Nikon F6 vs Leica M3... do I have G.A.S. or a legitimate concern?

pharmboycu · Oct 2, 2014

Hi everyone--

If this thread isn't appropriate, please accept my apology. I'm trying to sort this out and figured I'd ask ya'll to weigh in as I evaluate whether or not I should consider a different camera.

About 6 months ago, I bought a Nikon F6, and after my post the other day in the "better equipment" thread, I really began to think about *why* I still prefer the Pentax and the Canon, even though the F6 is an arguably better camera with which I get better results more often. At the time of purchase, I was debating between ta Leica M3 and the Nikon F6. I went with the F6 because I was familiar with the Nikon D7000 controls and it would be very similar.

It hit me this morning-- I think the reasons I'm not enjoying this F6 as much as the K1000 or Canon F1 are:

1) To me, it is a digital camera (the D7000) that happens to records images on film rather than an SD card.
2) I don't feel that connect or involvement in the process; I point and click, the same as with the digital camera. I miss focusing and composing... I miss the analog metering that shows me where my exposure lies (I know the Leica doesn't have an internal meter, but does have the ability to attach a meter.)... I miss the simplicity of turning a dial to set the film speed rather than fighting through a bunch of menus if I want to push a roll.
3) I wonder if I will become reliant upon the computer in the camera rather than become a better, more adept photographer.
4) I don't feel that sense of accomplishment with the F6 when an image turns out great that I get with the Canon F1 or Pentax K1000; after all, the computer did all the work, not me.

Does this sound like Gear Acquisition Syndrome or does this sound like legitimate concern over whether I have the right instrument for my photography? Please don't misconstrue this as whining... this is an appeal to those who may have some experience with this to share some insight.

Thank you!

miha · Oct 2, 2014

It does sound like GAS to me You said you get better result with the F6 more often, keep it for some time, how many rolls did you shoot in the last 6 months?

BTW, changing the ISO speed doesn't require "fighting trough a bunch of menus", there is a dedicated button on the back.

darkosaric · Oct 2, 2014

It is G.A.S. - 100% sure. But nothing wrong with that. Buy the Leica M3 and summicron .

analoguey · Oct 2, 2014

If you're missing composing because of any camera - arguably it's not the camera's fault.
Composing is entirely your domain -digital, film, 35mm, mf, lf, whatever.

You can use exposure compensation to change exposure - works in a similar fashion to over/under-exposure, plus you can change per shot. Given that even average electronic cameras have it - f6 should too.

If you feel the f6 does everything by itself, plonk a manual lens on it,(AI/AI-s etc) and dont shoot in the pre-programmed modes. Do everything manually. (defeats most of the f6 purpose beyond the weatherproofing)

You might do better with reading the manual.

Also, for sometime, maybe ignore the what-camera-what-lens threads.

Sent from Tap-a-talk

Richard S. (rich815) · Oct 2, 2014

Sounds to me like you're simply not clicking with the F6. Sell it and get the M3.

blockend · Oct 2, 2014

Since film cameras became defunct, people's aspirations for them have changed. Hopes built around new technology have transferred to digital, leaving users looking for different things. Intangible things like feel, build quality, quirkiness, looks and difference, especially from DSLRs. The F6 is a superb camera, but it's a child of the digital era with analogue workings. If I had one I'd use it, but for the full manual experience use a full manual camera.

pharmboycu · Oct 2, 2014

Thanks ya'll. Good advice. I suppose I should have worded my comment about the menus for the ISO differently... it wasn't as easy as turning a knob would be a better characterization.

I can't justify the expense of both cameras, so I think that assuming this is a case of G.A.S., the best thing for me to do is continue to use what I have. I've probably only put 15-20 rolls through it over the past 6 months, and if it is G.A.S., my attitude towards the F6 will probably change the more I shoot with it.

Thank you all for letting me bounce this off ya'll!

John

Nuff · Oct 2, 2014

I enjoy film cameras because of their simplicity and 100% of the image is up to me. I did just get an M3 and it clicked with me. So I'm selling my pentax MX and all the lenses.

