M6 Classic or M6 TTL

[andy_leitch]

I've been unable to find the real difference between these two. I assumed that the M6 TTL has TTL metering and the M6 Calssic doesn't but now i'm starting to think that they both have TTL metering but only the M6 TTL has TTL flash exposure metering? If it's the latter then i think i'd happily go for an M6 and save myself a bit of cash as they seem identical otherwise. I've got a National PE-247S Flash which i love for my Pentax ME Super and that's not TTL.

Thank in advance for all of your inspiring replies which will encourage me to dump all my available funds on a nice leica kit.

 

[FrankS]

Hi Andy! You are correct in understanding that the TTL only refers to flash exposure. The M6TTL is a newer model and usually costs a few hundred $ more. The other difference is the shutter speed dial. The M6 dial is the same size all previous models (M2, M3, M4) and rotates the same direction to increase or decrease shutter speeds. The M6TTL has a large dial and it rotates in the opposit direction, the same as the M7.

Because of the dial, the M6TTL is better if your other camera is an M7.
The M6 would be better if your other cameras are the M2, 3, or 4.

 

[benjaminlr]

I don't own a Leica M6 but I thnk you are right, the difference is only in the TTL FLASH metering ability. I also think you should go in the classic route. The difference should offer you a new CV lens or a used Leica lens or 2 used CV lenses (I would go for this). Or just get an M4-P like me if you can live without the meter, it is a great camera.

 

[andy_leitch]

I do quite like the idea of the meterless M4-P but i don't know much about metering with my own eyes. I tried yesterday to work out what aperture etc. i'd need for shots in different liht as i walked around Glasgow. there was a lot of different light around yesterday and i was reading the shadows. I may be convinced to go down the M4-P route.

 

[richard_l]

I do quite like the idea of the meterless M4-P but i don't know much about metering with my own eyes. I tried yesterday to work out what aperture etc. i'd need for shots in different liht as i walked around Glasgow. there was a lot of different light around yesterday and i was reading the shadows. I may be convinced to go down the M4-P route.

Sometimes it's hard to determine the correct exposure without a light meter. I really enjoy using my M2 with a Sekonic L-308 meter.

For a metered camera I think the M6 is a better buy than the M6 TTL, but that's just my opinion.

Richard

 

[KoNickon]

Andy, while TTL metering is a great convenience, going meterless, especially outdoors, is easier than you think. Get a good small meter like the Gossen Digisix for the tricky lighting (like indoors).

 

[Monz]

Hi Andy,

I had the same dilemma recently: M6 Classic or M6 TTL? I eventually went for a M6 Classic and have no regrets. On the rare occasion that I want to use flash, I just use a simple thyristor flashgun (Vivitar 285) - the results are fine.
Kind regards.

--
Monz

 

[Crasis]

Well let me be a voice above the crowd. I was gunning for an M6 classic because it was 'classic'. That's really no reason to get a camera though. If I was going to go for a newer M like an M6, why not have the advantage of the M6 TTL?

By the way, the flash is not an advantage. Who uses flash with an M camera anyways?

Advantages like:
1 EV more sensitivity on the low end of the meter (2 EV when comparing to the Wetzlar M6 classic)
The shutter dial goes the same way as the meter arrows on the light meter in the camera. This is extremely useful if you're a new M user. The older M6 goes in the opposite direction.
The larger shutter dial is a big boon if you've ever used a modern camera. Being able to change shutter speed and shoot without having to move your right index finger is a definite plus.
Instead of just two arrows for the light meter indication, there's also a dot to tell you when your exposure is dead on. Much easier to use the dot than to balance the two arrows.

As for buying used.. it's actually easier to find a good condition M6 TTL than an M6. They both end up costing the same when you factor in repair/CLA costs.

Heh.. well I hope I've made you indecisive in some way. Also, you may not like the Wetzlar M6 if you have glasses. Same with a lot of the older M cameras. I'm specifically speaking of scratching the hell out of your glasses, btw. You can buy little rubber eyepieces to put over the metal eyepiece, but *shrug*.

 

[richard_l]

Well let me be a voice above the crowd. I was gunning for an M6 classic because it was 'classic'.

The M6 is no more 'classic' than the M6 TTL, unless you mean that the TTL version is a few millimeters taller than than previous M models (except the M5).

As for buying used.. it's actually easier to find a good condition M6 TTL than an M6. They both end up costing the same when you factor in repair/CLA costs.

