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To titanium...or not....


alun

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I posted this in Rolo's thread on the recent Guardian article by Jonathan Glancey on the M6 (headed M6 – The Classic). But just in case readers don't see it there I have taken the liberty of reposting as a new thread here.....

 

I wonder whether you or other posters will have a view on my question. I am in the mood for pure indulgence -- a treat. Now, before the whole forum yells, "A black paint MP," let me say that this isn't (I don't think) on the cards, for several reasons. (a) Price (the biggest factor). (B) Lack of a 0.58 finder variant in black rather than chrome (I use a 0.58 M6ttl and M7 and have *never* looked through the viewfinder of a standard .72. If I did and found that my eye relief with a 35/2 was better -- or not as bad as feared -- then I might still be tempted.). © Ostentation (or my suspicion of it).

 

Anyway, to somewhat contradict what I have just written, I have seen a titanium M6 at a very reasonable price and am quite tempted. It looks nice, it's beautifully made and covered, and I guess it would make a nice addition to mount a 50/2 on.

 

So: sensible or stupid? Ostentation or reasonable treat? (Please leave aside arguments about relative value, discretionary spending, utility etc -- let's just say that after a period of exceptionally hard work I want a treat -- and this would cost me about half what a used MP would.)

 

Views anyone -- they would be much appreciated....

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Well if you want it, get it.

 

That said, do you need a 3rd body? Would a new lens (focal length you don't have) open up more opportunities for you? Or if you're happy with what you have, how about spending the money on some travelling to take more photos?

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Why would you need a titanium camera?. I have 2 bog standard M6's with a 0.72 finder. They are fine. Might be better spending the money on tuition as we all can learn something and that would develop your skills

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Titanium is the only "special finishing" I like : it has nothing to do, imho, with all those stupid "special editions" that abounded some years ago... and after all Titanium was a standard listed model. I confess that me too thought someteimes of it, so I understand at all your mood... but I am a lens lover... at least ONE titanium lens (for me) should be mandatory (personally, I'd like a lot the 90... ;))

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Go for it and you will not regret it

 

DSCF2158.jpg

DSCF2161.jpg

DSCF2162.jpg

DSCF2167.jpg

 

... I filled in the white numerals on mine because I couldn't read them in bright light. The camera is over 10 years old and the finish has proved to be very durable and scratch free. The leather is better for grip than vulcanite and warmer to touch. I have to make sure the shutter speed is left on 'B' when camera is not in use otherwise the battery drains but TTBOMK all M6 cameras have this problem. Unfortunately I don't have a titanium lens to match the camera.

 

Cheers

 

dunk

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Thanks for the helpful replies so far. Oddly (and atypically) I *do* like the look of the titanium M6, including the covering.... Is that sufficient reason to buy a third body? Of course not. Do I need a third body? Equally, of course not. Another lens? No, I have the lenses I wish to learn and become proficient with. Travel elsewhere to take pictures? Oddly, to me that sounds like a chore.

 

I think dunks' M6 with a black lens looks lovely and is the most compelling argument thus far.

 

Will I do it? Probably not. If I'm asking the question here it probably means my heart isn't truly in it: I hate camera guilt and suspect that this is what would follow.... But it is very pleasant to dream, to speculate, to plan...and even (sometimes and if the mood takes one) to abort those plans and pursue another...or nothing at all...

 

This is one of those itches that I don't often have -- it's an itch about a *thing*, an object, an artefact.

 

It isn't rational or necessary or sensible (apart from the fact that I have chosen an affordable thing as opposed to a thing I can't afford....)

 

Thanks again for taking time to respond.

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I will land with the "if you want it, and can afford it, then go for it" voices. If you can do it, I'd put a titanium summilux 35/1,4 pre-asph on that m6 as a permanent body cap. A costly but killer combination!

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The other point I meant to raise is that it looks as though the camera is covered with ostrich skin. I once had a watch strap made of ostrich and the raised areas of the skin knock off very easily with use and the strap looked very shabby once that had happened. The strap by the way was Leica quality and the deterioration was quite quick

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I like the titanium equipment and would go for the M6 with a titanium 50 lux. You can't take your money with you so might as well enjoy it while your here. After seeing the pictures posted here I'm tempted. What a great looking camera.

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The other point I meant to raise is that it looks as though the camera is covered with ostrich skin. I once had a watch strap made of ostrich and the raised areas of the skin knock off very easily with use and the strap looked very shabby once that had happened. The strap by the way was Leica quality and the deterioration was quite quick

 

The M6 Titanium is covered with ostrich skin but the pimples are intact after over 10 years. Lots of watch straps deteriorate quickly in fact more quickly than shoes - maybe because they are stretched every time the strap is fastened and they soak up a lot of perspiration from the wrist - plus they are rubbed on desk tops - and get wet when users wash their hands.

 

Cheers

 

dunk

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Guest maddoc2003jp
I will land with the "if you want it, and can afford it, then go for it" voices. If you can do it, I'd put a titanium summilux 35/1,4 pre-asph on that m6 as a permanent body cap. A costly but killer combination!

 

The other day (maybe two or three month ago) such a set (M6 titanium + 35/1.4 pre-ASPH titanium) was offered fro $3500 USD on the well known auction site. Seller with 100% positive feedback, all boxes, papers etc. but no bid. Seller re-listed for $3200 and then it was sold within 48 hours .. If I only would have had the money ... :cool:

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Thanks to all who replied. I have decided that nice as it is the acquisition of a third M body (a Ti M6) would eventually reveal itself to be an indulgence that I would suffer puritanical anti-consumerist regrets about... So it will remain a fond dream (that I return to on those days when I need contemplation and consolation).

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Thanks, Pascal.... You are a demon sitting on my shoulder! In fact, I had already found your pages because if I am not mistaken the recent EVERDAY DESIGN CLASSICS article on the (UK) Guardian's website by Jonathan Glancey used the picture from your website of the M6Ti and it was partly that that set me thinking!!

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Ever wondered what happens to decently/under-priced Leicas when they sell? Well, here's one possible answer. Up until late last week Classic Camera had an M6 Ti at what I though was the undr-valued price of £899.00. Then it disappeared from the website.

 

Now, Red Dot has one listed -- "picture to follow" -- at £1,199.00. I could be mistaken, but I wouldn't mind betting it's the one from Classic Camera.

 

Moral of this story: if you *do* want something, buy it before another dealer does!

 

Ah well, that solves my dilemma...

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Ever wondered what happens to decently/under-priced Leicas when they sell? Well, here's one possible answer. Up until late last week Classic Camera had an M6 Ti at what I though was the undr-valued price of £899.00. Then it disappeared from the website.

 

Now, Red Dot has one listed -- "picture to follow" -- at £1,199.00. I could be mistaken, but I wouldn't mind betting it's the one from Classic Camera.

 

Moral of this story: if you *do* want something, buy it before another dealer does!

 

Ah well, that solves my dilemma...

 

Alun, I think cameras get moved around between dealers quit a lot. In fact the camera may still be at Classic Camera but available on both websites at differing prices. But I am pleased that this process, in any case has helped you in your decision making. For me it is the in decision that I hate. Once a situation resolves itself them the mist clears and one is able to focus on what is really important

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