M6 viewfinder magnification

[mrb]

Some of the M6 body auctions over at that auction site don't list the viewfinder magnification. I understand that the M6 was made with .58x, .72x and .85x viewfinders. I'm looking for a .58x model (at a very favorable price, of course). I asked a seller what the viewfinder magnification was on his M6; he responded with "How can I tell?". Is there a foolproof way to identify these models?

The auction in question is this one:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150202471944&ssPageName=ADME:X:RTQ:US:1123

but it's really a more generic question to help backfill my woeful ignorance. Thanks in advance.

 

[ferider]

This is the M6 "classic", non-TTL. Only very few of those exist with a VF
different from .72. I think 3000 or so were built with .85 finder. There
is no way to tell unless you look through the viewfinder. The .85 finder
is missing 28mm framelines. Here is a good article on these cameras:

http://www.cameraquest.com/m685.htm

The M6 TTL (camera is a little larger, speed dial is different) came with all
three finders. See here:

http://www.cameraquest.com/mguide.htm

The .58 finder has no 135mm frameline, the .85 no 28mm frameline.

Roland.

 

[mrb]

Thanks, Roland

Thanks, Roland

I should have known that cameraquest would have this info. Thanks for your help.

 

[JNewell]

I think 3000 or so were built with .85 finder. There
is no way to tell unless you look through the viewfinder.

The .85x classic has that identifier etched on the silver layer at the bottom of the viewfinder window.

 

[ocean7]

This is a very early M6 with the Leitz dot and the engravings on the top plate. You could ask if it has had a recent CLA, documented. Otherwise consider to add the cost to the final bid.

I'd be careful with a seller who claims that the "finders are clear and speeds accurate" but he doesn't know how to tell the magnification of the camera he is selling.