differences between M6 Classic & TTL ???

crawdiddy

crawdiddy

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OK, I know the shutter speed dial is clockwise-for-faster in a Classic, and clockwise-for-slower in a TTL. I'm not sure why, although I've heard about it being so that you turn the dial in the same direction as the exposure indicator arrows in the viewfinder. Can someone explain this in any more detail? Also, why would the Classic be different than the TTL? They both have TTL metering. The so-called TTL is designed to meter with flash, right?

Also, what about the size difference? I've heard the TTL is slightly taller? One mm or so?

Anyway, I'm interested in differences as seen by people who have used these cameras. Which one is more expensive? I'm not sure I can detect a difference, based on the market.
 
Dan,

The TTL is called that because of the ability to meter flash through the lens, you are correct. If I remember right early one were said to eat batteries, but I think it's a user issue but I'm not sure. I owned a classic and loved it.

Which to get depends upon what other cameras you have or plan to have. If you're thinking about an M7, then the TTL. M3, go classic. The spin of the shutter speed dial bugged some people to death. To me the fact that the aperture and shutter speed dial was reverse of my SLRs made me move to a different system.

B2 (;->
 
If the arrow indicator points > then you turn the dial clockwise on the TTL and vice versa. As far as I'm concerned, this is the RIGHT way. Others disagree. Yes, the TTL is taller, by about 4 mm or so. Dont know anything about TTL, since I dont use it. Classic M6's can be found at around the $1000 to about $1200 USD range, where the TTL's (as far as I've seen) can rarely be found under $1400 since they are newer.
 
Someone will correct me if I'm wrong but as far as I know the hight difference is not as much as 4mm, more like 1.5, the shutter speed dial as well as turning in the exposure meter direction, is slightly bigger, and is in line with the body of the camera and therefore can be easily turned whilst keeping the camera to your eye, and the exposure meter is slightly more sensitive. I've two TTL's and haven't found the battery life to be a problem, but I haven't used an M6 so don't know how it differs in this regard.
 
The exposure-meter working range of the M6TTL is EV -2 to EV 20 and for the M6 it is EV -1 to EV 20. Not a big deal in practice but indicates that the meter of the M6TTL was a little improved.
Personally, I prefer the three LED system and the bigger shutter-dial of the M6TTL over the M6, because exposure can be more easily set while watching through the VF.
 
Interesting about the meter sensitivity specs. Also about the battery being responsible for firing the flash. Not simply closing a circuit, as in a normal hot shoe.

If the TTL is 2mm taller than a Classic, where is the difference? Is it all within the top plate (cap)? When I see photos of the 2, I can't see that the top cap is larger on the TTL. Any thoughts?
 
The M6TTL is slightly taller ABOVE the RF and VF windows. If you see both bodies side by side, you can tell the M6 has a thinner upper frame, while the M6TTL has a slightly more substantial one. The windows align perfectly, which means that the camera can be used with a goggled 50mm 'cron, the 35mm Summaron and 'cron, and the 135 Elmarit.

There's another little thing: the M6 has a very small red dot in the middle of the lens release button, while the M6TTL has an all-silver one.

I have two M6TTL bodies and their battery usage is quite astonishing: they can go on for months even with daily use, as long as you always turn the shutterspeed button to the OFF position when not using them, especially if you store them in a camera bag. A couple of times I've forgotten to do so before putting one of mine in the bag, and a few hours later the battery is drained, dead and gone.

That's why I always carry spares. 🙂
 
SolaresLarrave said:
The M6TTL is slightly taller ABOVE the RF and VF windows. If you see both bodies side by side, you can tell the M6 has a thinner upper frame, while the M6TTL has a slightly more substantial one. The windows align perfectly, which means that the camera can be used with a goggled 50mm 'cron, the 35mm Summaron and 'cron, and the 135 Elmarit.

There's another little thing: the M6 has a very small red dot in the middle of the lens release button, while the M6TTL has an all-silver one.

I have two M6TTL bodies and their battery usage is quite astonishing: they can go on for months even with daily use, as long as you always turn the shutterspeed button to the OFF position when not using them, especially if you store them in a camera bag. A couple of times I've forgotten to do so before putting one of mine in the bag, and a few hours later the battery is drained, dead and gone.

That's why I always carry spares. 🙂
Click to expand...

I have the Dual-Range Summicron (with googles) and while the lens can be mounted and used within its normal range something behind the lens mount (inside the body) prevents setting the lens in its close-focus range (the cam seems to hit the meter-cell ?)
 
Excellent information from everyone. I appreciate it!

So, if the TTL meter has an off switch on the speed dial, how is the meter activated on the Classic? Half-depressing the shutter release?
 
The meter is activated by depressing the shutter release on both the classic and the TTL. Note that there isn't a shutter release lock on either camera. As a result, the only way to safely stow either camera in a bag is to turn the shutter speed dial to "B" on the classic and "OFF" on the TTL.
 
Last edited:
crawdiddy said:
So, if the TTL meter has an off switch on the speed dial, how is the meter activated on the Classic? Half-depressing the shutter release?
Click to expand...

The meter activates the same way on both, with a half press of the shutter release. To switch the meter off on the Classic, just turn the speed dial to B. On the TTL they added an Off setting on the shutter speed dial, maybe because the larger dial afforded more space.

On a good, later TTL the difference in battery life over the Classic is about -40%. Which sounds like a lot, but in practise they both last for years unless you drop the camera in a bag with the shutter cocked and the meter left in an 'on' position.

Personally I've never seen the point in spending more for a TTL unless you actually need the TTL-flash metering, but some folks prefer the larger shutter speed dial, and if you ever intend to pick up an M7 or M8 then I guess it makes sense to stick to a body that has the same direction of travel to the controls. Conversely if older models like the M3 or M2 tempt you, then a Classic would make more sense.

And if you don't have a strong opinion either way, then jump at the first of either that you see at a price you can afford and in the condition you're looking for. There're all good.
 
not that big of a difference

not that big of a difference

Ive got both the m6 classic and the m6 ttl, and dont really find them being that different.

sure the m6ttl consumes slightly more batteriy power, the shutterdial etc, but either way both cameras would make you equally happy.

😀
 
Merci beaucoups mille-fois!

Merci beaucoups mille-fois!

Wow. I'm glad I posed my questions, because I've had them answered, plus lots of other tidbits I didn't even think about. Such as, the red dot on the lens release of the Classic (and not on the TTL). And Mr. Phillip's comment about the battery draining if the shutter is cocked, and the speed dial is "on". So I assume the meter is off before you advance the film? Interesting. And I got a firsthand look at mariusnielsen's avatar, which oozes attitude.😉 (Just kidding, marius. I appreciate attitude and edginess! Welcome!)
 
Yep, the meter is OFF when the shutter is not cocked. Since I have a soft-release, the shutter gets soon tripped when carrying the camera in my bag and the meter stays off ... 😀
 
If I am not mistaken, there is one more difference.
The visioflex may not fit the TTL due to the additional height.

I have the TTL because
- I do use flash
- I wanted a 0,85 viewfinder. These are more easily to get for the TTL.
- I wanted to add an M7 in the future (which by now I did).

Battery life has not been an issue.

Mad_boy
 
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