It has been a wish of mine for years to own a Leica due to the quality and near silent operation that I have red about. My question is this - if I buy a near new M6 what 28/50mm lens is a cost effective buy to start from s there seems so many to chose from.

-- Fred.J.Carss (fred@jcarss.fsnet.co.uk), March 05, 2002

Answers

Fred, there is nothing "cost effective" about Leica ;-) Well, actually there is, the upfront investment might seem high, but the total cost of ownership is quite reasonalbe, i.e. the camera/lenses hold their value very well relatively speaking.

If you are the confident type, take advantage of cost saving that can be had by buying outside UK, e.g. a used M6 from a reputable dealer or on eBay. Or perhaps a demo w/ 1 yr warranty, which can be had for $1,395.

Lenses are actually the most expensive part. I decided to start with just one lens - a summicron 35/2 asph - to make sure I fully learn the camera operations, framing, characteristics etc, before worrying about switching lenses. It all depends on what you are going to shoot.

My advice: first of all, rent a M6 system for a week to see if it indeed fulfills your expectations. If still bitten by the gotta-have- a-Leica-bugg, figure out what you truly needed before dropping your life savings.

Once done, don't look back, but enjoy your tool and artistic freedom.

cheers,

-- pat (modlabs@yahoo.com), March 05, 2002.

if you want a built in light meter the M6, M6 TTL or M7 are the only ways to go... and all are very good cameras... not necessarily the cheapest, but if you find a used one in good condition at a good price you could probably sell it in ten years without loosing money - by the way, the age of the camera is much less important then the condition. As far as lenses go... all of them are good. the current 28elmarit will not hold its value very well because the new 28 summircorn is better and faster... other then that any lens with pristine glass would be a great way to go. Like many people here, i recommend starting with just one lens and getting used to it, most people start with a 35 or 50...

-- Matthew Geddert (geddert@yahoo.com), March 05, 2002.

Fred:

The crux of your question seemed to be: what 28/50mm lens is a cost effective buy to start from(?) My answer would be a used 50 Elmar or Summicron and 28 Elmarit (Probably about $1200 - $1400 total in very good condition). Alternatively, you could add in a 35 for about the same total money if you were willing to give up a little speed -- I am referring to the Tri-Elmar which can be found used for around $1200. It is a very good performer optically, and gives up nothing except to the fixed-focal aspherics.

Just a thought...

-- Jack Flesher (jbflesher@msn.com), March 05, 2002.

Fred, if you live in the London area I thoroughly recommend you pay a visit to The Classic Camera near the British Museum.

There are plenty of good used M6 classics about which can be had for between £900-1000, but I agree you should make sure its for you before splurging a lot of money. I bought my first M camera at the end of 1999 and have never regretted it.

As to lenses, either a 35 or 50 is the best first choice. Unless you absolutely have to have the latest type, the earlier versions of f/2 Summicron for either of these focal lengths will see you alright.

-- Tim Franklin (tim_franklin@mac.com), March 05, 2002.

Fred, my advice would be to contact Fieldgrass and Gale, here in the UK. They have M4-2s and M4-Ps available around £600. They ship all over the world and have an excellent reputation (see website). An M6 is going to be nearer £1000. This is a great entry into the M system, indeed many of us swear by these older meterless cameras.

As for a lens the 50mm Summicron should be available easily for under £400 - that gives you the whole system for a grand! Or go for one of the excellent Voigtlander 50's - certainly Leica's equal.

Be careful about Classic Camera - less than perfect customer satisfaction and service IMHO (and others!).

-- Giles Poilu (giles@monpoilu.icom43.net), March 05, 2002.

The only new cost effective lens would be the 50/2.8 Elmarit. Chrome or black models run around $495 new. Very sharp,contrasty, and worth the price. Now to which M6 you want to buy......M6TTL or classic M6?

-- chris a williams (LeicaChris@worldnet.att.net), March 06, 2002.

Fred An M6 would be a very good buy, and unless you want Auto exposure, won't need upgrading later. But I wouldn't get anything other than the lenses you want and need. Elmarit and Elmar options for the 28 and 50 are fine for price, but in six months time if you have a little bit more money to spend, I bet you will kick yourself for not having gone the Summicron route. Likewise a camera without a meter, like the M4-P. The cheapest route in the long run is not to have to upgrade, only get the top (and go for the latest) spec that fits your needs.

-- Steve Barnett (barnet@globalnet.co.uk), March 06, 2002.

I agree with Steve get the best first but you can do without TTL and I don,t feel I need to sell my non ASP 35 cron for the latest.I bought a mint second hand M6 in chrome and a 35 cron in chrome.These 2 items have shot the bulk of my work.I really could do without my other lenses.As a travel camera I have been to India,Indonesia and Vietnam with only this lens.Not only is the 1 lens 1 film idea the cheapest option it also can help you become a better Photographer.A good Leica lens now will be a good Lens in 20 years time.

-- Tim (timphoto@ihug.com.au), March 06, 2002.

Thanks guys! You have helped me a lot.

Fred

-- Fred.J.Carss (fred@jcarss.fsnet.co.uk), March 06, 2002.