M6 Classic or M6 TTL

[ghost]

obviously, since the m3 doesn't have a meter display...

 

[steve garza]

Ghost....

Ghost....

quick question: is the 50mm frameline broken on the bottom in the .85x viewfinder?

Yes. The 50mm frameline is broken on bottom.

 

[steve garza]

I thought so when researching the purchase...

I thought so when researching the purchase...

I do not have a .85 mag. viewfinder, but I do have a M3, which is .92, and it is not broken on the M3. So, that would not be an issue with the .85. The .85 also fits in the 35mm frameline, which makes it attractive.

It's not comfortable to use a 35mm frameline w/ the .85 Vf. The lines are at the extreme edges of the VF forcing the photog to push the eye up against the finder in an uncomfortable fashion. I'm sure it's impossible for those wearing glasses. The M2 was purchased to use with the 35mm lens. It would work well w/ a 50 as well. The single framelines are a joy to work with. It's certainly worth considering an exterior meter to able to use the M2/3 bodies. You can also buy exterior finders for focal lengths not covered in the camera's VF.

 

[ghost]

thanks, steve!

 

[richard_l]

The M6, non-TTL version, is referred to as the "classic".

I bought my M6 in 1998. The only M cameras being produced in 1998 were the M6 and the M6 TTL.

I am implying that an M6 from 1987 say, in mint cosmetic, may still need a CLA when compared to an M6 TTL from 1998. 11 years is a surprisingly long time for a product to stay in tip top shape without adjustments. This is just from an age perspective. I would expect an M6 to be in better condition, on average, than an M3 due to the age differences, so why can't the same be said for the non-TTL and TTL?

Your logic is okay, but the message which comes across from your original post is that any M6 is likely to be in need of a CLA, and therefore the M6 TTL is the better buy. However you cannot infer from your reasoning that any particular M6 is likely to need a CLA. (The fact that most stepfathers abuse their stepchildren does not mean that my neighbor Mr. X, a stepfather, is likely to abuse his stepchildren.) For example, my M6 does not need a CLA.

Even if it were true that most m6s are in need of a CLA (which I seriously doubt), the condition of any individual camera must be evaluated on an individual basis, just as whether or not a stepfather is abusive must be determined by the behavior of the individual stepfather, which is in no way determined bv statistics.

I do understand what you are saying, but the average person is all too prone to particularize a statistical or probabilistic fact, and that is a fallacy.

Richard

 

[peter_n]

Andy might you get more than one M if you decide you really like the camera? (Don't say no, GAS will strike!) If so, and you are still considering an M6, that camera is an ergonomics branching point and what FrankS said at the top of the thread is germane. If you like the older cameras you need (notice I use the word need 😉) the M6 because of the rotation direction of the shutter speed dial. If you like modern cameras and AE, then get the M6TTL. Using cameras in the field with opposite shutter speed dials is no joke believe me.

 

[photogdave]

I shot with my (maybe) new M6 at a wedding reception last night in extremely low light. I found the meter to be very distracting and was second guessing it with my Gossen Digisix. I have been used to my meterless M4 and think I prefer it. IF I keep the M6 I will probably shoot it without batteries!

 

[ghost]

maybe you should write an essay called "built-in light meters and metaphysical doubt". 😀

 

[photogdave]

Or an expose: Leica - Behind the Silver Oxide!

 

[kena]

M6 ttl

M6 ttl

I have an M6ttl w/.58 finder and FWIW have never had any issues w/ the flare problem. In fact have never had any problems whatsoever. As far as chasing the meter, I usually meter once and shoot accordingly, you can go crazy follwing the center light.

 

[richard_l]

It can be disconcerting when rangefinder flare happens, but usually a small rotation of the camera about the lens axis eliminates it. If that doesn't work, sticking a finger or something in front of the framelines illumination window always works. IMO it can be a nuisance, but is very rare, and it ain't enough of a problem to fork out big bucks to get the finder replaced.

To put it in perspective, there are a lot of things 'wrong' with rangefinder cameras, including Leicas. They suck for long telephoto. Lens hoods often intrude into the viewfinder. The Leica M tripod socket is too far from the lens axis and center of gravity. The list goes on and on. The flare problem pales (no pun intended) in comparison to the multitude of other 'defects.'

Richard

 

[steve garza]

Another point-
The larger shutter speed dial on the TTL makes easy to adjust while looking through the VF. It's easy enough to memorize the speeds and re-set the shutter to the same speed after ea shot. The operator can adjust exposure by counting the clicks from the same shutter speed which is nice if using Hyperfocal and don't want to change aperture.