Leica M6 vs M6 TTL

[jonmanjiro]

Thank you for the explanation, Andrew. Makes sense to me now 🙂

@ Jon

One classic Leica bodies, the shutter speeds get higher as you turn the dial clockwise. The opposite is true on the M6TTL, M7 and M8. I like the M6TTL shutter dial direction better because you turn it in the direction indicated by the over/under exposure indicators in the viewfinder to get the correct exposure. With the M6 classic, you turn it in the opposite direction.

 

[oscroft]

I'm in the camp who feels the TTL shutter dial goes the wrong way (but then I use mine alongside an M2 and an M3 so I would say that I guess)

I actually think that M6 TTL dial turns the better way of the two (and it's a shame the M3 didn't start out that way). But I prefer the M6 Classic dial because I also use an M2 and consistency is more important to me than the actual direction.

 

[elude]

Ignore me if you already know this, but both versions have TTL metering. The difference is that the M6 TTL has TTL flash metering as well. If you never plan on using a TTL flash on it then you don't need the TTL version.

Matthew

same answer right here

 

[awilder]

This is a minor point, but since someone has recently posted problems with the frame counter on his M7, I'd vote for the M6 over the TTL version. The M6 will take a replacement of the older more reliable pre-M6 frame counter unit while the M6 TTL will not due to a difference in camera dimensions. Frame counter malfunction is not a major problem but it is a potential weakness of any M6 or later M due to cost cutting oversimplification by Leica.

 

[john_s]

I acquired a new TTL because it was on offer at a suitable price, but I'm not a flash user. At least that's what I thought. I was asked to do a nephew's wedding and I decided that I should use a very little amount fill flash. Of course, any flash will operate without TTL flash metering by setting it simply on Auto. But I found in my preparation for the wedding that the TTL metering with a Leica SF20 flash that the TTL metering will let you set a very low flash output with any film speed but in Auto non-TTL setting, both the Leica flash and several Nikon flashes that I have not been able to be set at a very low level. I'm talking of, say, -1.5 fill-flash with high speed films, just to add a hint of illumination to faces in photos that are primarily not flash pictures.

Having an old M6 as well I have found the shutter dial direction on the TTL to be a real nuisance.

 

[35mmdelux]

deal breaker: if the TTL battery runs out, it seizes to work except 1/125. The M6 works with or without batteries. I sold my TTL.

 

[35mmdelux]

PS: people make way too much of what direction the dial turns. Its a deal I suppose if one has conflicting gear. I don't even notice it.

 

[awilder]

Paul, I'm certain you're mistaken on the TTL's shutter only functioning at 1/125 w/o batteries. It's a mechanically timed shutter, not electronically timed like an M7. The main difference between an M6 and the M6 TTL is addition of an extra meter cell to read flash exposure.

 

[Mario Mazariegos]

Shutter electric?

Shutter electric?

I have a M6 TTL and all speeds on the shutter are fully operational at all speeds, I believe the battery is only for the light sensor in the camera, regards, Mario.

 

[cole]

To clarify - the M7 is an electronically-timed shutter, and if the batteries die out, you are left only with 1/60th and 1/125th as (mechanical) shutter options.

All previous M cameras (and the MP) are mechanical shutters, and as such, the batteries are only necessary for the meter - the shutter is not dependent on the batteries.

 

[35mmdelux]

Paul, I'm certain you're mistaken on the TTL's shutter only functioning at 1/125 w/o batteries. It's a mechanically timed shutter, not electronically timed like an M7. The main difference between an M6 and the M6 TTL is addition of an extra meter cell to read flash exposure.

I stand corrected. It was my M7 that had the optional speeds if the batteries died.

Thanks much, Paul