My first foray into Leica M :)...

<p>So, having used the Leica R system for about 2 years (R8, R4s, 50-lux e55, 24 2.8, 80-200 f4), my back has been telling me it's time to switch to an M system. <br>

I travel often (I fly internationally and intercontinentally about every 3-4 months), and lugging the whole R system (+ Metz 54 flash) along with the film has been quite hard on the back. After unsuccessfully trying to sell my R system in the US for a few months, I ended up in Korea over the winter. <br>

Last summer I noticed the M <em>bodies</em> here were much cheaper than in the States, but at the time didn't have the cash to get any. This time, though, I was ready to trade in my R's for the M's.<br>

I wanted to get rid of the R8 and 80-200, since they were the heaviest, so after walking around in Nampo-dong (in Pusan), finally struck a deal. Traded in the R8+Motor Drive+80-200mm for a black M6 TTL 0.85 + Voigtlander Nokton 35mm f1.4 (single-coated) + some cash. <br>

I should say, the M6 was listed for around USD 1100 + 700 for the Nokton. The R8-lens combo just about covered the price of the M6 (which, considering that the lens had a very ugly and visible scratch and dent on it, was an incredible deal - glass was pristine though).<br>

The M6 condition is about 8.5, and the Nokton came with a hood, boxes, and is basically new. I was actually looking for the Zeiss 35/2 (based on the reviews and images, I prefer its rendering), but there is a severe shortage of Zeiss lenses here, apparently... <br>

Nevertheless, I am thrilled with the trade, and just wanted to share the joy :D. If anyone is looking to get an M body, I'd suggest checking out Korea... R's are extremely cheap as well, with most shopkeepers complaining that they don't sell. <br>

This is my first time using an actual rangefinder (X100 doesn't count :P), and there's a bit of a learning curve, but I'm enjoying it :). <br>

Is there a way to find out when this camera was made? The serial number starts with 246****</p>

<p>PS: I must say, Turkey (Istanbul) had the worst airport security - calling the man in charge didn't help one bit. You <em>will</em> be required to put your film through the x-ray machines. Speaking of x-ray machines, some of my films have gone through x-ray machines (the weaker ones for hand-carry) about 10 times and still have no streaks. In Israel I was advised by one of the security staff to put my film in the luggage - <em>when flying out of Israel</em>. They put the bags through an x-ray first, and then call you aside if they need to open it. I was told they don't xray the bags after checking them in. So hold your film, after your bag has been x-rayed, put it in the bag - and talk to the security personnel about it, as they will hand inspect the film.</p><div></div>

<p>The 0.85 finder is the right choice if you don't use lenses wider than 35mm, or if you are prepared to use accessory finders for wider lenses. Your camera was made in 1998, according to my sources.</p>

<p>That's what I heard, and since I prefer the 35 and 50, I was ok with 0.85 finder. <br>

Where can I find those "sources" you're referring to? Would like to learn a bit more about the camera I'm holding now :).</p>

<p>The "sources" I meant are simple tables which give years in one column and models and serial number ranges in other columns. If you search for "Leica serial numbers" on the Net and find nothing, please write to me at dube.mukul AT gmail.com.</p>

<p>Hi Dave, check out cameraquest.com at this link:</p>

<p>http://www.cameraquest.com/mtype.htm</p>

<p>It gives the rundown of M serial numbers from M3 to M6TTL. Cheers, Allan</p>

<p>Mukul, Allan, thank you very much for your help.<br>

Indeed it looks like the camera is from June 1998. <br>

Have been out taking some pictures yesterday and today. Can't wait to view the images...</p>

<p>Dave, what's the name of the drink you had before you took that picture?<br>

(For no good reason I really dig the caramel-colored sheen of those old single layer coatings! Looks similar in hue to the coating on my beloved Nikkor-O 2/35.)</p>

 

<p>'Turkey' and 'security' in one sentence... almost as improbable as 'politicians' and 'honesty'!<br>

Almost a side note: One does not get streaked film from hand luggage scanners, one gets fogged film – with 400 ASA film after about 8 times through (if you look for it).</p>

 

<p>Dave, congratulations on the new addition!</p>

<p>I'm actually right behind you. I spent a painful week deliberating between the conventional 0.72 and 0.85 finders before finally deciding on the 0.72. While not really a wide angle photographer, I'm starting to see that with rangefinders, just as the instrument is different (from an SLR) so too is the method of using it.</p>

<p>With SLR's you look through the viewfinder, compose and shoot. What you see, is what you get. What you see is also *all* there is. You can pan around a bit to change your framing, but you don't have anywhere near the in-finder flexibility that exists with rangefinder cameras. When people talk of "framing" your shot, in SLR terms, what they really mean is composition. In RF, it seems, framing means exactly what it says.</p>

<p>The deciding factors, for me at least, was the (1) the extra space outside the 35mm frame and (2) I didn't want the larger square blob in my viewing space! Like anything else worth doing, I suppose it will take some getting used to and I look forward to exchanging tips on the learning experience!</p>

<p>PC B - lol... I was sitting at a KFC in downtown Busan after half a day's worth of running around with all my R cameras and lenses :P... after the trade, sat down for my first meal of the day (at around 7pm). This is taken with a cell phone camera, btw...<br>

About the film, you're right about the fogging. I've been carrying films ranging from ISO 50-800, and all of them have been exposed to the x-ray scanners over 10 times (btw, some of the 400-800 films were accidentally put in checked luggage - x-rayed 2-3x). Just happy that my film is intact :D.</p>

<p>Daniel, congratulations to you as well! I think had I the choice, I also would've opted for the 0.72 finder, but the offer I got was too good to pass up, and there were no 0.72 options anyway.<br>

Having used the 0.85 with a 35mm lens (I also wear glasses), I'm <em>really</em> tempted to trade for a 0.72, possibly a 0.58 (I will only use 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and <em>maybe</em> 75mm lenses). The only thing holding me back is the rangefinder patch. I like its bigger size. Perhaps because it's my first time using a rangefinder (ok, I've used a Fed 3 for a bit), and I'm still terrified with the different focusing technique.<br>

I've ordered a zeiss 50 c-sonnar, which should arrive by the end of this week. Also wanna get my hands on the Zeiss 2/35 Biogon. Yeah, I know, I'm using Zeiss lenses on a Leica body - but I just prefer their "character". But I'll be sure to get some Leica glass later on. <br>

Finally I can carry my camera around and actually get more practice with it! The size/weight aren't as prohibitive as the R8+50 'lux. :D</p>