M6 TTL Thoughts

[V-12]

If your wife wants to return to film for professional reasons I'd suggest a Nikon F100/F5/F6 and a couple of lenses and revel in a great metering system, AF, and massive flexibility (I'm almost wanting to go and buy one myself after saying that).

If that works out spend more on a good Leica outfit, but also in doing that accept the manual focusing, less bomb proof metering, and slower film advance, loading, and replacing.

V

 

[burancap]

I just sold a TTL. I love the larger dial, but always struggle with the rotational direction (even with the arrows in the finder) having used Classics, etc. for so long. This, of course, would not be an issue for the OP without any M experience. Life is short. Go for it.

 

[Addy101]

If your wife wants to return to film for professional reasons I'd suggest a Nikon F100/F5/F6 and a couple of lenses and revel in a great metering system, AF, and massive flexibility (I'm almost wanting to go and buy one myself after saying that).

She owns a Canon system, I think a Canon EOS 1v/3 is a much better choice.

 

[leicapixie]

She owns a Canon system, I think a Canon EOS 1v/3 is a much better choice.

On paper a really good idea.
The flaw for me is it's large and bulky.
Sure one can share lenses..BUT it's no Leica.
I said before, i say again,
You either have a Leica or you don't.
Leicas are not perfect but shoot so nice.
They are small, compact
I have Nikon, Canon and Pentax systems.
My go-to is my M3 and if metering a problem, my M6.
Don't think of many lenses, so unnecessary.
A 50mm or a 35mm, no modern aspherics!
The bank won't go bust..
Enjoy.

 

[segedi]

I sold a titanium version but should have kept it. But got an M7 so it had to go. But if you want an M6 classic with .85 meter in black chrome, or a Nikon F100 with sigma 24mm and 50mm, I have some deals for ya! Will be posting to the classifieds once I get some photos taken, but if you're interested let me know.

 

[CameraQuest]

My wife is a professional photographer currently shooting on a Canon 5D3. She's in need of some creative time and has mentioned wanting to return to film.

Then I saw an M6 TTL ... There is one that is limited edition titanium with brown leather. Is this a silly idea? Is a collectors item meant to sit on a shelf? Could she really travel and shoot with this thing? It's beautiful but I'm worried I am lusting a bit too much here.

Maybe this is a question that has no answer.

the best of the TTL's is the LHSA black paint.

Stephen

 

[maddoc]

A lot of the postings on eBay say "from Japan." Not sure if that's different or some kind of disclaimer, or if a bunch of Leicas just find their way to Japan for some reason.

A lot of that stuff made it`s way to Japan and also there were the "Japan editions" of regular Leica M6 (TTL ?) and M7 cameras with the classic "Leitz" inscription on the top-plate (similar to that of M2, M3, M4).

 

[VertovSvilova]

A lot of the postings on eBay say "from Japan." Not sure if that's different or some kind of disclaimer, or if a bunch of Leicas just find their way to Japan for some reason.

I've purchased quite a bit from some of the Japanese eBay dealers. And I've found that the majority of cameras and lenses from Japan are in excellent condition (they seem to take care of their equipment) and the sellers have a lot of integrity. Plus the Japan Post (EMS) is incredibly efficient and very fast (two days to the West Coast including the time in customs.)

It might be because many Japanese sellers have good reputations that saying "from Japan" is seen as a positive selling point. I do feel that for the most part, Japanese sellers have a high degree of honor in their business dealings.

 

[Spicy]

i've also had quite good experience with things being shipped "from Japan."

with regards to the camera, I would also like to remind one that the body is only half the equation (and often the cheaper half, though there are certainly plenty of great lenses under 800-900 bucks, as i don't have piles of cash to go blowing on leica lenses). anyways, buy whichever one you want, but i'd caution against blowing all your money on a body only to be restricted while buying lenses which are arguably as important, if not more.

haptics are all well and good, but there's really not much between the feel of a titanium M and a normal M6, especially as the M6s feel the most utilitarian of all the Ms (though I'll admit I've never held an M7). personal opinion is go with a normal M6 or TTL, and get some nice glass for it.

 

[ktmrider]

Had early M6ttl and it would eat batteries. Unless you need the thru the lens flash automation, there is nothing wrong with the straight M6.

Of course, I am sure all early M6ttl's with battery eating problems have been corrected. Mine was serviced under warranty and worked fine until sold,

 

[philipus]

the best of the TTL's is the LHSA black paint.

Stephen

Personally I think the Millennium is nicer, even nicer than the MP actually. It evokes the classic design of the M3/M2 but is more user-friendly with a bigger dial that also turns in the direction of the arrows. I also like that it commemorates an event. And I like the 0,72x magnification which suits my photography the best.

This is a good list of the many different special M6 and TTL models that have been issued.

Philip

 

[lawrence]

I think the LHSA black paint looks very usable with the larger dial and also the rewind crank.

 

[__jc]

I only went down this Leica trail after hearing her mention she'd love to have a Leica. She mentioned she didn't really enjoy her old Mamiya very much, but wanted to get back into film. That's when I found the limited edition brown leather. These cameras really cause a lot of trouble!

Why are people suggesting SLRs when the lady has expressed a desire to use a Leica?

Anyway, I have two M6TTLs - my only ever Leicas - and they are just brilliant. What focal length lens is she most interested in?

 

[VertovSvilova]

the best of the TTL's is the LHSA black paint.

Stephen

I think the LHSA black paint looks very usable with the larger dial and also the rewind crank.

My favorite choice, too. Black paint+black dot+rapid rewind. This is the black paint M6 version that I'd look for if I wanted another film M.

 

[nikon_junkie]

I would not buy a collector piece.

Plenty of serviceable cameras around. Use the savings for glass.

There will be some growing pains with such a new and quirky system, just tell her to shoot regularly.

Good Luck!