Leica M6 Has Landed!
I wanted to try and shoot film and instead of one of cost effective solutions – purchased a Leica M6 TTL. I figure like this: Anything worth doing, is worth doing with style.
I shopped around for prices including the ol Ebay, but there is no place better then keh.com for used gear. Fair prices and great selection on used photography gear.
Ended getting a TTL version of the M6 as I will use the hot shoe for portraits and off camera lighting. I am aiming at improving my photography and film is one of the best ways. Sure, I will not be able to look at the back of the camera at an LCD screen to see what I just photographed. I am impressed with the ‘feel’ of the camera. Heavy, black and all manual!
I rented a lens from LensRentals.com and it was shipped quick. For 2 weeks I will shot with the Zeiss 50mm 1.5 Sonnar. For me 50mm focal length is just right. Patiently waiting until my Leica 50 F2 SUMMICRON-M arrives, also used.
I got some film 2 days ago from a local shop in Pasadena. I had my Panasonic LX3 with me shot a couple of pics at the City Hall. See bottom of page for the pics or on Flickr. I wanted to try several brands and speeds and the most raved about black and white – Tri-X 400. Looking forward to shoot many pics with this film.
Dang, thats a lot of film
I realized that this film cant be developed at a local Wallgreens and quickly searched the web for film developing labs, techniques and mail order. I found groups which talk about film processing, pushing ISO and the best way is to do it at home. Kind of like making a cup of coffee they say. OK I am gamed. Signed up at an international Leica user forum (best places to learn) Leica User forum and started searching, reading posts and asking questions. Found a nearby supply house and film processing place: freestylephoto.biz and put the order through. Initially, I watched a few how to videos on youtube.com to figure out exactly what is needed. What got me excited was the Figital Revolution post on Tri-x and how to process.
Here is the list:
- Kodak Rapid Fixer to Make 1 Gallon
- Kodak Photo Flo 200 16 oz.
- Heico Perma Wash 1 Quart
- Paterson Universal Film Developing Tank with 1 Reel
- Paterson Developing Tank Reel
- Arista Changing Bag 27 in. x 30 in.
- Printfile Archival Negative Preservers 35mm 7 strips of 5 negatives – 100 pack (357B)
- Acufine Diafine Film Developer to make 1 gal.
Now the waiting begins on getting all the chemicals/supplies….. I will go out and shoot some film and will update in a few days.
Congrats on that fine looking camera. I’ve been torn between a M5 and M6 TTL. Did you consider the M5 at all?
I can’t wait to see some of your pics and read some of your experiences with the DIY film developing.
@Mark V
I did consider M3 or M6. To me, it was the M5 photos that I found on the net that did it. I know its the ‘operator’ and not the equipment, but I found them to be more eye appealing. Having bought the camera, I just finished shooting my first roll of Tri-X and now loaded a roll of Fujicolor. I am planning on developing the Tri-X my self, but cant wait to see some pics coming from the M6. Once finished I will take the film to CVS or Walgreens just to make sure the camera is working. I’ll post about it afterwords.
Good luck on you research and most likely you cant go wrong with either. Check the L-Camera forum http://www.l-camera-forum.com/index.html for advice, reviews. Very helpful people there.
Thanks for following up on why you made the decision on the M6. I’m a rebel at heart at a sucker for an ugly dog so I thought the M5 would be the film Leica for me. Now I don’t know.
I’ve had a Leica M9 on order since it’s announcement and I decided to cancel it to focus on the content of my photography in 2010. The trouble is I bought a Konica 50/1.2 lens while I was waiting and I don’t want to part with it. So now I need a camera to shoot the Konica on. Yesterday the dealer messaged me and let me know that my M9 was in stock. Arrrgggh, the stress of it all!
I will still want a film camera though. I took a B&W workshop two summers ago and there is nothing like printing the film with an enlarger!
I am in similar thought as you. love the underdog, uglydog and the rest.
M9 is the ultimate camera in my mind. I would second the content decision you made and congratulate you on making it.
I am going give film a 100% chance.