I am considering switching from an M6 TTL .72 to a .58 and would appreciate any comments you have on the .58.

When I purchased my M6, the .58 model was not available. Also, even if it had been, I might have still purchased the .72, as I assumed I would be using a larger variety of lenses. However, my 35mm lens may as well be welded to the case! ('though I occasionally use the Noctilux).

It seems that anytime I need a longer lens, I also want AF and a fast frame rate (dog and crew shots mainly) where my Nikon gear is more appropriate.

Regards, Fergus

-- Fergus Hammond (fhammond@adobe.com), April 16, 2001

Answers

You might want to consider a Hexar RF for your second camera. It offers 0.58x magnification, as well as some other features (AE, shutter speed displays in the viewfinder, shutter speeds to 1/4000s, *normal* loading, 3 frame per second advance, autowind, etc).

It's not a Leica as far as feel goes, but as a second camera...

Watch the rangefinder though. I bought one on eBay (refurbished/demo) for a *great* price, then turned around and sent it in for service to get the rangefinder aligned. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't perfect either.

You pays your money and you takes your chances...

-- Derek Zeanah (derek@zeanah.com), April 16, 2001.

I'll second the vote for the Hexar RF. I am seriously considering a second one, and relegate the M6 to full-time backup duty. Adjusting the rangefinder myself is not difficult, so I wouldn't be put off by a misaligned one, Leicas can get misaligned too. The more I use the Hexar the less I want to use the M6. All my lenses are Leica, though. No quarrel with those!

-- Jay (infinitydt@aol.com), April 16, 2001.

What Jay said.

Seriously, on the subject of the .58 magnification finder (no matter what camera it's in) - I really like that finder. It makes the 28 usable with glasses, it's a dream with the 35, and it makes the 50 feel a bit like a short tele. For that range of lenses it's ideal, which is why it mates so well with a Tri-Elmar.

The .58 finder on the Leica has one more advantage over even the Hexar - the deletion of the 135 frame line leaves the 35mm frame uncluttered in a way that hasn't been seen since the M2. A single frame line for one of the most used focal lengths. It's a very nice touch.

-- Paul Chefurka (chefurka@home.com), April 16, 2001.

I have had an 0.58 for about 3 months now. I only have the 50 'cron. Having shot about 40 rolls though the thing now, my verdict is totally positive. I really like having a big area around the 50mm frame line. It hels me explore a scene and frame a shot. Focusing is dead-accurate, every time.

Every now and then I select the 35mm frame line and dream of a 35 'cron ASPH someday. I have thick glasses that take a -5 diopter to correct. I can see all the the 35mm frame line (and no 135 frame line). I think I will go to zone focus and tape over the rangefinder patch from time to time, just to feel like HCB :-)

The 28 frame lines are serviceable (they are actually identical to the 35mm frame line on the 0.72.

To me, the 0.58 is THE wide angle body for Leica. As noted above, a Tri-Elmar would be wonderful on an 0.58. I think a 90m lens would be fine too. If I got a second M body, it would be an 0.85, and I'd probably put a 75mm/f2.5 Voigtlander on it. Leica needs a little 75 in their line-up. The 75/1,4 to too big, and the 90/2.8 too long. But I digress.

-- Dan Brown (brpatent@swbell.net), April 16, 2001.

Thanks very much for the advice. The Hexar is an interesting option but I'd like to still use a Leica. I was out this morning and *really* noticed how much I move the viewfinder around on the .72 to see the 35mm frame lines. A little later this morning, I bought the .58! Haven't played with it too much yet but I think it was a good move.

Now, I just have to find a buyer for my .72 M6 TTL!

Thanks again, Fergus

-- Fergus Hammond (fhammond@adobe.com), April 17, 2001.