Leica R6: How I found my dream 35mm film camera

[@jasewalker3619]

Around the 2:02 mark where you see a Barnack Leica and say ‘too old’; I know it didn’t fit your criteria but those cameras still hold up today. They’re fairly inexpensive in Leica Rangefinder terms, and you can still get amazing optics for them. I’ve got a III model with a Elmar f2 50mm lens and I’ve taken photos I’m really proud of on it. It has a charm to it people seem to dig, meaning candids and on the spot photos are more frequent (people can be a bit hesitant to say yes to a photo on the street when it’s a big clunky DSLR!) I’d definitely give one a go sometime.

[@SathyaPeacock]

Welcome back mate and great finds!

[@garethbartlett]

Thanks mate! You thinking of going to the next Analogue Spotlight in Nottingham?

[@SathyaPeacock]

@@garethbartlett I will try to for sure :)

[@henk1267]

That was great! I didn't know all that about the R6, sounds almost like a leicaflex. I also want one!

[@garethbartlett]

Thanks Henk! One thing I love about discovering and buying new cameras is going down the rabbit hole if finding out about them. Thanks so much for watching.

[@drummingdaoh]

Interesting video, i love your passion for the roll film, looks like a good camera.

[@garethbartlett]

Thanks muchly! So far I’m very happy with it. Just need to sort some light seals out and hopefully that leaves nothing wrong with it…

[@sargisshirinyan207]

At 5:00 is that how the shutter really sounds on the R6 or is that a sound effect done for the video?

[@garethbartlett]

It's been a while but I can say with almost certainty that's the genuine audio.

[@sargisshirinyan207]

@@garethbartlett sounds "satisfying". I want one!

[@garethbartlett]

@@sargisshirinyan207 haha yeah it's a definite thunk!

[@juliaonfilm]

Love Frome camera fair!

[@garethbartlett]

I know you do. You’ve taken me there twice. 😂

[@brettstepto6113]

Loved this GB! Proper passion 📷 x

[@garethbartlett]

Thanks so much Brettlove!

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Congratulations on your Leica.👍 I've settled on my Canon F1 and Canon VT Deluxe rangefinder. I have ither cameras up to 6x17 but these two are my every day carry cameras loaded with black and white film. 👍📸

[@garethbartlett]

Ah wonderful I’ll have to take a look into the VT as I don’t know much about it. Deluxe rangefinder sounds great. F1 is a classic!

[@deluxe8432]

Amazing one of the best

[@garethbartlett]

You’re one of the best….

[@deantaylor1512]

Very nice.. love and still use the r system… r7 for me .. would like a r6 sometime… started out way back in the day with a r4s… and then several M s …currently a Mp since 2003 …

[@garethbartlett]

Fantastic! What a beautiful set of cameras you’ve used. What is it about the R7 you love so much? And do you have a favorite lens?

[@Joel4JC]

Awesome deal! I just got a Leica R6.2 and paid quite a bit more just for the body and it has a light seal issue.

[@garethbartlett]

Ah that's a bummer but they're generally easy enough to fix yourself - if you're brave enough! (I'm not. But my partner is!)

[@rickmartin8109]

Great video!

[@garethbartlett]

Thanks shag.

[@robbellphoto]

Does it feel better than a Minolta if the day ?

[@garethbartlett]

Hi, I’ve never been a big Minolta fan so it may be the Minolta size and grip wasn’t for me and it’s all subjective but I enjoy using the R6 - but I do sometimes wish there was more of a grip or space on the right hand side for my big hand.

[@robbellphoto]

@@garethbartlett 3d print one sir ;)

[@garethbartlett]

@holyjesus8603 😂 did a Minolta hurt you? 🤣

[@nout1972]

I remember reading a German manual focus slr camera group test in the 90's where the Leica R6 won every category from built quality to exposure accuracy and metering accuracy. True, every camera in that group test was rated very good (and I was mainly interested in the much more affordable Nikon FM2), but it sure made an impression on me. Why is a used M6 from the same time so much more expensive at the used market?

[@garethbartlett]

Wonderful to hear this! Of course I'm not surprised - I think people have come to just see Leica as that recognisable form factor of the M series and to some they won't even know the R range existed sadly. My guess is the price is pure lust based on demand. Madness of course, especially when these Rs can do pretty much the same job! Did you get the FM2?

[@nout1972]

@@garethbartlett No I got the Nikon AF F601 at the time, but that's another story :)

[@garethbartlett]

@@nout1972 there’s always another story. I love it.

[@garethbartlett]

@holyjesus8603 but I love a McDonald’s cheeseburger! 🤣

[@Fat-totoro-cat]

Interesting video - I'm the first to agree that common sense probably doesnt really enter these discussions, but as a point of difference I have the Leica R7 and 50mm F2 lens. I own a LOT of cameras (I am a bit of a collector) and to be honest I don't find either the camera or lens offer anything compelling over Nikons, Canons, Pentaxes, Contaxes or Olympuses. The biggest downside of the R system is the hugely overpriced lenses compared to Olympus, Pentax, Nikon or Canon. On the flip side, Leica stuff doesn't seem to lose money, so if you have the initial cash its not a bad financial decision. :)

[@garethbartlett]

I wouldn’t disagree really with anything you said. I think there’s a lot of beauty in the eye of the (be)holder etc. And usability is just a bit nicer with the R6 than my other film cameras. But it’s hard to argue the price vs end product differences for sure. Thanks for watching! What’s your favorite camera you own and like to use in your collection?

[@garethbartlett]

@holyjesus8603 I think people do compare steak to pizza. When they’re thinking what they want to eat. And they choose what they’re in the mood for. Which, I think, is exactly the point you are making. Interesting idea.

[@PeterKKraus]

The 6 & 7 are fugly. R5 😊

[@garethbartlett]

It's all subjective. At first I thought "it doesn't look like the popular, slim Leica's that everyone lusts after" - but then came to like it being different and prefer to have a camera that works great rather than just look a certain way.

[@PeterKKraus]

@@garethbartlett Apparently, I spoke too soon. I was actually thinking of the 8 and 9.

[@garethbartlett]

@holyjesus8603 Well thanks for making me want to spend more of my money!! 😂 will dive into those suggestions. Thanks for your contributions here!

[@PeterKKraus]

@holyjesus8603 English isn't your first language?

[@PeterKKraus]

@holyjesus8603 I don't have any Leica film bodies. I have an Olympus OM G 😬 and Nikon FA , F4, N2000, and F100 though. I have an early 90's Summicron R 50mm with F flange also. That's all.

[@jonnybishop]

No Leica. That was awful 😂

[@garethbartlett]

This is my life. Just endless shit forced dad jokes 😂