M6 film or M8 digital?

[Torquelover]

Photography has been my hobby since childhood. I started with film cameras such as Nikon 801s and "progressed" into the digital age with Canon 450d. However, I have always wanted to try RF.

However, I am in a dilemma whether to get the M6 or the M8. For the M6 option, I plan to scan the negative via a scanner such as the Plustek/Coolscan. Please pardon me as this is not really old skool film (I have grown used to storing and achiving photographs via the digital means). I seldom print photo nowadays and mostly just share digital images.

How is the M6 scanning option in terms of quality of the photos? Or should I go directly to a M8 digital instead (with the 1.3x crop) bypassing the negative development and scanning. M9 and its full frame is beyond my means 8-(

Really appreciate and looking forward to your advice.

Cheers,
TL

 

[artspraken]

I believe some shops develop and scan for you. I read some even got ftp site for download
If i cld only choose between m6 and m8 i would choose m6.

 

[hookonclassic]

Welcome into the world of RF...IMO...don't think this first buy into RF will the final buy...:devil:

M8 provide u a convenient means to quickly explore RF lenses and RF fun...but not FF...IQ is suberb too...

M6 film is no brainer...hardcore film shooter...full frame Leica RF experience...

My recommendation, just go along any of the above that you come across without over stretching your budget in good condition will be fine...

 

[gommy]

I'll go M8 first in your case and there's US$2000 M8 on RFF now.
Link
You're more familiar with digital now so M8 is good transition. You can get a film camera later.
I started with film more than 20 years ago and was a late adopter of digital. I find myself using M8 more than my M7 digital more than film. My first venture into RF was digital. RD-1 for one month then M8.

 

[koolcat]

i think m6 with a film scanner is good...
becos m8 is a cropped frame.. it will affect on the lens you are investing in... and Leica lens are not cheap...

 

[robertcapa]

I'll go M8 first in your case and there's US$2000 M8 on RFF now.
Link
You're more familiar with digital now so M8 is good transition. You can get a film camera later.
I started with film more than 20 years ago and was a late adopter of digital. I find myself using M8 more than my M7 digital more than film. My first venture into RF was digital. RD-1 for one month then M8.

Second gommy's recommendations. Much less hassle, you take more photos, learn faster on digital. On top of that M8 is "affordable" now. Like gommy, I have both film and digital Ms, these days I take the digital M everywhere. I still have a few rolls of b&w film I have not developed yet. Whilst I like the process of developing film, I am increasely getting lazy and like the instantaneous feedback I get from digital. Having said that, I will still continue taking film but with a digital M, film seems "expensive" in the long run. So, there are both pros and cons to everything.

 

[xherion]

hi all,
with M8, is UV/IR filter a must for all lenses?
that's the nagging thing that keeps me from buying an M8

 

[sabrewolf]

hi all,
with M8, is UV/IR filter a must for all lenses?
that's the nagging thing that keeps me from buying an M8

Yes UV/IR is a must unless you are aiming to shoot black and white or IR which the M8 is excellent. You have the Nex5 which is an excellent camera for M lenses and a very good alternative to M8.

 

[Torquelover]

Thanks to all who have advised me. I have got myself a M8 this afternoon. Loved focusing via RF, so much faster when compared to manual focusing by 450d and even my old and trusted Nikon 801s.

Reviving all the previous knowledge learnt during the manual and film days, eg, zone focusing, etc. Cant wait for the weekend to come so I can be "trigger happy". I believe I will get more satisfaction by shooting with the M8. It is a more engaging experience - think, expose, focus and shoot. No more rapid firing via AF-S and hope for the best.

However, I know what my Canon buddies will say...... 8-(

 

[axis90x]

Thanks to all who have advised me. I have got myself a M8 this afternoon. Loved focusing via RF, so much faster when compared to manual focusing by 450d and even my old and trusted Nikon 801s.

Reviving all the previous knowledge learnt during the manual and film days, eg, zone focusing, etc. Cant wait for the weekend to come so I can be "trigger happy". I believe I will get more satisfaction by shooting with the M8. It is a more engaging experience - think, expose, focus and shoot. No more rapid firing via AF-S and hope for the best.

However, I know what my Canon buddies will say...... 8-(

welcome to the world of RF

 

[gommy]

Thanks to all who have advised me. I have got myself a M8 this afternoon. Loved focusing via RF, so much faster when compared to manual focusing by 450d and even my old and trusted Nikon 801s.

Reviving all the previous knowledge learnt during the manual and film days, eg, zone focusing, etc. Cant wait for the weekend to come so I can be "trigger happy". I believe I will get more satisfaction by shooting with the M8. It is a more engaging experience - think, expose, focus and shoot. No more rapid firing via AF-S and hope for the best.

However, I know what my Canon buddies will say...... 8-(

Congrats! Welcome to RF....:lovegrin:

 

[hookonclassic]

Hehe...the saga continues...:devil:...

 

[schmuak]

Hehe...the saga continues...:devil:...

