Leica M6 TTL or not

No, its not if you're not going to be a regular flash user: but they are more recent models than the non-TTL versions so that may influence your decision. I'm not sure, but they may also have a better viewfinder, less prone to flare.

They do have a slightly taller body and the shutter speed dial is larger and rotates in a different direction from the older M6s. They also have a different metering display in the viewfinder, with a central dot between two triangles which some prefer and others don't.

So, if you find one at a good price it may be worth it - but as it'll be your only M (for now) then the comparative element may not be so important.
 
The shutter speed dial is more easily rotated with one finger while your eye is in the finder. Nice while working quickly is variable light. Easier to use fill flash w/ttl because you can dial flash exposure compensation automatically, again great for changing light.

I thought the finder in the M6 ttl is the same as the M6 classic - it didn't change until the M7 ... not sure.
 
I'd go for an M6 TTL over the "classic" M6 - in fact, that's exactly what I did. If for no other reason than the metering display in the VF, which shows you when you are +/- half a stop from correct exposure, and if I remeber right it's a stop or so more sensative at the bottom end (the classic will conk out a stop earlier in very low light). That, and as 35mm shooter I'd only get a 0.58x viewfinder for a leica.. which only comes from M6 TTL and newer.

more info on using my M6 TTL 0.58x in thailand found here:
http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=66401
 
Most of the differences (which are minimal) have been mentioned already. Like you, I was aiming for an M6, but ended up with M6TTL cameras because, at a given moment, they were better priced.

The VF is the same, but the shutterspeed dial location, size and direction aren't. The meter is also slightly more sensitive and intuitive. The electronics are slightly newer (these cameras were discontinued in 2000) and despite the 2mm difference, they are compatible with all Leica glass with goggles. The only Leica gear you cannot use with them is the Visoflex. And the TTL refers to flash metering, which works perfectly with the SF20 Leica flash.

I have two M6TTL bodies, and I'm very, very happy with both. ;) Biased? Perhaps... a bit, maybe...
 
I got the ttl over the normal m6 in the end because I liked the larger dial and reversed lights, its very intuitive that system. If I had to do it again I would, though if I had to do it again I would have bought an m7.
 
Another vote for the TTL for a first Leica M. Traditionalists may say otherwise, but the larger shutter speed dial that turns the right way (i.e. the direction that the exposure arrows indicate) is easier to use.

Also, some say that the TTL metering is useless, but I've found that it produces very nice, well-exposed images when using the Lecia SF20 flash.

All of these except the first five were taken with an M6 TTL. There are a few flash pictures included.
 
FYI

Visoflex III works with M6TTL as does Visoflex II with Visoflex III prism.
(Visoflex II prism does not clear top of camera)

I have a M6TTL and have had it from new. No problems, no issues. Goes everywhere and takes damp / water and knocks all in it's stride. Although I have used flash, I'd suggest that the 'TTL' isn't really necessary. Just buy the best camera for the money.

Oh, and yes, chrome of course!


Michael
 
I prefer the TTL version of the M6 because of the better compatibility with flash. However, if you buy the standard M6 you can still use a flash successfully as long as you set it for 'automatic' rather than 'TTL', just as I successfully do with my Bessa R3A and Metz 54 MZ-3 flash with the Metz SCA 3502 adapter attached.

http://flickr.com/photos/21652620@N08/
 
I've had both and for me it would have to be the m6 'classic' with the small dial, only because i didn't like the cheap shutter speed dial insert stuck onto the shutterspeed dial. The m6 original is a solid dial like the MP and M2, M3 etc. As far as function, I never noticed any difference as you always get used to the camera you use whichever way the dial turns. I also find no problem changing speeds with the camera to my eye. Yes I agree, I like the centre dot metering of the ttl but to me it really made no difference
 
I have both the 'classic' and TTL using them both daily, infact I use them at the same time with different focal length lenses on. I find no problems or issues switching between the two with regards to the shutter speed dial, though this is just me.

I purchased the classic first simply because it was older and therefore cheaper at the time, followed by the TTL. In practical use terms the two are the same size, though when compared side by side you will notice that the TTL is the larger of the two. Personally I do admit to prefering the meter of the TTL, but only in so much as the red dot between the two arrows is preferable to me. The shutter speed dial is slightly easier to find and rotate when the camera is to your eye compared to the smaller and more centrally located 'classic' dial, again my opinion.

Personally I prefer the feel of the slightly smaller 'classic' though you won't really notice any difference when its your first Leica.

Essentially, if I were buying my first M6, with the knowledge I now have and if I could afford it my choice would be a TTL. Simply for the little ease of us issues and the ability to use TTL flash should you wish.

In all honesty whichever one you go for will be a good decision so long as the camera itself is in good enough condition for your budget.
 
Finally I ordered a M6 TTL black with No. 27****, it's quite new. As for the lens, I chose the Summicron-M f2.0/35mm asph. From some reviews, the performance of this lens is even butter than that 35mm/1.4. I hope my choice is ok for me a beginner. Thanks for all replies.
 
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Austerby said:
... I'm not sure, but they may also have a better viewfinder, less prone to flare.
Click to expand...

The M6TTL viewfinder is identical to all those preceding it (back to the M4-2). The M7 came out in 2002 with coated RF windows which was supposed to help reduce RF patch white-out, but the real fix came in 2003 with the MP, which, in addition to the coated windows, had an additional condenser inserted into the RF (originally taken out about half-way into the M4-2 run). All M cameras since the M4-2 can be upgraded with this condenser for less than $200.

SolaresLarrave said:
... The electronics are slightly newer (these cameras were discontinued in 2000)...
Click to expand...

Actually, the M6TTL was discontinued in 2002 with the introduction of the M7.
 
supershang said:
Finally I ordered a M6 TTL black with No. 27****, it's quite new...
Click to expand...

Congratulations on your "new" camera purchase! Welcome to the Leica family.

FWIW, your camera was produced in the last batch of M6TTLs. FYI - the very last examples (about 500 cameras) also had brass topcovers instead of zinc alloy in preparation for M7 production.

I am looking forward to seeing some pics.
 
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