Hi, folks;

Does anyone have a strong opinion about the M-6 lens carrier attachment? At first blush it looks like a handy device; however, it also could very easily be one of those things you buy thinking, "this will make my life easier", and in reality, it just one more thing you never use taking up space in the bag. Any one actually using the device and your take on it is appreciated.

Thanks,

Jim

-- J.L.Kuhn (james.kuhn-1@kmail.ksc.nasa.gov), October 23, 2000

Answers

It looks useful to me. The only problem is if you want to use a tripod or chest pod etc. you have to remove it which is a pain. An even nicer option in someways is the Benser base plate which carries two lenses. You can get them s/h; I have seen a few on offer via ebay. Of course if you want to use a Benser baseplate then you are really stuck should you need to put it on a tripod.

-- Robin Smith (rsmith@springer-ny.com), October 23, 2000.

I looked at it and all I could think is that the guy who invented it never shoots vertical compositions. If you had a small 35mm Summicron on the camera, and a 90mm Summicron on the holder, it would almost be easier to hold the 90 than the camera body for a vertical.

I thought the Bug-eyes and the MR4 meters ruined the aesthetics, even though they had actual functional uses, but this is a fix to a problem that doesn't really exist. At least in my opinion. Extra lens in a pocket or small bag equals a nice small camera... just like Oscar envisioned.

-- Al Smith (smith58@msn.com), October 23, 2000.

Al

I think that is the idea. Holding the lens on the spare mounting is like a pistol grip. It would work less well with a small lens on it, but equally then it can be ignored. Also you are free of the inconvenience of having to worry about the lens M cap and putting that on.

-- Robin Smith (rsmith@springer-ny.com), October 23, 2000.

Personally, I prefer a large inside coat pocket.

I've tried one but don't like it. It makes the whole set up heavy, and sort of F5 like... If I'm willing to heft that much camera (and it does make the M camera quite eye-catching and obtrusive), I'll get a full featured Nikon.

OTOH, What is very useful is the little plastic ring that is threaded with two lens mounts, and holds two lenses back-end to back- end. Really tidies things up in a 3 lens set up.

-- Mani Sitaraman (bindumani@pacific.net.sg), October 24, 2000.

Mani

I agree with you about the back-to-back adaptors, but in my view the M back to back adapters are inferior to the R versions since if you leave one lens off the rear element of the other is exposed in the M- version. In the R version this is not the case as the cylinder is not open.

-- Robin Smith (rsmith@springer-ny.com), October 24, 2000.

With the M back to back lens holder you have to be very careful as some combinations result in damaged rear elements. The best thing to do is just get two new style rear lens caps (deeper than the older ones) and glue them together. Safe, secure and handy.

The lens carrier is a marvellous accessory I have not figured out a use for. I prefer to have bodies as lens holders (one camera, one lens) even when I am shooting the same film in both cameras. Everything is handy (hanging off my shoulders) and ready to use: no fumbling. Alas this leaves me with no excuse for my poor results!

Cheers

-- John Collier (jbcollier@home.com), October 24, 2000.

I have used the Benser version which holds 2 lenses.On paper its great.Reality is different.It makes the Leica huge and ungainly.When you need to change film,the plate must first be removed.A small coin is reqd to turn the holding screw.The new Leica version is easier to remove but the fine balance of the camera is spoilt.Rather use the coupling adapter.I constructed a plate for my Pentax SLR and used extension rings to hold two lenses.Somehow it was better than the original Benser as I could remove and load film due to hinged back.I prefer a small bag and each lens protected.I still use ever-ready cases for one camera.I got used to it in Canada with the wet cold condition.I carried it under my coat,parka etc.Sadly its not my Leica.The new Leica camera cases are too big.The soft Benser bag is terrific.It fits most cameras and would be easy to construct.Its basically a pouch with holes for the strap and a zipper to close.When busy taking photos,the bag can be moved behind your neck.Great for poor weather. That camera looks great 12 years old.Sadly its not my Leica....

-- jason gold (jason1155234@webtv.net), October 25, 2000.

I wonder if you need to replace the strap lugs on the camera with a new heavy duty cross sport/utility version--seems like it could rip those suckers right out of their holes eventually.

-- Michael Darnton (mdarnton@hotmail.com), October 27, 2000.

I feel that the M6 lens carrier has it's moments. You will not want to use it all the time for various reasons. I must say that it is a neat little gadget that comes in handy from time-to-time. I find that I use it when I photograph the National Seashore (Cape Cod) where find myself walking thru miles and miles and miles of sand. No need for more than 2 (or 3) lens out there. Great on those summer days when you just want to grab your M , 2 lens, and GO!

-- Bob McNamara (mac@mcsal.com), November 06, 2000.

Dear James; let me tell you, as a carpenter, the leica lens carrier attachment, as always been very helpfull, I donīt like it when shooting, but as a hammer, with an Hektor 135 4.5, is a great tool, but been serious I can tell that the most sensitive knok or presure side of a M body is the base plate, I once droped my M3 and it hit the floor with the corner of the baseplate that has the ear hole, and the knok made the base plate open, yes, just like that, it was a fell of about four feet to the cement floor, when I picked it up I shoot it a couple of times and look carefuly until I found the base plate was out, so any thing that can hang from it doesnīt seem such a good idea to me, may be as a hammer. R. Watson

-- Robert Watson (mawago@prodigy.net.mx), December 06, 2000.

Well, I'm obviously a bit late to chime in on nthis little number, but why let that stop me!

This accessory looks like the most ridiculous waste of time imaginable! What do you do when you want to change film? I suppose if you never shoot more than one roll a day it might be useful, but in real use (ten rolls a day, say) it would just be a major pain!

Strong enough for you?

Rob.

-- Robert Appleby (laintal@tin.it), January 18, 2001.

And still peopleīre buying it; good for leitz.

-- R. Watson (al1231234@hotmail.com), January 20, 2001.