.58 M6 TTL vs. .58 MP

[bwcolor]

I understand that the MP employs a condenser and multi-coating providing a brighter viewfinder. The M6 has an easier crank rewind. Are the viewfinder differences significant when shooting? I have read about the MP seeing Leica return to a higher standard of build. Does this mean that the M6TTL is a lower standard? What am I buying by spending an extra $1200 -$2000? I assume that the MP viewfinder upgrade for the M6TTL is rather pricey and doesn't include the multi-coated viewfinder window.

I own a couple ZIs and don't have any real experience in the realm of mechanical Leica cameras.

Thanks in Advance.

 

[35mmdelux]

They're both high standards AFAIK. The main diff is about $1500 more for the MP version.

 

[sanmich]

I had a .58 TTL.
I was getting nuts, from time to time, to get the RF patch white out.
It happened mostly when a strong light was hitting the camera, from a window for example. When it happenned, it was bad enough to make me loose a shot.
Already on the TTL, I changed the winding lever to the straight one, since I really prefer it.
I also much prefer the M2 rewind button to the tiny M6 crank.
So instead of fighting it, and going half way by upgrading the VF, I just saved some money (well lots of money) and upgraded to an MP.
I really don't regret it. I like the MP more for its non-flaring RF, smaller size and controls, but, hey, that's just me...
Of course my pictures are so much better now ...

 

[marke]

As Michael, I also had an M6 TTL. A year later, I bought my MP. Everything Michael said about the differences I would agree with. These aren't really big differences, but might be to some.

A couple other differences I've found, but again, not a big deal:

Shutter speed dial is plastic on the M6 TTL, and metal on the MP. Also, the bottom plate fits much better on my MP, with no amount of movement. I've heard others mention the same thing. The small amount of movement on my M6 TTL played no part in image quality, and I only mention it to point out slightly more care in the machining and fitting of these parts.

 

[Turtle]

I agree too. I prefer MP finder but it is a lot of extra money. You can buy a M6TTL and get the upgrade for about $200.

 

[Austerby]

I've had both versions in 0.58 and the MP is miles better, as are the photo's I made with it, natch. I really didn't like my M6ttl much at all I'm afraid - it didn't feel as good in my hands and I didn't use it much as a result,. This of course is the main reason my MP photos are "better" - simply as I used the MP more often than the M6.

 

[sepiareverb]

Zinc or Brass?

 

[TomN]

i hate the white out of the m6. i enquired with Leica here in Oz and the cost to upgrade the v.f. was about AUD$1500! i bought the mp and it is a beautiful camera. it is smaller than the m6ttl, has a smoother film advance, looks cool, better viewfinder, and the rewind crank is bullet proof unlike that of the m6/m7. a friend of mine has broken two cranks. it has no TTL. tradition aside, the shutter speed dial of the M6TTL/M7 is more intuitive and faster to adjust.

does the MP take better pictures than my previousl m6's............no.

now only you can decide whether the upgrade is worth it.

 

[rxmd]

Just think about any finely crafted machinery; cars, watches, whatever. The newer models are usually better made.

Interestingly, there's a lot of people who say exactly the opposite.

 

[Freakscene]

>the cost to upgrade the v.f. was about AUD$1500!

You got bad information. I got the MP upgrade, the front viewfinder glass replaced, a CLA and the DX reader replaced for less than you quoted there. They fixed the covering where it was coming off the battery cover and a couple of other little things for free. All done in Germany. Shipping was an additional $AU80.

Marty

 

[peter_n]

My progression through the Leica ranks has been M6TTL, M7, MP. All are very good cameras, better than I actually need for sure. I did suffer from rangefinder patch whiteout with the M6TTL and it was bad, but if you don't shoot into your light source you may never see it.

 

[Rob-F]

I've had both and the MP is definately built better, despite the amateur psychoanalist's opinions. Just think about any finely crafted machinery; cars, watches, whatever. The newer models are usually better made.

Journeyman: Who is the amateur psychoanalyst? (Please check your spelling, by the way.) I read and re-read the posts, and saw no reference to psychoanalysis; thus I don't see how this applies. I do agree that the MP is built (a little) better, but does that answer the original question?

To the OP: I have both the .58 MP and the .58 M6TTL. I've not had the .58 TTL modified (but I have had the finder upgrade done to my M6 .72 classic--more on that in a moment). I do occasionally see flare--white-out--in my TTL finder patch. It is less severe at the lower magnification than at .72, which is why I chose to have DAG do that one rather than the .58. The upgrade was effective and I can recommend it.

I'm very happy with my MP, but I feel that the M6TTL is still a fine camera. I have three M6s and continue to use them right alongside my MPs. So if the finder patch flare is the only thing you don't like, I feel that the finder upgrade is an adequate solution. The MP is a little smoother, but that is not really noticed while shooting; more so when fondling. I do somewhat prefer the MP style rewind, being an old M2 user since 1960; but you know, that's a personal thing. The point is, if money is not that much of an object, then the MP is great. But if it is, an upgraded M6TTL is a fine camera and can be a lifelong companion without looking back.

 

[mr roberts]

A couple other differences I've found, but again, not a big deal:

Shutter speed dial is plastic on the M6 TTL, and metal on the MP. Also, the bottom plate fits much better on my MP, with no amount of movement. I've heard others mention the same thing. The small amount of movement on my M6 TTL played no part in image quality, and I only mention it to point out slightly more care in the machining and fitting of these parts.

If the SS dials on my TTL's are plastic why do they feel cold and metallic to the touch? Is something inside of them plastic?

I'm an engineer in plastics mfg so I don't have the low opinion of engineering materials that many seem to. It's no bother to me nor have I experienced any failures in my SS dials to date. I will however remain vigilant.

 

[Benjamin]

Interestingly, there's a lot of people who say exactly the opposite.

and rather often in reference to Leica cameras.

 

[35mmdelux]

The M7TTL is a killer brass camera (no zinc here). Some >288xx have the MP VF out the gate. This is the M6TTL big brother. $ midway between M6TTL and MP.