Ya this is only the beginning. hehehe

 

[newghost]

Hehe...the saga continues...:devil:...

:bsmilie: ::nono: :nono: you've been forewarned!

 

[artspraken]

I do not recommend M8 if these conditions apply to you:-

i. you intend to collect lens, or own more than 1 lens;

and

ii. you may sell the M8 and buy a full frame RF later.


If both conditions apply, note that when you sell the M8, you will also need to change your lens. That is very very hassle.


My recommendation that you start with M6 is so that whatever lens you buy, you can keep to reuse again if you move to full frame later. Many people start with M8 but the Leica lust make them move to full frame. An upgrade from M8 is very expensive if you bear in mind the lens you need to change due to the focal length difference in full frame.

In short, if you foresee yourself using full frame, then my recommendation is go straight to full frame.

 

[robertcapa]

I do not recommend M8 if these conditions apply to you:-

i. you intend to collect lens, or own more than 1 lens;

and

ii. you may sell the M8 and buy a full frame RF later.


If both conditions apply, note that when you sell the M8, you will also need to change your lens. That is very very hassle.


My recommendation that you start with M6 is so that whatever lens you buy, you can keep to reuse again if you move to full frame later. Many people start with M8 but the Leica lust make them move to full frame. An upgrade from M8 is very expensive if you bear in mind the lens you need to change due to the focal length difference in full frame.

In short, if you foresee yourself using full frame, then my recommendation is go straight to full frame.

er.. why should you need to change lens if you sell M8??

 

[gommy]

I do not recommend M8 if these conditions apply to you:-

i. you intend to collect lens, or own more than 1 lens;

and

ii. you may sell the M8 and buy a full frame RF later.


If both conditions apply, note that when you sell the M8, you will also need to change your lens. That is very very hassle.


My recommendation that you start with M6 is so that whatever lens you buy, you can keep to reuse again if you move to full frame later. Many people start with M8 but the Leica lust make them move to full frame. An upgrade from M8 is very expensive if you bear in mind the lens you need to change due to the focal length difference in full frame.

In short, if you foresee yourself using full frame, then my recommendation is go straight to full frame.

I use M8, M7...my favorite on both is 50mm. Don't see why must change lens leh?...hehehe. Maybe, I don't "frame" the picture in my mind but look at the framelines in VF to shoot.
Even in DSLR, moving from 20D to 5D, I don't "feel" a difference, still shooting the same lens. Maybe, that's why I don't see a need to move to FF in RF.

 

[artspraken]

er.. why should you need to change lens if you sell M8??

Coz M8 is cropped sensor?

2 examples:

on M8, you need 28mm to give 35mm focal length (approx).
on M9, MP, M6, M4, etc, that 28mm will be 28mm.

on M8, you need 35mm to give 50mm focal length (approx)
on M9, MP, M6, M4, etc, that 35mm will be 35mm.

the 2 examples above illustrate the difference in focal length if you change from 1.3 frame to full frame. I've only dealt with everyday focal lengths. If you intend to collect focal lengths of different esoteric varieties (wide angle or tele), it is advisable to think ahead about future compatibility (unless you do not intend to change to fullframe).

You need to ask yourself, what is the style of your photography and focal length you require? To me, focal length is more important than the camera platform because focal length is determined by yours style and discipline and preference. I won't let the platform dictate my focal length. I assume that you will not change your focal length and compromise your preferences if you go full frame.

Not all of us got money or time to keep buying/changing lenses, so think carefully for future before u enter one platform. if focal length is important to your style of shooting, then be advised to consider the issue of focal length on cropped sensor

 

[Royale With Cheese]

Hmmm....

I would say M6 or M7 because I'm more film bias

As for the M8, I did use it for awhile, loan set from a buddy. 50mm does feel kinda tight on the M8, 50mm because 75mm after crop?

Anyway, depends on if you set out to be a collector or shooter or both.

I'm too poor to be a collector, I've spend all my $$ at gommy's clinic to fix my teeth :bsmilie:

I'm more of a shooter. Leica lens isnt the only M/LTM lens around. Currently I'm running mostly on canon ltm lenses. Both arent in the best conditions, cleaning marks on the front element, etc. But it doesnt really bother me, most importantly, they are reliable, perform the way they are supposed to be

 

[dtohs]

Ofcoz if money is not an issue then go for a M9. Then again I can’t guarantee if everyone likes shooting with a RF (digital or film), so it’s advisable to start RF on a M8. The instant review helps determine and register the finished product (your shots), thus speeding up the learning curve, ofcoz if u just shoot but don’t register what you shoot under what elements (ie light condition, lens, subject), then it makes no diff what gears u shoot with, but if u want to understand this hobby more, Its not a bad idea to invest in a M8, then maybe switch to something else later.. just my thought.

i suggest u shoot RAW, ISO fixed at 160,and with the same lens for the next 2 months, yah i am hard core.. hope it helps.

All the chemistry and PP, arty and experimental stuffs can come later.

Enjoy the M8. Hope to see your shots soon!