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First M Lens for a Beginner


jooklee

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I'm a little late into this discussion but I'm only about a year or so ahead of you on this decision. When I bought my Classic M6, I already had the 35mm, 1.7 Voigtlander for my Leica IIIf. So I bought a relatively new Elmar 50mm, 2.8. Nice collapsible lens. Later when my finances allowed, I traded it in and bought the 50 mm, Summicron.

 

Personally, I think any of the three lenses are great to start your life with your Leica.

 

Good luck and make some great photos!

 

Dan

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Jook, because you are in NYC, you might also try the local Leica dealers; B&H, Adorama and Ken Hansen. I have bought a lot of gear from Ken and done well both with camera & lenses at very good prices. Adorama has good stock which you can handle in M6 & M7 bodies. I bought a wonderful 80 Summilux used from Adorama at a terrific price. B&H is lite on used Leica, but I got a used older 19mm from them at a very reasonable cost. Times are tight & it's a good time to haggle with these dealers as tock is expensive for them. It maybe worth your while to see & touch from them before buying.

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The 28mm on the Ricoh GRD was what really got me into photography, I absolutely fell in love with it on the streets. I had a blast with it past couple years, but for my first M, I think it's gonna have to be a 35mm. I not only want a change of pace (or perspective, I guess), but for some reason, I'm very set on beginning my Leica experience with the most "standard" set-up possible...if that makes any sense.

 

On a side note, can anyone provide some input on any differences between older M6 bodies vs. newer? I've located two, both in near-mint condition, but one is from 1985 while the other is a 1997 model (according to serial numbers). If we were to ignore all other variables/factors, is it generally safer going with the newer one? I tried the search function but couldn't find any info on this. Links or other resources would be greatly appreciated as well.

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On a side note, can anyone provide some input on any differences between older M6 bodies vs. newer? I've located two, both in near-mint condition, but one is from 1985 while the other is a 1997 model (according to serial numbers). If we were to ignore all other variables/factors, is it generally safer going with the newer one?
Get the newest one you can. If nothing else, the electronics will last longer.
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I have the classic M6 with both 50mm Summicron and V4 35mm Summicron. I have a hard time deciding which I prefer the most. While many say the 35mm asp Summicron is better, I can't fault the V4 35mm. I have great results and somewhere you might find one at a good price. Lots of luck. I hope you can find the combination you will be pleased with. I'm sure you will be satisfied.

 

Paul

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I think you've made excellent decisions, both with the M6 and a 35mm lens. I've owned M3ds bodies, M6s, M7s, MPs and the M8. My all-time favorite is the M6 classic.

 

I have a friend who has a very nice M6 and a 35 Summicron (pre-asph). He's talked quite a bit about selling them but hasn't ever actually tried. If you're interested, PM me and I'll give him a call.

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Peter - That's what I was thinking, but wasn't sure if there were certain production years/batches of the M6 that were known to have issues. Thanks for the confirmation.

 

Paul - Thank you. I'm gonna need that luck... esp. if I want to stick to my current budget (which I'm now beginning to think may have to be increased a tad if I really want "near-mint" condition). I'm just keeping my fingers crossed for now...

 

And finally Brent - thanks for the generous offer. I will be sure to contact you if the two options I'm trying to choose between fall through.

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I got my M6 from Ebay- Adorama it came with a 100 day warrenty and was about the same price as everywhere else. It was also in slightly better shape than they described it. I would buy from them again in an instant. My Nokton 40mm came from RFF. Great deals there all of the time.

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My suggestion: M6 classic plus a Summicron - 35 or 50 depending on your preference. It should be within your budget and you will start with the very best. There are other good cheaper lenses but then you will have always the feeling that you aren't on the top.

Regs

 

 

 

Elia

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