Question about my new M6 TTL

[Burlap Jacket]

I've had the camera for a few weeks and am loving it so far. But some questions.

I know that the flash sync speed is 1/50. I see the lightning bolt symbol between the 30 and 60 on the shutter speed dial, so am I to assume that will allow me to shoot at 1/50 under normal non-flash situations?

The shutter noise is louder than what I remember from when I borrowed my friend's M4-P. Does that sound accurate?

Also, am I right in assuming that the meter is very centre weighted almost to the point of being a spot meter?

Thanks

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I know that the flash sync speed is 1/50. I see the lightning bolt symbol between the 30 and 60 on the shutter speed dial, so am I to assume that will allow me to shoot at 1/50 under normal non-flash situations?

Yes, you can use that shutterspeed with and without flash, and all the other shutterspeeds as well.

The shutter noise is louder than what I remember from when I borrowed my friend's M4-P. Does that sound accurate?

I think this is a highly subjective matter. My two M6TTL have a different sound but they are certainly quieter than any SLR.

Also, am I right in assuming that the meter is very centre weighted almost to the point of being a spot meter?

Yes, you are right.

 

[JNewell]

Don't know whether the M6TTL metering pattern is different from the M6 classic. Here's what Modern Photography found when they tested the metering pattern of the M6. (6/85 issue, IIRC.) I'd say it is more like classic center-weighted.

 

[Steve Bellayr]

My feeling is that too much emphasis is placed on the sound of the shutter. The camera is held inches from the ear. From personal experience when I have my picture taken by a rangefinder (The camera is obviously not by my ear.) I do not hear the shutter.

 

[John Rountree]

While you can use the 1/50 setting without the flash, the difference in exposure between 1/50 and 1/60 is negligable. In fact with allowable tolerances for a mechanical shutter, if the 1/50 setting is fast and the 1/60 setting is slow there would be no difference in the amount of light that strikes the film. The real difference is the fact that the shutter curtains are completely open at 1/50 allowing the flash to illuminate the full frame. At 1/60 the closing curtain will block a small portion of the frame when the flash goes off.

 

[alien8]

I just got an m6 (classic) last week as well. I don't know if you have done this but you can download a pdf of the original manual for the camera (which discusses the metering area among other things). Here's the link.

I too thought that the shutter would be a bit quieter based on all the hooplah I've heard about the amazing quiet shutter of the leica. But I don't really care, it's an awesome camera.

Take care,
Sean

 

[alexz]

I only realized how quite a soft can be M's shutter (and the mecahnics in the whole) after acquired and CLA my M3 by Youxin. That was a real revelation for me, up until then I thought my M6 is as quite as M can be...
The M6 is still quite and discrete on streets comparative with SLRs, but shooting along with M3 that was different experience. M6 (at least mine) is somewhat (still noticeable) louder (by Leica standards) and the shutter sound adds some kind fo metallic notes comparative to M3 very shy "flop"...
I'll be shipping my M6 over for RF anti-flare upgrade along with basic CLA just to keep it up and running 100% for the next decade, hopefully the CAL will soften the shutter sound a bit...