M6 model question

[wburgund]

Hello, I just purchased a used M6 however, the speed dial isn't the large dial and doesn't have an "off " position. Can anybody tell me what this camera is and how it differs from the ones with the large speed dial?
Thanks you, Bill

 

[Gabriel M.A.]

It is the M6 "classic". The one with the "OFF" on the (larger and "the-other-way") dial is the M6 TTL.

 

[wburgund]

M6

M6

Hello, can you tell me what the differences are in these cameras? I'm wondering if I should return it for the TTL?
Thank you for replying.

 

[JoeFriday]

what magnification is your finder?

 

[wburgund]

Hi, its a .72. Bill

 

[JoeFriday]

ahh.. no big deal then, either way.. I was going to point out if you had a .85 version, they're rather rare and you'd want to hang onto it.. nevermind

 

[paulh]

Is there any script on the top plate? If there is this is the first version M6 made in Wetzlar before they moved production to Solms. Then check if there are strap protector at the side of the top plate above the lugs. if there none, then this is a M6 from the first batch. Hang on to it!

Cheers,
Paul

 

[richard_l]

You purchased an M6, and what you got was an M6. The other model you were thinking about is not an M6; it is an M6TTL.

You can turn off the meter on the M6 by setting the shutter dial to B, a very good idea if you tend to store the camera with the shutter cocked. (It takes only very light pressure on the shutter button to turn on the meter, and if the pressure is constant, the meter stays on and quickly drains the batteries.)

 

[wburgund]

Paul, unfortunately this is not the model that you are referring to. And, Richard, thank for the tip on putting the shutter speed on B to save the battery, THANKS TO ALL WHO RESPONDED!!!

 

[George S.]

Hi Bill,

Don't look at it as "unfortunately". What do you want to do, collect it, or use it? You have a real, fine tool for taking photos, so stop worrying and enjoy it. IMO, you don't need TTL flash with ANY camera, ( that feature is very overrated) much less an available light tool such as a Leica. Don't worry, be happy!

 

[paulh]

Hi Bill,

Never unfortunate to have a M6. All the models are great!
Cheers,
Paul

 

[ezio gallino]

Is there any script on the top plate? If there is this is the first version M6 made in Wetzlar before they moved production to Solms. Then check if there are strap protector at the side of the top plate above the lugs. if there none, then this is a M6 from the first batch. Hang on to it!

Cheers,
Paul

First I say hello to all people here.

Paulh, I've recently bought an M6 on ebay, not mint however but nice and numbered 1675XXX with ERNST LEITZ WETZLAR GMBH on top (seems made in 1985).
What's the difference between later models (apart it's Wetzlar made...) ?

Thanks in advance to you or whoever can tell me some more 🙂 ...

Ezio

 

[paulh]

Hi Ezio,

No difference in use wise except that it was the last model of the m made in Wetzlar. So that might have some collector value. In my own experience, I find that the rangefinder is more prone to flare than the later models.
Cheers,
Paul

 

[tajart]

m6 version

m6 version

there was a thread on this forum on this subject last month or so.
i just got my my m6 back from dag, rebuilt and vf upgrade- wow! its like a new camera except for the strap marks on this bumperless version.
as a general rule i don't leave my camera advanced and don't turn it to b when not in use. i've never drained the batteries, and they seem to go on and on and on. i do carry an extra set of batteries in the bag, as i did get caught once in a street shooting situation when the batteries died in a battery dependent camera i was using.

 

[tajart]

link to discussion of m6

link to discussion of m6

on page 2 of the leica-m forum here you can find the thread "m-6 mini rant."
at first i thought an m6 mini had been released but soon discovered it is a mini rant, or rave, for the m6. in various posts you'll find links to gandy's variations of the m6

 

[richard_l]

Don't let finder flare interfere with your enjoyment of the M6. If it happens, all you have to do is partially block the middle window with a finger or something. That will stop the flare without fail. However, just rotating the camera 45 degrees or so will usually reduce flare enough to focus. The flare issue is a perfect example of a mole hill being made into a mountain.

Richard

 

[tajart]

i agree about not getting hung up on the flare issue. i sent my m6 in for a cla and dag recommended a rebuild and did the upgrade at the same time (more economical in this situation). now its back and wonderful. i just put an elmar 35/3.5 on it and a roll of 400uc for fun.

 

[Fred]

Hi,

The M6 is a wonderful camera, many of the forum members prefer your M6 version to the TTL version. The differences are:

- The shutter speed of the TTL dial although larger than the oringinal M6 rotates in theh opposite direction. No big deal to me but it is to some.

- You need batteries installed and working to fire the flash on the M6 TTL.

- The TTL meter from your version is the same but does not have TTL flash metering, not a huge loss as the TTL flash is expensive and still has a sync speed of 1/50th.

- Odd flare in the RF. OK this is quite rare and is easilly sorted by rotation of the camera in most cases.

In a not shell you have a very fine machine, stay with it and have fun.

Keep taking photos and enjoy the M6.