Leica M6 vs M6 TTL

[Roberto]

A part from TTL metering, is there any other improvement moving from M6 to M6 TTL?

Real question is:
Why should I buy a M6 TTL instead of a M6.

I'm asking because I saw M6 prices almost reaching my budget (700/800 euros)

Thanks! 😀
R.

 

[oscroft]

A part from TTL metering, is there any other improvement moving from M6 to M6 TTL?

The shutter speed dial on the M6 TTL is bigger and goes the opposite way round (many would say the wrong way round)

 

[le vrai rdu]

I was told people prefer M6 TTL over M6 because TTL is less old 🙂

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

I like the larger dial on the M6 TTL that turns the RIGHT way!

 

[jasperamsterdam]

I've only used the ttl a couple of time, and must say i found the bigger dial easier to turn with my finger. But i just bought a classic M6 for budget reasons (700 euro)
but now find it needing a CLA (see my "frameline confusion" and "M6 jam" posts.

So if your buying "as if" with no warranty or proof of recent CLA, a more recent camera might be the better choice.

On the subject of what is the right way is just relevant if you come from a history and experience with other M's.

 

[wontonny]

I like the larger dial on the M6 TTL that turns the RIGHT way!

What he said, and it's also bigger and easier to turn

 

[Matthew Allen]

A part from TTL metering, is there any other improvement moving from M6 to M6 TTL?

Real question is:
Why should I buy a M6 TTL instead of a M6.

I'm asking because I saw M6 prices almost reaching my budget (700/800 euros)

Thanks! 😀
R.

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

 

[PhotoMat]

I like the larger dial on the M6 TTL that turns the RIGHT way!

I agree as well. My M6 TTL shutter speed dial turns in the same direction as all of my other manual focus cameras (Mamiya 7II, Canon mf bodies). So, of course, it was a natural transition for me. It's those pesky Nikons that turn the wrong way!😉

 

[kennethcooke]

M6 vs M6ttl

M6 vs M6ttl

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

I second what Matthew says. I do not use flash very often so I went for an M6 Classic. One difference not mentioned so far. The M6ttl has an off position on the shutter speed dial where as with the M6 you need to set the dial to B. I do not find that a problem. I also wear glasses and for that reason a camera with 0.72 mag suits me better. 0.85 mag if not and you mainly want to use longer lenses- Good Luck

 

[mr_phillip]

Other differences include the TTL being 3mm taller (to accommodate the extra electronics), the TTL meter display has three LEDs (under, over and correct) while the Classic has two (over, under, and both light evenly for correct exposure) and battery life on the Classic is up to 40% longer than the TTL (due to the less demanding electronics).

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). The TTL's dial actually goes the opposite way to every other camera I've ever owned, so I guess this is one detail that comes entirely down to personal taste and experience. I'm also not very sold on the 'newer is better' argument; how much it's been used and how it's been cared for are way more important than a few years in age.

That said, both are very, very fine cameras and, unless you have a strong preference either way, I'd recommend simply going for whichever turns up first in the right condition at the right price.

 

[fawate]

As far as I can remember, a M6TTL needs the batteries to fire the flash while the non-TTL does not.

 

[Pablito]

I like the classic for its longer battery life, I have no trouble turning the shutter speed dial and I have thick fingers. And this is really insignificant but I find the extra 3mm of height makes the TTL look clunky compared to the classic.

 

[jonmanjiro]

As a user of Nikon RF and mechanical SLR bodies (on which the shutter speed dials rotate both clockwise and anticlockwise), and as someone who's never turned the shutter speed dial on a Leica, I have to ask a question 😀

What's all this talk about the shutter speed dials on Leica cameras turning in the right or wrong direction??? Do they only rotate in one direction (either clockwise or anticlockwise)??? 😕

I agree as well. My M6 TTL shutter speed dial turns in the same direction as all of my other manual focus cameras (Mamiya 7II, Canon mf bodies). So, of course, it was a natural transition for me. It's those pesky Nikons that turn the wrong way!😉

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

@ 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.

 

[Avotius]

I got the M6TTL, the larger dial is easier to use, also the m6 and m6ttl are both ttl cameras, the ttl refers to ttl flash metering, totally useless by the way.

I wish I got the Zeiss Ikon instead.

ps. my m6 ttl goes through a fresh set of batteries every 7-8 rolls of film. My Voigtlander Bessa R2a is on its second set of batteries and each set lasts about 50 rolls.

 

[Andrew Sowerby]

Colin, I've got both and guess which one is at the factory getting some issues sorted out? 🙂

The good news is you can probably sell the M6 for close to what you paid for it and put the $$$ towards a Zeiss.

 

[kross]

ps. my m6 ttl goes through a fresh set of batteries every 7-8 rolls of film. My Voigtlander Bessa R2a is on its second set of batteries and each set lasts about 50 rolls.

that's odd.... my m6 ttl has gone through 10+ rolls and its batt is still up and
running.... though i have a spare batt on standby all the time...

i always try not to re-wind before i put in the bag.... accidental half-press on
the shutter release can drain it... that's 1 thing dislike about the m6ttl's off
button integrated into the shutter speed dial...

 

[maddoc]

ps. my m6 ttl goes through a fresh set of batteries every 7-8 rolls of film. My Voigtlander Bessa R2a is on its second set of batteries and each set lasts about 50 rolls.

That's strange ! I have taken ~ 20 rolls with mine so far and an old, used set of batteries. Don't know if it is correct but I remember having read somewhere that there are some "test-pins" in the battery compartment and if being slightly bent they drain the batteries soon.

 

[ktmrider]

Early M6TTL's Ate Batteries

Early M6TTL's Ate Batteries

I am showing my age but I have owned every M since the M3 (wish I had kept more then I did). I owned both the M6 classic and a very early M6TTL.

The early TTL's had a reputation for eating batteries. I sent mine back to Leica due to it using batteries every two or three rolls of film. They sent me a new one.

Never thought the shutter speed dial was that big a deal. And with a flash synch speed of 1/50th of a second, I really did not use flash that often.

They are newer and a bit larger. Visoflex won't work with the TTL if that is a concern.

Like most cameras, you pays your money and takes your choice.

 

[Roberto]

Thanks a lot for all you answers! 🙂
Seems like M6 and the (flash) TTL version are both good cameras..
Maybe I'll go for a M6 for budget reasons.

The ZI on the other side is very tempting, but I read here in the forum that there are some (minor) issues with RF alignement, "skin" duration and also "popping" framelines.

Rob.