M4-P or M6( Classic or TTL)

[leica M2 fan]

Considering these two cameras, basically what should I be aware of? I now have an M2 which is absolutely wonderful. What should I be looking for between the M4-P and M6 as far as durability and construction. TIA. Any suggestions and info is appreciated.

 

[saxshooter]

I believe the Solms M6 classic (post Wetzlar) have the updated metering electronics and are better made (better finished, at least) than the M4-P. There are many M6 classics out there right now on the used market, you can probably get a perfectly functioning but not cosmetically perfect one for around $1k.

 

[visiondr]

I have used both an M4-P and M6 and, to be quite frank, those who can definitively say one is signifcantly better built than the other are uninformed at best.

Aside from the meter in the M6, there is no significant "shooter's difference" between the two. Perhaps there are some minor esoteric differences in construction/materials, etc. But, that would be it.

Ron

 

[RayPA]

Considering these two cameras, basically what should I be aware of? I now have an M2 which is absolutely wonderful. What should I be looking for between the M4-P and M6 as far as durability and construction. TIA. Any suggestions and info is appreciated.

Youve probably been to CameraQuest's great pages. If not try this one. I'll run some maybes past you here, and let you do the leg work. MAYBE you'll see some difference in the viewfinder. I don't know for sure, but CQ has a vf brightness rating page somewhere near the link above. Maybe the M6 with TTL is a little bigger (?). Again I don't know for sure. I've never used a M6, but I have used a M4-P, a MP, and a M7. As much as I can't really put my finger on it (pun intended), each feels just a little bit different.

I like using the M4-P, because I've got a user with a wrist strap that feels like a well-worn hammer. I've never felt more uninhibited/worry-free with any other camera than that user. It is well built and just keeps on going despite the beating I give it.

 

[sleepyhead]

I agree with Ron above, aside from the meter there shouldn't be a big "user" difference between the two.

I have two beat-up M4-Ps and love 'em. I got them for about $600 each.

If you go for an M4-P then look out for cloudiness in the viewfinder - this seems to be common, but is easily clean-able by a technician. It's most obvious if you hold the camera up at arms length and look through the viewfinder backwards with a bright light behind the camera.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Rafael]

You also have the option of looking for an .85x finder if you opt for the M6.

 

[markinlondon]

You also have the option of looking for an .85x finder if you opt for the M6.

.85 M6 classics usually go at premium prices as only about 3000 were made at the end of production. This works out to £200-300 in the UK, M6TTL's are more numerous in the .85 version but then you have the shutter dial issue to consider. Personally, I'd just buy another M2 .

 

[mr_phillip]

I own an M6 (classic) and have some light experience of M4-Ps and, honestly, other than the meter there really isn't much between them. The M6 is a SLIGHTLY cleaner design in my view (no exposed screw-heads on the body, that kind of thing), and the viewfinder on my example is certainly brighter than the heavily used and substantially older M4-P I'm going by, but seriously there's not much in it. It really would come down to whether you need the meter or not (I felt I did, but I'm currently looking at a meterless body for backup).

More to the point would be the difference between the M6 and the M6-TTL. Bear in mind that the TTL's shutter dial turns in the opposite direction to your M2's, so if you plan on running both bodies as a kit, I'd stick with the classic to prevent confusion. Some people report being able to switch between old-style and modern-style shutter dials without difficulty, but I know it'd drive me very mad very quickly.

FYI the M6 classic has one fewer LED in the display (which I prefer), is about 40% easier on batteries, is a couple of millimeters shorter than the TTL and (in the UK at least) tends to be cheaper.

 

[Rafael]

.85 M6 classics usually go at premium prices as only about 3000 were made at the end of production. This works out to £200-300 in the UK.

I know that the 0.85x M6 Classics can sell at a premium price. But if you are patient and/or get lucky, they can be found for less. I just bought one last month in terrific shape for $1100. I only meant to point out to Tony that he has the option to get an M6 with a shutter speed dial that turns in the same direction as that on his M2 AND a finder that would complement rather than duplicate that of his 0.72x M2.

I bought my M6 as a body to complement my M4 and really like having the two finders available to me. The two finders are perfect for when I want to carry two body/two lens combinations of either 35 and 75mm or 50 and 90mm.

The choices really all rest on Tony's reasons for wanting a second M body.

 

[markinlondon]

I know that the 0.85x M6 Classics can sell at a premium price. But if you are patient and/or get lucky, they can be found for less. I just bought one last month in terrific shape for $1100. I only meant to point out to Tony that he has the option to get an M6 with a shutter speed dial that turns in the same direction as that on his M2 AND a finder that would complement rather than duplicate that of his 0.72x M2. <snip>

Congratulations on your bargain, Marc. I didn't intend any contradiction, just a caveat based on my experience of used Leica prices.

 

[Flyfisher Tom]

As others have noted, no significant difference other than meter, and age. In equal condition, I'd let your desire to have or not have a meter be the decider.

 

[ferider]

I know that the 0.85x M6 Classics can sell at a premium price. But if you are patient and/or get lucky, they can be found for less. I just bought one last month in terrific shape for $1100.

Rub it in, Marc, you were very lucky !

Reg the original question: even though I use a handheld meter a lot
with my M3, I do value the built-in meters of my M6s, makes informal portraits
at parties and such much easier ...

Cheers,

Roland.

 

[Rafael]

even though I use a handheld meter a lot
with my M3, I do value the built-in meters of my M6s, makes informal portraits
at parties and such much easier ...

Yes, and as Roland pointed out to me earlier, it is much easier to work with two cameras when one has an internal meter. Managing two cameras plus a hand-held meter can be difficult.

 

[Rafael]

Congratulations on your bargain, Marc. I didn't intend any contradiction, just a caveat based on my experience of used Leica prices.

Your caveat is well taken. Given that his original post mentions the M4-P, the M6, and the M6 TTL, I just wasn't sure of the exact price range that Tony is looking to stay within.

 

[leica M2 fan]

many Thanks

many Thanks

I thank you all for the info and opinions. I still need to do a lot of research, each question brings answers and a many more questions !