george_conboy1

<p>Thanks all. It was so much easier years ago when I went from an M3 to the M6. I am not going to get into having lens mounts machined. Much easier to get another lens. But I haven't bought a Leica lens in at least ten years and I see the market has moved way up.</p>

<p>My M6s have sat neglected for about a year while I have messed around with digital, trying to make my peace with it. Bought a Nikon DSLR and took a course on how to figure out all the tiny buttons. The most important thing I learned is that I prefer Leica M to a hulking DSLR.<br>

Have finally decided to get an M9, and am wondering about using my existing lenses. I know they will mount on the camera, and none are collapsible, but what issues am I likely to encounter? Something about coding, so the camera know which lens is mounted? Would appreciate any other suggestions about what to be aware of. My main lens is an old Summilux 35. Also use a Voightlander 15, Elmarit 21, and infrequently a Summicron 50 and an Elmarit 90.<br>

Thanks, George</p>

<p>Acqua Potabile</p><div></div>

I have an ugly Summilux and a brand-new Nokton. Summilux wins every time.

I have two of the lenses mentioned: a Summilux (pre-asph) and the new Nokton 1.4. Of the two I still prefer the Summilux for overall performance, sharpness (except wide open) and bokeh. But for the price the Nokton is a fine lens and if I did not have the Summilux for comparison I would likely be perfectly satisfied with the Nokton. I consider the Nokton's build quality to be very good, and the bayonet mounting of the lens hood makes it much easier on and off than the hood for the Summilux.

 

That said if I could only have one lens it would be the 'lux. Sometimes you can get one used for less than $1000 but if it doesn't come with a hood you'll shell out another $100 for one.

 

For me, the extra speed of the 'lux over the 'cron is important since it is often the only lens I carry. Despite softness at maximum aperture, I have a few memorable shots that I never would have captured at f2.

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It doesn't appear that John said that the photos "only can be done with a[n] M8", merely that an M8 is "capable" of such photos. That is a material difference. You should be less out of touch with how you quote someone else's words.

I agree with the recommendations for Parkside and Three Steeple. Main Street has a number of good restaurants and is just down the hill from Brown - Parkside is there. Avoid Thayer, it's ok for college students but it's a bit downmarket. Federal Hill is great but you will need a ride there. The Marriot is certainly close enough to the downcity area, just a 5 minute walk.

I have used the DR Summicron on M6 claasic with no problem. The problems are with the M7, which has a slightly different top plate, and possibly with the MP and M8.

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Sorry - fixed.<div></div>

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In New York the Circle Line is a boat ride for tourists that circumnavigates the island of Manhattan.<div></div>

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Bangkok is crowded, bring a wide lens.<div></div>

I agree with the suggestion of staying with your M3 and getting lenses that do what you want. The M3 is easier to load than a IIIf, the viewfinder is much better as well. And you can get a collapsible Summicron, though it will not be quite as small as a collapsible Elmar.

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I shoot with an M6 and Leica lenses 90% of the time and my results are appalling. Chalk that up to my lack of skill. I am equally bad with Nikon equipment.

 

There is something to be said for Katherine's observation about the market values for used R equipment.

Thanks for a good post with thorough if not entirely scientific analysis. Enjoy your new camera!

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Get an M6. You know the camera, and if you eventually handle the Ikon and like it better you can always peddle the M6 with a good shot at getting out of it what you paid. It's uncertain whether you could do the same with the Ikon if roles were reversed. As for lenses you can buy now what you can afford and then upgrade later. if you're buying used lenses they too would likely sell for what you paid if you wish to trade up.

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