m6 or Minty TTL for $1200.00

[aldenfender]

Theres a local camera shop selling a Near mint m6 TTL for 1200, chrome with no problems and recent CLA. I'm interested though a classic M6 is also apealing since I dont use flash. Just wondering what would be the best way to go in others opinions, is the pricing ok for the TTL? Whats the major diffrences between the two cameras?

 

[David Hughes]

Hi,

I don't know prices in your country but try this for the differences:

www.kenrockwell.com/leica/m6.htm

Regards, David

 

[RichardB]

"Near mint m6 TTL for 1200, chrome with no problems and recent CLA"

A 'Near mint m6 TTL' would not have a CLA done to it.
Why was the CLA done?, who did the CLA? How do you know there are no problems?
Don't believe what camera sellers tell you. Unless you have the know how to determine what condition the body is in, get a full refund guarantee in writing before purchasing.
I always purchase by condition and the difference between an M6 and M6TTL can be significant to the long time Leica user but if new to Leica M, a good M6TTL is a little newer, has TTL flash and a little better meter sensitivity.-Dick

 

[Steve Bellayr]

That is a fair price for a ttl. Check the wirte up on cameraquest for exact description of differences which are not much.

 

[bobby_novatron]

Damn -- if you don't want it, let me know! I'd love a chrome M6TTL.

BTW I would ask a few questions (as RichardB mentioned) -- who did the CLA? Is there a receipt for the work?

And about the shop selling the camera -- find out what their warranty / return policy is, just in case.

The M6TTL is a great camera. The only negative thing I've heard about it is that it eats through batteries faster than the non-TTL version, but that's a minor point. Good luck!

 

[rover]

i think that is a very good price in today's market. do confirm the condition if you do pursue it, but if all checks out i would jump on it.

 

[alun severn]

USD1200.00 for a TTL is a good price -- about GBP750.00. Just checking UK dealers now, that's about GBP200.00--GBP250.00 cheaper than one might currently expect to pay in this country. It would even be a reasonable price for an M6 Classic. I have a TTL and the battery drain problem is completely overstated. I use mine a little with flash and of course when I do I'm always glad it's a TTL. But if you don't use flash then frankly you can save a bit by going for the virtually identical pre-TTL.

As others have said, I would be wary of this crap about CLAs being a positive selling point. The vast majority of Leicas simply don't get used enough to warrant a CLA, even leaving aside the question of whether the work has been well done by a reputable technician...

 

[Damaso]

that's a decent price for a ttl....

 

[huntjump]

make sure u check it over well, but if its stellar, thats a good price. u wont see it for much less than that anymore.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

The TTL simply has the electronics for TTL flash (which are available with the Leica SF-20 unit). It also has a larger shutterspeed selector than the regular M6, and that allows you to change shutterspeeds at the same time you focus. It's also a newer camera, and its electronics should be newer too. I have two M6TTL bodies and I am very happy with them.

Another thing: it's a slightly taller body than other M cameras, but still can take alll goggled lenses there are. I know, I have a goggled Elmarit 135 f2.8 and use it with my cameras. In fact, my avatar was taken with it.

Check cameraquest.com for further info about the differences between the M6 and the M6TTL. BTW, I paid MORE than USD 1,200 when I got mine in 2004.

 

[furcafe]

As others have posted, that's a good price, about what I paid for a mint 1 from Photovillage in NYC 9 years ago.

The 2 reasons why I would take the TTL over the "classic" have nothing to do w/TTL flash: (1) I like the bigger shutter speed dial & direction, which I think works better w/the arrow-based metering display (FWIW, I have other M bodies w/the traditional shutter speed set up & have never been confused--I rarely change shutter speeds on those models while looking through the VF); & (2) the TTL's meter is a couple stops more sensitive, which is very important to me as I shoot a lot in available darkness.

As far as battery life, IIRC, it was the M6 classic that eats up batteries faster than the TTL, as the TTL has a dedicated "off" position on the shutter speed dial.

