one away for repairs.

Basically, I'm curious to know how many of your shoot with two bodies, and what your views are about the choice between owning two old film cameras or one new film camera. Would you rather own a beat-up M2 and an M6, or a brand-new MP? Or should I just stick with my M2, with which I'm currently producing photos I really like?

We are all different but I would go with option 2. If the M2 is basically sound, is the appearance that important? and I would consider the M6/M6TTL option.

[ianman]

You seem to be more than capable with the M2 so I'd say option 1 would be the most sound.

[plaidshirts]

+1 for option 2.

Depending on what focal length you favor, an M6TTL with a different VF magnification could be useful. For example, I usually have a 35mm on my M2 and a 50 or 90 on my 0.85 TTL.

[250swb]

I would go the M6 .72 TTL route. It's a more versatile camera than your M2 (I'm not disrespecting M2's they are great cameras), and opens up being able to use a wider variety of lenses. Either keep your M2 or sell it and buy another lens. It's always useful to have another 35mm camera for different film, but it gets clunky if you are having to carry two cameras around each dedicated only to a couple of lenses. If that was the case I'd have the M6 as my main camera and wouldn't backup with another Leica at all but buy a Nikon FE or F3 as a do-it-all alternative for different film, telephoto lenses, or for auto exposure etc. (and you can develop a great Nikon outfit for not much money).

[spydrxx]

I like Steve's suggestion, but I'd suggest an alternate which I happened onto a couple of years ago. Keep the M2 and get a Barnack (I like the iif). In the rangefinder side I used an M4 for 43 years, an M6 for about 2 years, my current M2 3 years and three Barnack models (2 aren't Leicas but use Leica lenses) for the last 3 years as well. In the past I poo-pooed the Barnacks as an M owner. Then I tried one and fell in love. My Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus and Contax SLR/DSLRs all became shelf queens, as the fascination with Barnacks became a near obsession. Not better than the M2, just different. Before you commit to something like the M6 (which I grew to strongly dislike), try a Barnack to see if it scratches your itch. Best of luck in your eventual choice.

[Gadgetdave]

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I’m probably a little based as I’ve only just got my first M2. But reading your post it seems you’re generally happy with the M2 except for the few issues with it. maybe option 4 have the M2 looked at and change the things your not happy with. Overall update and make it perfect. Pocket the rest of the funds for film/darkroom or you could do the college thing 😉. 

[Huss]

The "engraving" on the M2 would really bother me.  So I'd get rid of it.  As would the flaring finder.  So that rules out an M6 unless it has the finder upgrade.

M-As on the used market seem pretty cheap, and are basically new cameras.  Or get an M-P.  Word to the wise.  You can buy a NEW M-P from reddotcamera in England for a lot less money than people are asking for used ones in the US!!!

[a.noctilux]

👍

try option #3

[Lux50]

Option 1.

[hdmesa]

1. Sell the M2 or keep it as a beater and for the memories of having used it
2. Buy two M4-P
3. Send both to Leica for CLA and MP finder upgrade – about $800 each, which will include replacing the shutter
4. Put the 35mm on one and the 50mm on the other
5. Load each body with different film types
6. Enjoy

You've been fine without a meter for this long. Why buy an M6 and have to worry about whether your CLA person can source a replacement for the circuit board if it ever dies (which they do)? If you want a meter, sell the M2 and get an M7 or MP – something that can have the meter repaired further into the future. The M7 can easily be found on eBay as mint with current style box, paperwork, etc. Either way, allow for the possibility of needing a CLA if you buy used – allot not just the money but the wait time.

If you want to upgrade lenses instead, keep the Sonnar for 50mm and sell the Biogon and join the cult of the 35mm Summilux Pre-ASPH users

 

Edited August 19, 2022 by hdmesa

[105012]

Have you considered two identical cameras? The advantage of having two identical bodies is familiarity, you don’t notice anything different as you switch between them, just concentrate on the photography. 

