Which M camera should I get next?

[hansvons]

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Your 0.85 TTL is a pretty specialised  camera already. I prefer the 0.72 viewfinder because this is the most flexible design in terms of focal lengths. It works nicely for 35mm and 50mm, including for people like me who wear glasses. Without spectacles, it fully shows the 28mm field of view, too. For 75 mm and above, a 0.85 view finder is better. However, above 50mm, the range finder system loses its focusing advantage, and an SLR is better for critical focusing. In my experience, the M system shines particularly at 28mm and 35mm (my focal length) without a match, but at these focal length a 0.72 view finder is required.  

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[cesc]

I know OP is asking for another M body. Just wondering why not take in consideration a secondary body that could offer you what the M body can not. I've been with 3 different M bodies, and honestly It was pure GAS,  now after becoming an adult, I realize they are (beautiful ) tools. my gear is just one MP and one Nikon F2 body. So my every day camera is the M, but when I need some close Focus projects or longer lens I use the Nikon. 

[grug norgy]

@hansvons thank you again, your answer gives me such confidence in going in the direction of another m6. That flexibility I can’t imagine myself regretting, yet the limitations of not having a meter on one of the cameras, that’s very much a likely hood. 

In terms of having the 0.72x for body paired with 35, 28 and potentially a 24 would that be an issue? 
for the 0.85x I would use it with the 50 and potentially a 75.  Does this sound like a good plan ? 
 

Thank you again, really appreciate your time and insights, it’s so very helpful ! 

 

 

 

[hansvons]

@grug norgy, 24mm is too wide for the 0.72 viewfinder. If I recall correctly, Voigtlander has an external viewfinder in their portfolio. Some don't care for the missing field of view at 24mm and use the internal 0.72 viewfinder anyway. With some experience, you’ll have an idea what’s in the frame and what is outside.

Having a pair of M cameras is meaningful for either having them for different focal lengths (your concept) or different film types (mine). Your 0.85 TTL works nicely with 50mm; for many photographers their default focal length. Mine is 35mm, so 0.85 wouldn't make sense to me.

I have no idea how experienced you are with photography or what you expect it to be for you, but for me it’s about consistency. Thus, I use 35mm for 98% of my shots (I do own a 50mm Summicron V4 for occasional portraits). Others prefer a collection of primes to cover most genres—from wide-angle cityscapes to 90mm compressed portraits, a classic in journalism and filmmaking.

However, in still photography, I find developing a trademark more desirable than dealing with typical genre expectations (which are only helpful in the beginning to understand them). A trademark is possible with changing focal lengths, but it takes much longer to develop—if ever. 

Edited November 10, 2024 by hansvons

[grug norgy]

3 hours ago, hansvons said:

@grug norgy, 24mm is too wide for the 0.72 viewfinder. If I recall correctly, Voigtlander has an external viewfinder in their portfolio. Some don't care for the missing field of view at 24mm and use the internal 0.72 viewfinder anyway. With some experience, you’ll have an idea what’s in the frame and what is outside.

Having a pair of M cameras is meaningful for either having them for different focal lengths (your concept) or different film types (mine). Your 0.85 TTL works nicely with 50mm; for many photographers their default focal length. Mine is 35mm, so 0.85 wouldn't make sense to me.

I have no idea how experienced you are with photography or what you expect it to be for you, but for me it’s about consistency. Thus, I use 35mm for 98% of my shots (I do own a 50mm Summicron V4 for occasional portraits). Others prefer a collection of primes to cover most genres—from wide-angle cityscapes to 90mm compressed portraits, a classic in journalism and filmmaking.

However, in still photography, I find developing a trademark more desirable than dealing with typical genre expectations (which are only helpful in the beginning to understand them). A trademark is possible with changing focal lengths, but it takes much longer to develop—if ever. 

@hansvons I have been taking pictures for 12 years or so but I still consider myself a baby … your post is a reminder that in those years the 85mm I have in the has been used but a handful of times and 28mm is probably all I need to go in terms of wideness.  Thank you so much for your help again