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Advice on purchasing a second M body


metalphil

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Phil -- Another Bham member! I wondered if there were any out there.

 

I think two similar or ideally identical bodies is the most useful combination. I use an M6TTL and an M7. Apart from the AE function on the M7 (OK, and a separate on/off switch) the bodies are functionally identical. This helps me switch seamlessly between them. If I'm using both bodies then typically I'll have a 35/2 on one, a 50/2 on the other, the same film loaded in both, and both set at the same speed and aperture. That's what works for me.

 

In your case, I can't think why you wouldn't simply get a second M6 as your back up. Whatever you choose, enjoy.

 

cheers

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I think that the exposure time wheel rotates differently in M3, am I right? (please, someone correct me), if it is so, you should check that, otherwise it'd be more difficult getting used to your new body.
Differently to what? An M2 or M6? No.
I currently use an M6 which I have been delighted with, and would like to add a spare body. I have looked at an M2, M3, and another M6. Any suggestions or comments on the merits or drawbacks of the above. Advice appreciated. Phil, Birmingham, UK.
What lenses do you use?

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Hi Guys Thanks for the advice and comments, they do reflect my thinking, it will be either a second M6 or the M2, its probaly more in favour of the M6 only because the one I have used for the past 6 years is in a word brilliant, I have the f2 35 mm Summicron ASHP lens and the 90 mm Elmarit which cover all my needs. Regards Phil.

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Phil, I can only echo Chris' words.

 

Don't whatever you do buy an M2... Don't allow yourself to be seduced by the silky smoothness of those brass gears. Don't dream of looking through that uncluttered viewfinder... repeat after me... "35, 50, 90"... Don't think of the joys of freedom from built-in metering... don't consider for a moment slipping in a roll of Tri-X or 400CN, mounting your Summicron 35 and heading out into the streets.

 

Oh no. ;)

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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Hi Bill Since joining the forum I have always enjoyed your posts, you have a perceptive insight into human nature, and always make me smile with your replys. Leica is seductive, and whatever the M number it is of course about taking photographs, and that is my passion. Regards Phil.

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Hi Guys Thanks for the advice and comments, they do reflect my thinking, it will be either a second M6 or the M2, its probaly more in favour of the M6 only because the one I have used for the past 6 years is in a word brilliant, I have the f2 35 mm Summicron ASHP lens and the 90 mm Elmarit which cover all my needs. Regards Phil.
If you're thinking about another M6 then you might want to consider one with a 0.85x mag finder - they did make a few. It would help with that 90mm. I use two MPs, one 0.72x and one 0.85x and they really complement each other.

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Ref the M3 shutter dial query....the dial works just the same as any other M shutter dial, but in some very early M3s the shutter speeds are the old speed range, with 1/25th, 1/50th, 1/100th etc which were used before the modern standard speeds came into worldwide use.

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I went for a M4-P (although I already have an M2) as my second M.

I look the feel of it (like the M6. Like the fact it is fully manual and that it has 28mm framelines

If you want another with a meter go for a good Voigtlander. I now also have the R3M. I got it and a lens for less than half I would have paid for an M7, it's a great camera (maybe not as strong as an M, but I have my Ms when I want strength) and you can buy a good lens with the money you save.

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If you already have one M6 why not buy another? That way the operation of your cameras will become second nature and you wont have to be saying, hang on which camera am I using. I guess I am biased I started with one M6 and then bought a second. One has slow 25-50 asa B&W film in it and the other has a fast 400 asa B&W film in. The next stage is then to look at doing your own wet processing as there is a lot more to photography than pressing the shutter. The craft starts once the shutter has been pressed and processing is about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on in a red light area

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The craft starts once the shutter has been pressed and processing is about as much fun as you can have with your clothes on in a red light area

 

Kenneth, that is excellent. You should use that in your signature :D

 

Hi Bill Since joining the forum I have always enjoyed your posts, you have a perceptive insight into human nature, and always make me smile with your replys. Leica is seductive, and whatever the M number it is of course about taking photographs, and that is my passion. Regards Phil.

 

Phil, it's a pleasure to "meet" somebody who has the balance right. Good luck in your quest. And if you like my ramblings, check out my blog - the link is in my signature. ;)

 

Regards,

 

Bill

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Kenneth, that is excellent. You should use that in your signature :D

 

 

 

Phil, it's a pleasure to "meet" somebody who has the balance right. Good luck in your quest. And if you like my ramblings, check out my blog - the link is in my signature. ;)

 

Regards,

 

Bill

No sooner said than done Bill after all I bow to your superior knowledge and sound reasoning
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So I was mistaken... wasn't there a model which turned the exposure wheel in a different direction? clockwise/counterclockwise than the others? Forgive me my ignorance!

 

M6TTL and M7. It could be argued that the shutter speed dial turns the "correct" (ie logical) way on these cameras becuse it goes in the direction indicated by the arrows in the viewfinder. The MP reverted to the "normal" direction, IIRC.

 

Regards,

 

Bil

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Hi Everybody

 

Thankyou all again for your advice and comments, a decision has been made, I have purchased an M6 from Red Dot Cameras in London its called a classic Panda, ie: a black body but chrome top plate so at least I will not get confused pulling it out of the bag ! Phil.

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