Where to buy a used M6 at?????

Superdan138 · 03-24-2008

I have been looking and looking and I want to get one asap (Black M6, non ttl or ttl doesnt matter). I want it to work 100% and look near new (preferably no scratches). Ebay scares me and locally there are none. Where are some other places to buy them that are generally safe and does anyone on here have one for sale? Also what is the best choice for my 1st lens purchase once I get the body? thanks

-Dan

Mike Ip · 03-24-2008

I would check out www.keh.com first. They have a few M6s there. Best 1st lens... Well what do you shoot?

dof · 03-24-2008

There are a great many reputable dealers in the online world. Here's a link from the Leica FAQ that outlines a number of them:

http://leica.nemeng.com/004e.shtml

I've personally had good dealings with both CameraWest and Classic Connection when buying M6's in the past.

-j.

thomasw_ · 03-24-2008

buy from popflash; the best service i have had in the photo gear buying world.

Superdan138 · 03-24-2008

I am really planning on shooting street style photography and some landscape type shots. This is mainly to be a lifelong hobby that I can do when I travel and get some time on my hands. Also if anyone personally knows anyone selling a black m6 non ttl thats in near mint or mint, please let me know as that seems to be the golden one for me.

-Dan

Avotius · 03-24-2008

Dont forget the classifieds here, M6's pop up from time to time at pretty good prices too!

As for lenses, if you are a wide guy, try a Zeiss 35 f2 or a Zeiss 50 f2 if that suits your fancy. Cant go wrong with the zeiss's.

ampguy · 03-24-2008

that I plan to post in the classifieds once I figure the new classified out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superdan138

I have been looking and looking and I want to get one asap (Black M6, non ttl or ttl doesnt matter). I want it to work 100% and look near new (preferably no scratches). Ebay scares me and locally there are none. Where are some other places to buy them that are generally safe and does anyone on here have one for sale? Also what is the best choice for my 1st lens purchase once I get the body? thanks

-Dan

jayjee · 03-24-2008

craigslist.org or gumtree.com

thats where i got my super mint m6
http://www.flickr.com/photos/7318606@N08/2147626998/

JayC · 03-24-2008

www.prophotosupply.com
They are in my city, and have had 2 ttl bodies for some time in their used case. Prices seem a little high, even with the lenses. They are a top-notch store with very knowledgeable staff. Wher are you located?

Superdan138 · 03-25-2008

Bump......

funkaoshi · 03-25-2008

There is an M6 for sale right now in the classifieds.

Andrew Sowerby · 03-25-2008

The RFF classifieds are as good a place to buy from as anywhere. In your first post you mentioned that you don't have a preference between the classic and TTL versions of the M6. Have you used either? An M6 classic was my first Leica. I loved everything about it except for the small shutter speed dial. It drove me nuts that I couldn't easily turn it while looking through the viewfinder.

Furthermore, it turns in the opposite direction that the light meter arrows indicate, causing me to constantly second guess myself when adjusting exposure. I traded it for a TTL and haven't looked back. Just something to think about.

cosmonaut · 03-25-2008

Adorama on E-bay is about as well priced as anybody. I highly recommend them.

Superdan138 · 03-25-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew Sowerby

The RFF classifieds are as good a place to buy from as anywhere. In your first post you mentioned that you don't have a preference between the classic and TTL versions of the M6. Have you used either? An M6 classic was my first Leica. I loved everything about it except for the small shutter speed dial. It drove me nuts that I couldn't easily turn it while looking through the viewfinder.

Furthermore, it turns in the opposite direction that the light meter arrows indicate, causing me to constantly second guess myself when adjusting exposure. I traded it for a TTL and haven't looked back. Just something to think about.

Has anyone else noticed this as being an issue and how big of a deal is it? People keep telling me that the classic is the one to get....thanks.

