LEICA M6 Panda and 50mm Summicron M I only shot two rolls before relegated to safe queen status. Boxes, clam-shell case, orig strap in box, papers, leather lens case, cap and hood. Found some batteries and meter works perfectly. I'll throw in the LN leather half case and a new soft release.
LEICA M6 Panda with Summicron 50mm f/2 Lens
The LEICA M6 Panda
The LEICA M6 is a legendary 35mm rangefinder camera that epitomizes the timeless elegance and precision craftsmanship associated with Leica. Here's a detailed breakdown:
Design and Build: The M6 features a robust, all-metal construction with a top plate adorned in contrasting black and silver (hence the "Panda" nickname). Its minimalist design emphasizes functionality over frills.
Viewfinder: The bright and clear viewfinder offers a 0.72x magnification, making it a joy to compose and focus. The framelines adjust automatically based on the lens attached.
Shutter: The M6 boasts a cloth focal-plane shutter with speeds ranging from 1s to 1/1000s, plus Bulb mode for long exposures.
Metering: Unlike its predecessor, the M6 incorporates a built-in light meter. It's a simple yet effective TTL (through-the-lens) metering system that provides accurate exposure readings.
Film Loading: The bottom-loading design ensures smooth film loading, and the film advance lever has a satisfying throw.
Classic Leica Feel: The M6 exudes that unmistakable Leica feel—the precision of the controls, the tactile satisfaction of winding the film, and the reassuring click of the shutter button.
The Summicron 50mm f/2 Lens
The Summicron 50mm f/2 lens is a Leica icon. It has undergone several iterations since its debut in 1953, but its core characteristics remain consistent:
Optical Excellence: The Summicron 50mm f/2 is renowned for its exceptional optical performance. It delivers sharpness, contrast, and beautiful rendering across the frame.
Aperture: With a maximum aperture of f/2, it strikes a balance between low-light capability and portability. At f/2, it's not only usable in dim conditions but also provides a lovely background blur (bokeh) when wide open.
Build Quality: The lens is solidly built, featuring all-metal construction. The focus ring is smooth, and the aperture ring clicks precisely into place.
Compact Size: The compact form factor makes it an ideal companion for the M6. It doesn't overwhelm the camera body, allowing for a balanced shooting experience.
50mm Perspective: The 50mm focal length is versatile—it's great for street photography, environmental portraits, and everyday scenes.
Collapsible Version: Some versions of the Summicron 50mm f/2 are collapsible, which means they retract when not in use, making the camera-lens combo even more compact.
Remember, the allure of Leica gear extends beyond mere specifications—it's about the experience, the craftsmanship, and the joy of creating images with tools that have stood the test of time.