Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1997/11/05

[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]

Subject: Re: Leica M6 vs nikon FM/FM2
From: newport_m@utpb.edu (Mark Newport)
Date: Wed, 5 Nov 97 08:12:41 -0800

>Can anyone tell me (objectivly - is that possible on this list..hehe)   what
>image quality I am giving up is switching from a Leica M6 to a Nikon FM or
>FM2? My primary pics are 4x6 or 5x7 print film.
>Also, would the nikon take a lot of bumping?
>
>I guess my bottem line is would the Fm or FM2 do as well a job for the type
>of shots I take? Image sharpness be close to the same?

Nikons very tough and the quality of most Nikkor lenses are fine in my
experience, but it is not an M6.  I don't think you would see a big quality
difference on a 4X6 machine print but you might at 11X14. I have a early
FM2, and use it at times that I would not even take my M4-P's out of the
bag (I know Leicas are tough but I'm a weenie). Case in point, last Friday
my FM2 took a 4ft fall to a tile floor (partialy cusioned by my foot) and
scarcely had any marks on it. If that had been my Leica I would have keeled
over right on the spot, cursing and spitting. You might want to invest in a
FM2 and use it in addition to your M6. A FM2 would be fine for what you
want it for.

I made the mistake of getting rid of all my  M Leicas (including my M4
Anniversary) for Nikons once. I needed motor SLR's for sports and such at
college but I regret the change to this day.

The two are apples and oranges but if I could have only one, I'd keep the M6.

Mark