Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1999/08/24
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Kevin Selner <kevinselner@pmail.net> wrote: > > I am about to take the plunge and buy an M6. I didn't intend to buy > one, but after handling one in the store, I fell in love. > > I've been lurking here for a while trying to learn as much as I can and > now have a few questions related to my purchase... > > 1. I thought I might just buy the body new and get used lenses on ebay. > Does that seem like a prudent course of action? If you are really a newbie, I'd suggest dealing without someone you know will work with you to correct any problems that might show up. A warranty, generous return/exchange policy, etc. are desirable and not likely from an E-Bay seller. > 2. I saw a 35mm Summaron on ebay. It has the attached magnifiers which > fit over the body of the camera. Is this extra piece removable so that > I can use just the lens? What effect do these magnifiers have on the M6? The spectacles are necessary for proper rangefinder focusing. The lens (with spectacles) will focus correctly on any body (including the M6) that you can mount it on. (It won't mount properly on a CL, for instance.) There has been an astonishing outpouring of misinformation here concerning this topic. I suggest you download LUG digest v08.n053 (28 Apr 99) for an informed discussion. Send a message to: majordomo@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us with the following two lines in the body of the message: get leica-users-digest v08.n053 end Suggestion #1: Don't buy an M3-Summaron unless you actually intend to mount it on an M3. There is a non-spectacled version available that will bring up the 35mm frameline and not reduce the viewfinder's magnification. There are also more modern 35mm lenses that may actually be more suitable for your purposes. For instance, if you are going to shoot slides, will the Summaron have the same color transmission as other lenses you plan to acquire? Suggestion #2: Consider buying a used body with a decent warranty. Recently I acquired a low-mileage M4-2 with a 30-day warranty from a local dealer for $800, for less than half the price of a new M6. (Yes, it works just fine). The money saved will pay for some very nice glass... Suggestion #3: Deal only with someone reputable who will stand behind the goods. This stuff is expensive and it's easy to make mistakes, especially if you're a newbie. Hope this helps. - -- Pieter Bras