Leica M6 Classic vs. TTL

[jrose125]

Good Morning Ladies and Gents!

I recently got it into my head after playing around with a friends camera that I absolutely needed to buy myself a Leica M6 TTL. I sold off my M3 along with a substantial Hasselblad kit to scrounge up the money when I realized that the slightly older M6 "classic" was quite a bit cheaper than the newer TTL model.

My question to the Leica guru's out there is this:

Is there any real reason to buy a TTL over a Classic?


I should say that either way the M6 is my endgame and I plan on keeping it long-term. I will say that I am leaning toward a TTL because of the larger, easier to use at eye-level shutter dial and also simply for the fact that the TTL is newer.

Can somebody convince me one way or another before I go crazy mulling over the details? :bang:

 

[james.liam]

Are you planning on using a flash?

 

[35photo]

Besides flash.... The TTL does have a bigger shutter speed dial... which the classic doesn't... Makes it easier to change shutter speeds with your index finger.... Wish I had gotten the TTL instead of the classic for that one reason...

 

[Tom R]

M6TTL vs M6

M6TTL vs M6

From what I understand, the circuit boards for these meters are no longer manufactured by Leica. Moreover, I don't know how many strobes actually communicate with the M6TTL.

That being said, I have never seen any real advantage of TTL versus learning how to use a hand-held meter--which suggests that given these two options, I would choose the body that has the fewest mechanical challenges, if that could be determined.

Just my 2 cents.

Tom R

 

[rolfe]

The TTL only does TTL flash with a small Leica flash or several compatible Metz models. It is a couple of mm taller, and the shutter speed dial turns "backwards" if you're used to the M2, M3, M4 and M6 dials.

So, the short answer is "no".

Rolfe

 

[presspass]

I have both and use them interchangeably. The TTLs have had more recent CLAs than the classics so they are a bit quieter. The meter display is different. The classic has the two arrows; when both are lit, the meter says the exposure is correct. The TTL has two arrows and a center dot. When the dot is illuminated, the exposure is correct. It will also light the dot and either the underexposure or overexposure arrow; that indicates a half stop either over or under, so it is a bit more precise. In use, once you've become accustomed to the way the meter reads, there is no major difference. Both cameras will operate without batteries - only the meter fails to work - but the TTL will not fire any flash if the battery is exhausted. If for some reason you decide to use a Visoflex, only the III will work with the TTL - the body is just a bit taller than the 2, 3, 4, and 6. The Visoflex 11 will work with those models as well.
The TTL was also available with the .58, .72, and .85 viewfinders. The classic is typically a .72 viewfinder; there were .85 models made but they are rare and expensive.
Hope this helps.

 

[Black]

TTL's shutter dial turns in direction that corresponds with the light meters LED.

That is all.

 

[mcfingon]

I recommend the classic M6. I've got a black M6 from 1986, on which to quote Monty Python "even the white bits are black". It's a lovely smooth and quiet camera to use, even in comparison to my M2 and M3 previously owned, but sold. My other black Leica sneaked into the shot. John Mc

 

[anu L ogy]

One thing that is worth mentioning is the rangefinder patch glare. I have owned two M6 TTLs, both of which I had to have the MP optics installed on them due to the factory RF patch becoming unfocusable in certain lighting situations due to the glare. If someone can confirm M6 classic doesn't have this, this would be reason enough to go the classic route.

 

[mcfingon]

My M6 classic (.72) does flare in some against-the-light situations, but I can work around it by moving my eye slightly. So, it doesn't lose the patch altogether. It serves as a warning to check that the front of the lens is shaded in that lighting. John Mc

 

[Out to Lunch]

My two cents...the TTL is younger than the Classic. My TTL was was made in 2000 and works like a charm.

 

[ckuwajima]

I own a TTL, but just because it had a 0.85x finder. I would buy a M6 classic otherwise.

The bigger front facing shutter wheel is a bonus because you can change speed easily with your index finger while looking at the light meter leds in viewfinder.
But it may be difficult to fix the electronics in future.

 

[Dralowid]

I have had my TTL since new. I chose it because it was a little discounted at the time.

It has never been serviced, it always works, beyond that there is little to add.

 

[ktmrider]

The TTL was the last "new" body I purchased. The early ones just ate batteries but that should have been corrected by now. And it was barely mentioned that the TTL is 2mm higher then the "classic". That is important if you want to use classic items like the visoflex and I believe the "googled" lenses-they will not fit.

I see the TTL demands higher prices probably because they are a couple years newer. Your choice but I would get the "classic".

 

[piffey]

Owning a TTL, I would purchase a classic. Batteries and circuit board are required to operate the flash on the TTL -- unlike other cameras where it just shorts the hot shoe to fire the attached flash. I was out shooting, my strap broke and dropped my TTL about 10 feet onto concrete awhile back. It continued to shoot fine, but it was enough to destroy the circuit board and now the flash/meter no longer works. This would not have been the case with any other M camera. I'll be purchasing an M-A body in the near future since it does not have this design flaw and there is no reason to have a meter anyways in an era of phone-based spot meters or simple light meters that are more accurate in your pocket.

 

[presspass]

The googled lenses do work on the TTL. I use a 135 2.8 on my TTLs regularly with no problem. I have never tried the dual range Summicron or the wide angles made for the M3, but I cannot see why they, too, wouldn't work.

 

[Huss]

The rf patch flare on the M6 would make me choose the TTL.

 

[mpaniagua]

They are both old by now 🙂 so that wouldn't be an argument for me.

I would say matter of taste. I enjoy the Classic and it has never let me down, although I agree that speed dial is nicer on the TTL. If you change your shutter speed often it may worth it. TTL flash functionality is not worth paying for, IMHO.


Regards

Marcelo

 

[Axel]

Can´t remember that I have ever used a flash on my M6.
So why pay more money for a bigger camera?

 

[raid]

I own a TTL, but just because it had a 0.85x finder. I would buy a M6 classic otherwise.

The bigger front facing shutter wheel is a bonus because you can change speed easily with your index finger while looking at the light meter leds in viewfinder.
But it may be difficult to fix the electronics in future.

I have a Classic with 0.85 finder. I do not use flash with RF cameras. Therefore, I never looked to get a TTL version of the M6.