M6 or Brownie

[Christopher Hoover <cdhoover@pacbell.net>]

Following is a post from rec.photo.equipment.35mm I thought this group
might enjoy. It's a refreshing twist on the endless "Brand X vs. Y:
which to buy" discussions.

cdhoover@pacbell.net

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Jim Williams wrote: 
> >Looking to get a new 35mm system.  I'm torn between an M6 or an old
> >Brownie I found in my dad's closet.
> >
> >Any opinions on which is best?
> >
> >Alex
> 
> I agree with the other respondents that the Brownie would probably be a
> better bet. Advantages:
> 
> -- Bigger negative means lots less grain in enlargements. (Besides, like it
> says in this month's 'Pop Photo,' all the big name pros shoot medium format
> nowadays.)
> 
> --You don't have to worry about the cost and availability of all kinds of
> lenses and accessories.
> 
> --Shutter noise is much lower.
> 
> --Many models have a right-angle "brilliant" viewfinder, which is great for
> discreet picture-taking as you don't have to bring the camera up to your
> eye.
> 
> --With a Leica M6, if the battery goes dead the light meter stops working.
> No such problems with a Brownie!
> 
> --You don't say which model you have, but the more distinctive ones (Boy
> Scout, World's Fair, art deco, etc.) will probably hold their resale value
> at least as well as a mundane 35mm camera like a Leica.
> 
> --Single-element lens and one-speed shutter give softly-detailed,
> non-literal, semi-abstract images that are "pre-deconstructed." Just
> remember to always hold the camera at an angle, move it a bit during
> exposure, and don't point it at any recognizable subjects (unless they're
> nude people doing something kinky with dead animals) and you're well on
> your way to your first gallery exhibition, a university teaching post, and
> a fabulous avant-garde reputation!