m6: which version should i look for?

[-kk-]

have been studying the bessa's for awhile, but id like to see if i can stretch my budget to get a used leica.

few pieces of info:
- i dont use flash, shoot exclusively ambient light.
- looking for 1 body and 1 lens, probably 35mm or 50mm
- would prefer titanium for the wear resistance, but this will prob cost more
- shoot all b/w on films (colour on digital)

what would you guys suggest? and where's a good place to look? Im out here in Malaysia, so any reputable online stores that I can check out/call?

even for this 1 model, there are quite a few variations eg classic vs TTL

enlighten me, or wise ones 🙂

cheers,
kelvin

 

[-kk-]

oops, also forgot to mention, if you think there are other models that are more suited for a shooter aside from the M6, please let me know.

I think the M6 is the 1st model with built in exposure meters? this is something i want/need.

 

[paragon]

I have just bought a "user" M6 in Black off EBay for £400 - has the usual marks but has a Leica CLA a few years ago and has not been used since.

From a reputable seller with a good EBay rating

Waiting for it to arrived??


I did quite a lot of research and here are a few points that I picked up:

Check the serial numbers as the M6 was produced over a number years

If you do not use flash you do not need the TTL version
All M6s have AE "exposure meters" and the non TTL versions are cheaper than the M6 TTL

I have an M3 which I use for B & W - I have bought the M6 for colour which is more sensitive to the correct exposure than B & W

I have found that generally I do not need an exposure meter with B & W - just use the sunny 16 rule or your own version of it.
If you shoot 400 B & W film you have a lot of latitude with, say a 2.8 lens.

Although I bought a black one I prefer the Classic in Chrome, but at £400 I feel that I have a good buy especially with the Leica CLA

Hope this helps

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[gavinlg]

I have an m6 classic titanium in absolutely mint condition - not one mark or scratch.
It also has an excellent serial number - before it the m6's meter was inconsistant between cameras and after it they started using plastic parts in the viewfinder and (I think) film advance.

Indeed it is quite a beautiful finish and put up beside a chrome and black model, the titanium looks beautifully unique.

I'm not asking a massive amount - Willing to send it to you, Just give me a PM and I'll let you know what I want for it!

Thanks,
Gavin

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[-kk-]

Magus, thanks for the nudge 🙂

btw, any sites which gives you the run down on all things M6?

 

[oscroft]

Hi Kelvin,

I'm certainly no Leica expert, but I've recently gone through the same decision process and I got myself a 1994/5 silver chrome M6 classic. Given my requirements and my budget (I need TTL metering, but no flash, and as cheap as possible because I couldn't afford too much), I'm pretty sure it's the right one for me. As others have said, if you don't do flash then any extra cost for an M6-TTL is wasted.

As for the first M with TTL metering, I believe that honour goes to the M5.

Best,

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[grduprey]

i reccommend the m6ttl. finish what ever makes you happy. even though you may not need the ttl, the overall camera is better imo as it has the improved meter, and imo the far superior larger shutter dial which turns the proper way for metering. love mine

gene

 

[Tim Gray]

I went for a late m6 classic. Got it off of ebay. Have been pretty happy with it. Also ended up with a great deal on a most recent 50mm summicron. I've been happy with it, but I think I am more of a 35mm kind of guy. However, I couldn't afford a 35 cron at the time - I'll pick one up eventually.

 

[richard_l]

...If you do not use flash you do not need the TTL version...

You do not need the TTL version even if you do use flash. 🙂

 

[raid]

I asked the same question recently, and knowing my photography habits, I chose the M6 0.85 (non TTL).

Raid

 

[Magus]

Post deleted by posters request

 

[aizan]

the m6 titanium has that fugly ostrich skin covering. 😛

at that price, what about mp or m7?

 

[paragon]

Leitz or Leica

 

[-kk-]

Aizan, the MP and M7 are out of my reach at the moment, they go for considerably more than any production M6 ive come across. Would LOVE to get an M7 though.

 

[aizan]

i meant the titanium m6 classic. like the mp and m7, they are 2k.

 

[gavinlg]

i meant the titanium m6 classic. like the mp and m7, they are 2k.

I'm asking Considerably less for mine, and its basically like a new camera.

 

[mr_phillip]

The ultimate M6 might just be the M6J – a 0.85 finder, metal levers, brass-top and the funky M3 look. I'm guessing that's beyond your budget (it's sure as hell beyond mine). The titanium is the next best option IMHO, and well worth the extra pennies over the chrome models. In my experience the silver chrome wears better over the long-term than black chrome, but the black ones seem to turn up for the lowest prices most often. You pays yer money...

As has been noted, you don't need TTl-flash even if you DO use flash, so save a few pennies and go for a classic.

Cameraquest has a good few articles on the M6 variations: http://www.cameraquest.com/classics.htm
And so does Leica FAQ: http://leica.nemeng.com/002ba.shtml