-Dan

Vin Vermier · 03-25-2008

Not a big deal if you have just one camera. However, it is a little confusing if you have a classic M6 and M6TTL. I just have to remember which body I'm shooting with and adjust my brain accordingly. You'll get used to turning the shutter speed dial in the opposite direction to the arrows in short order. Don't let this influence your decision, both are great cameras. Get the best deal you can on either.

Vin

Superdan138 · 03-25-2008

Ya this will mmost likely be the only camera I will own for quite some time. I really just am a hobbyist and want to have fun with the "best" 35mm camera alive hahaha. Also what is a great first lens for me to get? I want to mainly do street and some scenery but mainly street photography. Also mainly b and w. Not too much color.

-Dan

spicoli · 03-25-2008

Penn Camera in Tysons Corner, VA (about 20 minutes west of DC) has 2 of them. I bought mine from Penn Camera in Washington DC. It was used but near mint. The price was fair and came with a free 6 month warranty. The warranty helped, as the framelines stopped working about 1 week after I bought it (Im certain the previous owner knew they had issues) but Penn honored the warranty and I got a free CLA out of it. I would do business with them again, very reputable people (penncamera.com).

Andrew Sowerby · 03-25-2008

The M6 classic has a lot of fans, but like I said above, I found the dial to be fussy. You may love it. You won't know until you handle one.

As for lenses, people love those 35mm Biogons, and I can see why. If you want a 50mm lens, you would do well to get a Zeiss Planar or Konica Hexanon. Either is cheaper than a current Leica Summicron and just as good. If you want to check out images from lots of M-mount lenses, visit this Flickr group

spicoli · 03-25-2008

FWIW I bought a 28mm F1.9 Voigtlander (Ultron I think its called) and I like it. $500ish. Great lens. Got it new from B and H.

Superdan138 · 03-25-2008

If I am not going to be using flash that often and I want a 50 or 35 or 21mm lens to be using most of the time then would I want the TTL .72 or Non TTL .72? Should I be thinking about a .85 if i dont plan on using lens that are larger then 50mm too often?

-Dan

Lance · 03-25-2008

I prefer 35mm. It's wide but not too wide. And you have to make your self a part of the situation you are shooting. You might think differently. The VC Nokton Classic 35/1.4 is a nice one and relatively cheap. Else Carl Zeiss Biogon as mentioned will give you great quality for your money. Leicas own Summicron is nice and desirable (in my mind), but will cost you as much or more than the body.

.72 goes down to 28mm framelines and the .85 only to 35mm. .72 is the best choise I think, because it gives you just a little room to play with around the 35mm frameline.

In my eyes the TTL looks a bid odd because of the higher top plate. But that's just a matter of getting used to. I say get a nice classic M6. They are cheaper and works great.

About the dial, I can operate it without moving my eye from the finder and your brain quickly learns to turn it the right way according to the arrows. If you later get the urge to have one of the earlier models or an MP, this is the dial you get.

Andrew Sowerby · 03-26-2008

If you want to use a 21mm lens most of the time, get a Bessa R4a. Have you used a rangefinder camera with a separate viewfinder before? Annoying, in my opinion.

If you're going to be using a 35/50 combo, the .72 finder is probably best. Like Lance said, there's a bit of room around the 35mm framelines that isn't there with the .85 finder.

oscroft · 03-26-2008

Quote:

People keep telling me that the classic is the one to get

I have an M6 Classic and I didn't notice anything at all strange about the shutter speed dial - I would have remained ignorant about the whole controversy had I not read about it on RFF. The direction of the dial really makes no difference to me, because I always take the camera from my eye to change speed anyway so that I can see what the speed is.

naos · 03-26-2008

RFF classifieds beats ebay ten to one. People here tend to be more honest and open to answering questions.

Superdan138 · 03-26-2008

Thank you all so much. Looks like I will be getting a non TTL .72 M6 classic. Now I just need to find the right one. Also out of the 35mm and 24mm or 21 mm lenses, what do you recommend if this is the only lens I will be using for 2+ years due to budget? What specific one and do you know anyone selling a great condition, 100% working one that I could buy off them? thanks

-Dan