I still like SLRs, I will keep one, my hasselblad.

snapguy · Oct 2, 2014

why

Why go to Paris in the springtime with canvas and oil paints and brushes and all the fussy little things you need to go along with it when you can simply grab a digital point-and-shoot? If you can't figure out the answer to that you should sell your cameras and take up knitting.

Jeff Kubach · Oct 2, 2014

Sell the F6 and get the M3

Jeff

Ben 4 · Oct 2, 2014

This doesn't strike me as G.A.S. I think you've discovered simply something about how you prefer to work.

Xmas · Oct 2, 2014

snapguy said:
Why go to Paris in the springtime with canvas and oil paints and brushes and all the fussy little things you need to go along with it when you can simply grab a digital point-and-shoot? If you can't figure out the answer to that you should sell your cameras and take up knitting.

But would/do I need a digitally controlled machine or can I make do with a pair of needles?

knit one purl one...

baachitraka · Oct 2, 2014

There are many reasons for not taking photographs but you got some four of them. ;-)

RalphLambrecht · Oct 2, 2014

miha said:
It does sound like GAS to me You said you get better result with the F6 more often, keep it for some time, how many rolls did you shoot in the last 6 months?

BTW, changing the ISO speed doesn't require "fighting trough a bunch of menus", there is a dedicated button on the back.

There is nothing mystic about Leicas.In fact many of them are owned by snobswho have turned them into shelve queens.Don't waste your money;You already have what you need. go use it!

Ricardo Miranda · Oct 2, 2014

Xmas said:
But would/do I need a digitally controlled machine or can I make do with a pair of needles?

knit one purl one...

I think that after many years of using "digitally controlled machine" I answered that question myself sometime ago.

To the OP
You want a M3 and can afford it? Then go for it. Sell the D7000 or whatever that is if you need spare cash for film.

frank · Oct 2, 2014

If you are a photographer working for clients then the F6 (or some digital camera) is ideal because its then all about getting the shot and the final image.

As an amateur and hobbyist, I completely empathize with you on being left unsatisfied with such a camera. For us, being part of the process is also rewarding, and a simple manual camera allows this.

(Whether or not that camera needs to be a Leica is another, separate issue. Everyone who has the financial ability and is contemplating Leica, should give it a try, IMO.)

I understand your dilemma completely!

Pioneer · Oct 2, 2014

You are certainly in a stage where you are more concerned with the camera then the photograph. I have gone through that phase as well, and may still be in it for all I know. For some, the experience really is in the camera. If you are one of those don't worry about it. Sell the F6, buy the M3, and enjoy yourself.

But if you are secretly hoping that how you feel about the camera will result in better pictures then I am afraid you will be disappointed. You already have a K1000, if I read you right. It is certainly a manual camera so, if that is what will make you a better photographer then there is really no need to buy an M3. Keep the F6, shoot the K1000, and see what happens in 6 months.

Case in point. I have LOTS of cameras. You really don't want to know but if anyone has GAS it is me. A large selection are completely manual. I enjoy working with them and I enjoy the feeling when I get a good photograph with one of them. But over the years this is what I have discovered.

I do much better with cameras that provide help in the form of automatic settings. I do get pretty good shots with my K1000 and other manual cameras. But the photos that win, the photos that sell, all of them were made with an auto camera. My Pentax 645Nii with the FA 45-85 and FA 80-160 has the highest hit rate of all my cameras but my Pentax PZip is not that far behind. I even have a higher hit rate with my Zeiss Ikon Contaflex with shutter priority (a couple of those older Pro-Tessar lenses are very, very good.)

The interesting thing is that it has nothing to do with exposure or focus. I can do that as well or better with a manual camera as I can with an auto camera. The difference is in the composition. Somehow I am subconsciously so concerned with focus and exposure while working manually that my compositions must be taking a back seat. I must be less concerned when working with auto systems so my subconscious is placing composition where it belongs, up front.