Theres a local camera shop selling a Near mint m6 TTL for 1200, chrome with no problems and recent CLA. I'm interested though a classic M6 is also apealing since I dont use flash. Just wondering what would be the best way to go in others opinions, is the pricing ok for the TTL? Whats the major diffrences between the two cameras?

 

[Clovis]

As far as battery life, IIRC, it was the M6 classic that eats up batteries faster than the TTL, as the TTL has a dedicated "off" position on the shutter speed dial.

IIRC the M6 Classic is off when the shutter speed dial is set to "B" or bulb.

 

[back alley]

isn't the metering range different on each?

 

[useless generation]

That seems like a fair price, I picked up mine for around $1400 US in the box in very good condition. As wiith the battery drain "problem" it shouldn't be a problem as long as you move the shutter dial to off after your done shooting. i haven't noticed any problems yet. And the larger dial i like, It really easy to focus compose and turn the wheel with one finger, very handy.

 

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

That's a good price. Where's it at, Murphy's or Chuck Rubin's? Chuck's place is a treasure trove of used gear. I haven't been to Louisville in years, but i should drive down there just to look around!

 

[35mmdelux]

If you want to shoot flash at 1/50 (the fastest TTL) good luck. My suggestion go with M6 Classic and shoot on Auto with any pocket flash.

 

[fotomeow]

If you want to shoot flash at 1/50 (the fastest TTL) good luck. My suggestion go with M6 Classic and shoot on Auto with any pocket flash.

Agreed.
I dont think you need the TTL, ESPECIALLY if you dont use much flash. I used to use a flash on "auto" function on my M6 and it was spot on every time. And I'm pretty sure the TTL is a little bigger and heavier than the Classic (which starts to detract from the great advantage of a smaller RF). For me, the TTL is just like the M7, bigger and heavier and more stuff that can go wrong and require repairs.

However, if you must have the TTL, IMO, $1200 is a bangin' price.
Especially if its a local dealer who you can have recourse with if something goes wrong.
I had a Classic M6 for years and sold it last year for $1100 in Exc condition.

 

[back alley]

from the leica faq...
M6 / M6 TTL differences

To save battery juice, the larger shutter speed dial of the TTL features an "OFF" setting to remind you to turn the lightmeter off when stowing the camera. Unlike the older M6, merely setting the dial to B still leaves the meter on
The TTL s/speed dial rotation direction is opposite to that used on older Ms. A huge (and for some traumatic) change, this was done to let you turn the dial in the direction the lightmeter arrows point
The TTL light meter is -1EV more sensitive
The TTL lightmeter display has three red LEDs - under, correct, over. The older M6 only had a left arrow 'under' and right arrow 'over', which made it more difficult to judge how far you were from correct exposure
The TTL model is approx 2mm taller to make room for extra electronics. It's easy to spot the difference - look at the space above the tiny rangefinder window next to the "M6" engraving. For older Ms, the window is almost flush with the camera top. With the TTL (and M7!), there's a small top border
The TTL model dropped support for reloadable Leica film cassettes (although it's possible to use them if you replace the base-plate!)
For SCA-3000-compatible flash units, TTL flash control
The TTL model has the letters "TTL" and a lightning bolt engraved on the flash hotshoe (a dead give-away, no?)
People who actually use the camera with a flash(!) report it won't fire the flash if the s/speed is higher than X (1/50), or if camera battery is dead or missing

 

[David Hughes]

FWIW, I think a lot of people say mint when they mean unmarked externally. IOW, good looking. No reason why it shouldn't have had a minor fault that mean a CLA became feasible as part of the job. Or it could have sat unused for years and years and all the oil migrated due to its position etc

I once bought one (it was a fairly modern Leica) that they'd described as mint because it still worked! Once I'd cleaned off the muck it had a lot of scratches and, well, I got my money back and had a week or so to play with it. Then I made an offer for it...

Regards, David

 

[yee]

Might as well buy it rather than wait. That way you can get started, if not already, in film. Later when you get the M6 you can decide which to sell or to keep both. Two is a nice number as should one need repair - which generally entails *long* waits - you'll be able to continue to shoot.