[Mute-on]

Get the M2 overhauled to bring it back to perfect operating condition and buy a used MP. I have both and use them as a pair with different focal lengths and films. They feel exactly the same in use so there is no adjustment required moving from one to the other. 
 

I’d leave M6s alone since their metering circuits are no longer repairable with new parts, so not a great long term option (although you could get lucky - your money, your choice). Ive never needed TTL flash in a Leica M film camera. Manual flash on auto output control (thyristor) with appropriate aperture selection (open more compared with lens aperture for fill). Max shutter speed is 1/50 anyway, so fill options are limited. 
 

Of course you could just pocket the $$, but what would be the fun in that?!

[grahamc]

Hi Joshua

I'm replying because you mentioned TTL flash.

I have the M6 TTL and MP.

Although the M6 TTL isn't my sleekist or even favourite M film body ergonomically (the extra 2mm height and the larger shutter speed dial do give it a different feel to the traditional sized bodies), it is probably my most-used M .  Certainly my most versatile as I find the TTL flash capabilities very convenient . 

In terms of more general benefits of 2 bodies, assuming I'm doing natural light photography I've usually got B&W film in one and Colour in the other (although in this scenario only take out one body, never both at the same time).  A roll of film can last me 1-2 weeks easily, so this way I always have free choice B&W or Colour.  

On a recent trip I also carried 2 bodies ( with 2 different focal lengths mounted ) over my shoulder together, with same film type in.  The first time I've done that and loved it.

Lastly if you by the M6TTL well then you can sell at anytime with no loss if you regret.

So it's option 2 for me

 

Edited August 20, 2022 by grahamc

[BradS]

Don't buy any more gear....in fact, maybe even think about selling some more.

Then use the proceeds to DO SOMETHING.

Travel, go to college, do something, take pictures while doing it. Have fun, enjoy what little time you have in this life.

Get out and take some pictures!

Edited August 20, 2022 by BradS

[a.noctilux]

@BradS

very good advice.

We tend to see PROBLEMS, when in real there is any.

[ianman]

2 hours ago, BradS said:

Don't buy any more gear....in fact, maybe even think about selling some more.

Then use the proceeds to DO SOMETHING.

Travel, go to college, do something, take pictures while doing it. Have fun, enjoy what little time you have in this life.

Get out and take some pictures!

In a nutshell option 1 then

 

[pippy]

Of the original options I'd say (2). Having B'n'W / Colour can be extermely useful when in countries such as India for example. Especially-so if you are a working photojournalist. It's an approach I've adopted pretty much forever (these days with 'colour-only' and 'B'n'W-only' digi-M bodies) even although 90% of the color images will ultimately be rendered in monochrome.

Of the other answers posted I really like hdmesa's suggestion to buy a pair of  M4-P bodies.

As far as your M2 is concerned; each to their own but the engraving wouldn't bother me for one second. If the 'haze' is merely on the viewfinder glass to remove the top-plate and give it a good clean takes 10 mins start to finish and is a very straightforward task. I've done it myself by using a video clip found on the www as my 'walk-through'.

Good luck with your decison.

Philip.

[earleygallery]

Do nothing until you CAN work it out for yourself. Sounds like the money you have from selling the Q is burning a hole in your pocket!

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[BartS]

I should keep the M2 (and give it a CLA) for the 35mm  Biogon and maybe buy a M3 as second body for the 50mm Sonnar so you can quickly shoot without changing lenses. I don't think upgrading your lenses will make any difference, with both lenses you can make outstanding pictures.

Or you can spend the money on films and doka equipment such as the Leitz Focomat IIc +  chemicals and paper.  Fiber based paper is pretty expensive and maybe you also need money for framing if you want to expose your pictures.

I also agree with the former poster Ianman that maybe the best thing to do is do something that brings you in the circumstance to make great pictures (like traveling or starting a project or visiting events) and keep things simple to develop your own signature. Staying with one camera and lens can help with that .