Please forgive my little rant. Your concerns are probably nothing like what has happened to me. Go ahead and buy the M3. I have one and it is a wonderful camera. You will love it. I doubt it will improve your photography, but I could be wrong. It happens all the time.

pharmboycu · Oct 2, 2014

Good points everyone, and I sincerely appreciate all the input. I guess I want both to enjoy the photography process more *and* to get better images. All things considered and after reading all the posts in reply, I think I agree that the best use of my time and money would be to buy and shoot more film instead of worrying so much about the camera.

Thank you all again for indulging me as I continue to figure this out.

MattKing · Oct 2, 2014

pharmboycu said:
Good points everyone, and I sincerely appreciate all the input. I guess I want both to enjoy the photography process more *and* to get better images. All things considered and after reading all the posts in reply, I think I agree that the best use of my time and money would be to buy and shoot more film instead of worrying so much about the camera.

Thank you all again for indulging me as I continue to figure this out.

It seems to me that you need to customize your use of your F6 so that you get more enjoyment from it.

It is a very flexible instrument.

jerrybro · Oct 2, 2014

All my Nikons are manual, no auto focus or auto exposure, well, except 1. A while back I needed to make some photos for the web so I bought an old Nikon Dsomething from KEH. But, I did not buy it with a lens. I use my AIS lenses on it and have found it to be a useful learning tool. After I got the photos I needed I started playing with it to learn how to really use sunny 16 and no meter. Since it exposes about the same as slide film it is not as forgiving as color print or bw, I can guess on the exposure, take the shot, and instantly see how close I was. You could use the F6 with an AIS lens and a meter, then you would shooting old school, with a menu.

mweintraub · Oct 2, 2014

I might be in the market for an F6 if I can trade / sell some gear for it (F5 and F80s). I'll PM you.

GarageBoy · Oct 2, 2014

Have you used a rangefinder before? Do you use tele lenses a lot?

The computer will only do as much as you want it to...
The bar graph and spot meter on the F6 will help you evaluate exposure better than many hand held meters - set shutter speed/aperture, point at different parts of your scene and see where they lie

I get "working" for your photos, but at the end of the day, isn't it the photos that matter?

snegron · Oct 2, 2014

pharmboycu said:
Hi everyone--

Does this sound like Gear Acquisition Syndrome or does this sound like legitimate concern over whether I have the right instrument for my photography? Please don't misconstrue this as whining... this is an appeal to those who may have some experience with this to share some insight.

Thank you!

I can understand your feelings regarding the digital "feel" of the F6. A few years ago I purchased a new F100 and felt the same way. While it was an amazing camera it did not have the "feel" of my F or F3HP.

While many here will disagree with me, I believe that there is a connection between an artist and his tools. While buying a better paint brush won't necessarily make you a better painter, it could serve as motivation. In terms of cameras, whenever I purchase an old body I can't help but wonder where it has been, what images did some photographer capture with it, what history did it witness, etc. As far as going with an M3, I have always wanted a Leica but always thought they were too expensive. Ironically, in my search for the "perfect camera" I have probably spent more on Nikon bodies and lenses than I would have had I gotten an M3 and 3 lenses.

In terms of going back to basics (doing away with full automation) in order to improve as a photographer, I couldn't agree more. The less automation you have, the more you have to work to capture the image. The M3 "adds" the advantage of no metering forcing you to either use a handheld meter or go with the sunny 16 rule. If you are on a bit of a budget you can always get an old Nikon F with standard prism. Problem is that if you are anything like me you will always want to get that M3...

markbarendt · Oct 3, 2014

Pioneer said:
You are certainly in a stage where you are more concerned with the camera then the photograph.

Yep.

Newt_on_Swings · Oct 3, 2014

Gas. It will never end. So many camera formats. So many different brands. So many non interchangeable lenses. Stay far away. Your wallet will thank you.

Nikon F6 vs Leica M3... do I have G.A.S. or a legitimate concern?

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency