Leica M6 vs SLR

[groovyone]

Most of these observations are pretty obvious, but I thought I'd share anyway. I am borrowing an M6 with a pair of lenses and have really enjoyed it. My primary cameras are all SLRs, so some mental adjustment was required.

Focusing:
I actually found focusing with the M6 to be very pleasant, except when my fat finger covered the secondary window. At least 3 separate times I have sat there trying to focus before I realized why I couldn't. I also found it much easier to focus in landscape orientation then switch to portrait, but that is primarily to keep my hands out of the way. I am getting faster at RF focusing the more I practice with it. The Minimum Focus Distance on the lenses I am using is rough though. The 50/2 Summicron has an MFD of 3’4”. Ouch. The 35/1.4 Summilux is a much improved 28” if I remember correctly.

Once I get the grip down, I think my speed is getting to be comparable to MF on my SLRs.

Framing:
I foolishly shot a few photos using the entire VF as my framing. I was just happy that I loaded the film properly and got over excited. The good news is I underexposed those anyway. I did have to double and triple check the manual to get it in my head which frame lines were which. I have it now, as long as I remember if I am using the 50mm or 35mm, and that I have to use the frame level to switch to the 35mm framing every time. CORRECTION: The framelines do change automatically with the lens change. My bad. Once I remember that, I like the RF framing. You can keep an eye on what is around your subject. I cannot speak for accuracy yet since I haven’t developed any photos.

My primary DSLR is my A900 with its 100% VF. That is pretty darn nice and very accurate.

Exposure:
Well, it took me a few attempts to read the arrows in the VF on the M6, but I have this one down now. No Aperture priority on this one, so I find myself getting it in the ballpark as soon as I switch environments. That helps save me some time. Being fairly constrained by the ISO of the loaded film has limited some of my compositions, but that is true of any of my film camera.

For me, aperture priority helps me speed up the process, and I am still faster in full M on my DSLR just because of the easy control setup with the dual wheels. The M6’s shutter speed dial is not the easiest thing to access with the camera up to your eye.

So, nothing mind blowing there I suppose, but if anyone expects to instantly pick up a RF and start using it, just remember what I experienced. I even have a RF like Polaroid, but it is not the same.

And yes, on at least one occasion I took a photo then looked at the back of the camera.

[Big Dog]

Originally Posted by groovyone

And yes, on at least one occasion I took a photo then looked at the back of the camera.

What did you see?

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by Big Dog

What did you see?

The ISO setting wheel. haha

[chris00nj]

Your comparision is more from an auto-everything DSLR to a mechanical camera. If you compared a Nikon FM2 to your A900, you will face some of the same issues with exposure. There is a learning curve, just like going from driving an automatic all your life to a stick.

Film loading and focusing just take a wee bit of practice, similar to learning all the buttons and do-dads on the A900. Btw, framelines should set themselves on M cameras.

Most of the time I have an idea of where the shutter/aperture combination needs to be based on ISO and setting. Then I make the minor adjustments with the aperture. Generally, lighting doesn't change that often. With negative film, it can be easier because you can err on the side of overexposure to wide margin.

There are pros and cons of many cameras and camera types. None that I know of win on all aspects. You have know the pros and cons and choose the best for your needs.

The M6 is smaller, yet is also "full frame" and has interchangeable lenses. I can fit an M6 and a collapsible lens in my pocket. Lenses are also much smaller, making travel lighter. You don't have to worry about dust on the sensor with an M6.

Aperture priority can speed things up in many situations but in some lighting situations it can slow you down, constantly figuring out and adjusting the correct compensation. With the M6, a dead battery only results in a dead meter, not a dead camera.

Other pros and cons of rangefinders and SLRs in general are well documented here.

[venchka]

You forgot the silence.

[crackhead]

Using a rangefinder is like driving a stick shift. Something about it feels more satisfying and tactile than just spraying away on digital then chimping.

groovyone: What I usually do is stay on a shutter speed of 1/125 in good light or 1/30 sec in low light, and adjust the f-stop accordingly. That you don't have to fiddle with the shutter dial.

[groovyone]

I agree completely, Chris. I should have specified newer SLRs. I hadn't really used the 35 yet so I'll need to retract that one. Wayne, the silence is golden.

John, that's where I am at now. I start at 1/125 and work from there. Shot a few more today.

[venchka]

...or use an M5 and adjust the shutter speed with your index finger. The best solution ever.

[Daniel W.]

This must make 4x5 ...a horse and buggy? Medium format is... a semi truck 10 speed?

I have to agree with the assessment. My feelings between RF and SLR were much akin to "having a camera" vs. "having a mechanical extension of my eye." It seems creatively cliche but it makes sense to me.

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by venchka

...or use an M5 and adjust the shutter speed with your index finger. The best solution ever.

I could have borrowed an M5 instead, but I opted for the M6.

Don't get me wrong guys, I am loving this thing. My comments were merely meant as observations for anyone else thinking of giving it a spin.

It has been about 3 days and almost a roll of film, and I am getting much more proficient with it. My biggest issue is keeping the camera still while pressing the shutter, which is completely user error.

At first using the M6 dulled my desire for an M9, but now that I have had it more than a few days, I am really enjoying it. Go figure, right. Too bad my budget still does not support an M9.

[venchka]

Borrow the M5. You'll be hooked forever.

[groovyone]

I got my film back today. There is an amazing improvement from shot #1 (that came out at all) to the last shot on the roll. I am not thrilled with the scans from the lab since they are very low resolution. I am working on rescanning them myself. (see my post in the Darkroom section).

Anyway, I got one shot that I though was a fitting tribute to Stovall. I got the idea from his roadkill collection. This is straight from the camera, scan from the lab.

It could probably use a crop, but I am waiting until I rescan it myself:



I may post the rest if I can crack the scanning thing. Really struggling with it for some reason.

[tc95]

Keith...I am glad i'm not the only one that picked up a Lieca and is having fun with it...I picked-up a R4 MOT Electronic with a few lenses...and have had fun shooting film again...