Leica M6 Classics

[lic4]

I have two Leica M6 classic cameras, and I decided I'm going to keep only one.

One is an early production model made in the 1980s, and the other is a later production, made in 1995, with some of the changes that have been made through the years. I will sell one and get an overhaul of the other with a finder upgrade. Are there any clear opinions on which Leica M6 classic is preferable to keep--the later or earlier models?

I've heard that the later models have plastic parts; I wasn't sure if this is the case, and are hence, less reliable. At the same time, the early model might more likely need a new meter in the near future.

If I like both cameras equally--which is better to keep? Or as I suspect, is this an arbitrary questions? Thanks in advance-

 

[Pablito]

I also have two M6 classics and I'd never sell either one. Agree with ravinder_walia; unless you say why you want to get rid of one it's hard to give advice.

 

[lic4]

I suppose it really boils down to the money. I use only 1 lens (35mm) and 1 film (HP5), so I don't take advantage of 2 bodies (except the fact that one is a backup). Yeah, I'd appreciate any advice really. Interested to hear why you find two bodies essential. thanks--

 

[Pablito]

well it depends how/why you use your camera. I do exhibitions and books and travel a lot to photograph for the book and exhibit projects. I use moslty the 35mm lens but occasionally the 28, 50 or 75 - and I too shoot only b&w. So why two bodies? backup, backup, backup. I have an M4-P as well. And it has paid off. I have had the M6 fail for no apparent reason. But if you just shoot locally or as a hobby then the backup body is not so important.

 

[lic4]

Right, I'm not a professional--

So it's a toss up regarding the two bodies, I assume. Thanks again.

 

[lic4]

see, now what will happen is i'll sell the cam, and my m6 will break down when i need a camera badly--i'll think back to this discussion thread and kick myself. i don't really *need* the money. I guess i'll keep thinking about keeping both; you're right, there's no rush.

 

[JNewell]

I have a very early 1984 M6 and one of the last, a .85x M6 classic. I, too, would probably flip a coin. I will say that the 1984 camera fried the main circuit board earlier this year. The repair was not cheap but I did get a CLA and the finder upgrade at the same time.

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[sepiareverb]

Keep 'em both if you can- opens up some choices later should another film pique your intrest, or another lens. But just the notion of having one to use should one need any work done is a big comfort. (my justifications for so many bodies😀 )

 

[ferider]

Check the meter of the two and pick the more sensitive one.

I have two classics and one is 1-2 stops more sensitive than the other.

Of course, which ever you keep, Don can replace the electronics when
upgrading the finder ...

Roland.

 

[vrgard]

Check the meter of the two and pick the more sensitive one.

I have two classics and one is 1-2 stops more sensitive than the other.

Of course, which ever you keep, Don can replace the electronics when
upgrading the finder ...

Roland.

Hey Roland,

I'm curious, when you say that one is 1-2 stops more sensitive, what do you mean? Does that mean that one can provide meter readings in lower light conditions that the other? Or does that mean that one is 1-2 stops less accurate, regardless of light conditions? Or does that mean something else? Being the happy owner of a classic M6, I'm curious to know more about these cameras.

Thanks,
Randy

 

[ferider]

Hey Roland,

I'm curious, when you say that one is 1-2 stops more sensitive, what do you mean? Does that mean that one can provide meter readings in lower light conditions that the other? Or does that mean that one is 1-2 stops less accurate, regardless of light conditions? Or does that mean something else? Being the happy owner of a classic M6, I'm curious to know more about these cameras.

Thanks,
Randy

Hi Randy,

you should be in Hawaii now, shouldn't you ? 🙂

In any case, you know how the M6 LEDs just switch off when it gets too dark ?
For one of my bodies this starts happening when the other can still meter ...
Both meters are accurate though, and they are very close in manufacturing
date ....

Best,

Roland.

 

[peter_n]

I would keep the later one if for no other reason than the electronics are younger... Its my hobby too but I have two M bodies, one a 0.72 and the other a 0.85 mag. I find having different magnifications quite useful.

 

[JNewell]

I concur with Peter. I really like having a .72 and a .85x.

The newer M6 classics have meters that are 1 EV more sensitive, but I don't recall when that changed. I don't think it is indicated by whether the low range of the meter is indicated by blinking LEDs or no LEDs.

I admit to an irrational (or perhaps it is even counter-rational?) affinity for the Leitz/Wetzlar M6s, though...

 

[Ben Z]

I purposely sold an MP in order to get 2 M6 Classics, for backup, for not needing a lens change in dusty climes, and for different film. One is marked Wetzlar on top, but was overhauled at Leica and has the strap-rub protectors, the later "lenscap warning" type meter electronics, and a new outer covering. The other one is a very late serial# almost at the end of Classic production. Both cameras perform identically although the later one has a notably smoother winding feel, which DAG confirmed is normal in his experience.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

I've heard that the later models have plastic parts; I wasn't sure if this is the case, and are hence, less reliable.

Where have you heard this? I hope it wasn't the same guy that says that the Stork delivers babies. 😉

Other than the battery cap and the tip of the film advance lever, I don't know of any parts that are plastic...that is, in the mechanism. Mine is from 1992.

 

[Leicabug]

I would kep the later one as the older one may need a CLA soon.

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

Check the meter of the two and pick the more sensitive one.

I have two classics and one is 1-2 stops more sensitive than the other.

This is a classic (err...no pun intended) symptom of an exhausted battery. It's happened to me twice now. I shot a roll of Kodachrome 64, and it was all underexposed :bang: :bang:

I changed the battery, and yep, it was off by almost two stops. You don't notice this much if you shoot true B&W film, lots of room for exposure error.

 

[ferider]

This is a classic (err...no pun intended) symptom of an exhausted battery. It's happened to me twice now. I shot a roll of Kodachrome 64, and it was all underexposed :bang: :bang:

I changed the battery, and yep, it was off by almost two stops. You don't notice this much if you shoot true B&W film, lots of room for exposure error.

Sorry I wasn't clear, Gabriel: the meter is spot on (with a fresh battery)
just stops working earlier than with the other body when it gets dark.

Best,

Roland.

 

[Magus]

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