So a typical M6 is in need of repair/CLA but not the M6 TTL? If that were true, the logical conclusion would be that the M6 is a piece of crap. Sometimes I think we forget we are talking about Leicas, not Wally World knock-offs.

If one prefers the meter of the M6 TTL, that is a legitimate reason to purchase this model rather than the M6. One must consider the cost and condition of a camera on an individual basis. (Obviously an M6 in excellent condition is worth more than an abused M6 TTL.)

Richard

 

[FrankS]

You can't go wrong with either. 🙂

 

[jja]

I recommend that you read Gandy's write-ups on the M6 and M6-ttl at cameraquest.com. Some people argue that as the M6 design evolved--even within the M6 classic line--Leica used a few more plastic pieces that are more liable to become problematic, and I think that Gandy's write-up implies this (I have not read it in a while). Ultmimately, these are great camera's, and as long as you get one in good condition, you will be fine. Prices for both seem pretty close right now.

 

[Simon Larbalestier]

I had the 0.85 TTL but eventually traded it and later got an old M6 classic
The TTL seemed to eat batteries and the black chrome finish bubbled (Leica UK would have replaced under warranty as i took in to show them). Having used both I much prefer working with the M6 classic and the 0.72 viewfinder - but i'm sure either would be a good buy.

 

[SolaresLarrave]

I own two M6TTL and have never had a problem with the metering. In fact, I got the first one by sheer luck (or fluke). I thought I was ordering a "classic" (which is what I had in mind because I had seen them go for less than the M6TTL) and when I got the camera out of the box I nearly fainted when I saw the minuscule TTL on the flash shoe.

In any case, they work very well with the Leica SF20 flash... especially when you need fill-flash! Don't dismiss its use just because.

When push comes to shove, either camera will be a good purchase.

 

[Crasis]

The M6 is no more 'classic' than the M6 TTL, unless you mean that the TTL version is a few millimeters taller than than previous M models (except the M5).

So a typical M6 is in need of repair/CLA but not the M6 TTL? If that were true, the logical conclusion would be that the M6 is a piece of crap. Sometimes I think we forget we are talking about Leicas, not Wally World knock-offs.

Whoa there. Calm yourself a little, richard. The M6, non-TTL version, is referred to as the "classic". This is not my nomenclature but it is an accepted way or referring to the M6 non-TTL.

The first non-TTL M6 cameras were released in 1984. The first TTL M6 cameras were released in 1998.

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?

By the way, the average 20 year old is healthier than the average 40 year old, but there are completely unhealthy 20 year olds and ridiculously healthy 40 year olds. I'm speaking of statistical averages and not individual cases.

 

[tom_f77]

Nobody has really mentioned the finders; the classics all have .72 finders (or are there a few late ones with the other views?) while you can find TTLs with .85 and something wider (.58?).

Tom

 

[terrafirmanada]

There is also some talked about flare issues with these cameras. If you can find one with the MP upgrade, you may be happy you did.

 

[Paulbe]

There are M6 "classics" with .85 finders; I have one. But they represent about 2.3% of overall M6 production..the older classics are a joy to use. The later TTL is also great--and maybe a tad more accurate becuase of the LED "dot" that comes on between the two arrows when the exposure is theoretically correct. Bottom line--you'll be happy with either. Get the chrome one--they show less wear. The M6 is a great camera and all the drivel about plastic parts is WAY overdone...
Paul

 

[steve garza]

Never used a "Classic" but I do use an .85 TTL.
Pros: Shutter speed direction makes complete sense to me as does the size of the shutter speed dial.
Available in .58, 72 and .85 VF versions. Something to consider along w/ you lens selection.
Cons: VF does flare and does not seem as bright as my M2,
Meter eats up batteries if the shutter speed dial is not turned "off".

When first looking the camera, the inclusion of a meter was important to me. Now, I never use it because Sunnny F16 does the trick outdoors (it's a Godsend) and I use a spotmeter indoors. This is the best way (for me anyway) to learn photography. If you can live w/o an in camera meter, seriously look at am M2 or M3. They are sweetest thing to use. Mine was servicd by Kindermann before I purchased and I really prefer it to the M6 now. I may at some point trade up to an MP or have an M3 customized to my needs for a 75mm frameline. Good luck to you.

 

[ghost]

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

 

[terrafirmanada]

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.