M7 vs M6ttl

filmtwit

filmtwit

Desperate but not serious
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Ok, so I just read my way threw the M7 vs Ziess thread and was starting to wonder in effect M7 vs M6ttl.

Used prices via epay put the M7 about $500-700 more for the biddable ones at the moment (4-3-10). So is the M7 in your opinions worth it over the M6ttl? Or are the improvements worth paying extra for? Or are you just as happy with the M6ttl?

Pro vs con here. I've not owned either so I'm a complete noob to it.

Thanks,
 
It really just boils down to whether or not you need AE, and if it's enough of an incentive to pay the higher premium.

and why specifically the M6TTL? Do you often use flash?

I personally own an M7, and love it to death. Used to own an MP, but I couldn't rationalize the price difference between it and an M6.
 
Indeed, AE is the one big difference. Further the M6TTL has apart from the flash automation, one more advancement above the M6 classic, i.e. its lightmeter is more sensitive.
I had both, and sold the M7 for a good price (I hardly used the AE), so now have the M6TTL left.
What I like about the M6 classic better (which I also had one): it is smaller than the M7 and M6TTL.
 
AE. I'm a big AE user, so it would be an easy choice for me. Someone will come along soon and warn you about battery dependency and the worries of advanced electronics in the M7. These are valid concerns, but incredibly minor in my opinion.
 
my .02

m7 pros--quieter shutter, intermediate speeds, AE, auto film reader, shutter button lock, and the speed dial does not have a stop on it, so you can go from B to 1000 without reversing course. i tend to see a lot more mint used m7s that were never really used.

m7 cons--battery dependent, only 2 mechanical speeds, non optical film readers have been problematic, and the shutter lock can actually be a hassle if you need to take a picture quickly, there is a 2 second delay before it will fire. and an unused, but mint one may need a CLA after sitting for so long without use.

m6 pros--easier to find a good user, much cheaper, all mechanical shutter, not entirely battery dependent, probably cheaper to repair since it has less electronic parts.

m6 cons--louder shutter, no intermediate speeds, no AE, manual film selector, no shutter lock, speed dial has a stop on it so you can't spin it all the way around.

if i were going to buy another metered leica, it would deifinitely be an m7. i have owned both but enjoyed using the m7 more.

bob
 
i forgot to add...

don't get too wrapped in believing the 'but an M7 probably won't be serviceable in 50 years like my M3' jibber jabber. you will probably trade or sell this camera within a few years anyway, so buy the camera that makes sense for now.

bob
 
the pros and cons are personal and depend entirely on how you shoot, what you shoot, what kind of light you shoot in, etc. will AE be of value to your speed and style of shooting? will 30 sec exposure ability be something you'll use? will infinite speed (accuracy) be worthwhile for you? only you can answer this, apologies in advance if i'm coming off mean or rude.
 
Owned both and sold both. Two excellent cameras but IMO the stepless shutter speeds on the M7 is the differentiator so if you don't need very accurate exposures you're just as well off with the M6TTL.
 
The electronic shutter is certainly more accurate than the mechanical one, but what about this intermediate shutter speed thing? Why can't you just set the M6TTL to intermediate aperture settings?
 
AE is valuable and importantly the ability to go 8 sec on the shutter dial and 30 sec on auto meter is the selling point to me. If you do nighttime street photo and with AE and monopod, the chance of getting more keepers can be double. If you don't trust AE, then you can get an estimate and bracket using manual without a stop watch.
 
The newer M7 (SN > 2885xxx ?) have the MP type VF, a huge improvement over the M6TTL VF. The upgrade alone is worth the price difference, not talking about the more accurate electronically controlled shutter of the M7.
 
Almost all has already been said, the real difference is AE (stepless exposure is good!). I had an all manual RF, couldn't stand the manual exposure, sold it and went with an M7 for my first Leica.
The M6 is an excellent camera if you don't care about AE, if you're patient enough you can find one for about 1300$, whereas M7s typically go for at least 2000$. I think the M6TTL also has an on/off switch that the classic doesn't, can someone confirm ?
 
Do the M7's have a history of electrical problems?

How inaccurate are the M6's shutter speeds?
 
My first M was a M6 classic - I still have it and love it:

- small dial with stop
- lighter and smaller than my M7
- smoother film advance than my M7
- much nicer, simplified meter (two glowing LED arrows instead of 3 digital LEDs)

I like my M7, because:

- AE
- 0.85 finder

I don't like my M7 because:

- much shorter lever throw as my M6 (feels quite tight for my right thumb)
- heavier than my M6
- no stop on the shutter speed dial
- stupid film speed dial without end to end stop, much less smooth too
- less comfortable loading (hanging film can in old DX reader)

If I would have to choose between M6 or M7 out of functions and usability, get the M7!
If I would look for a affordable camera, that feels good - get a M6 classic.

Next would be a MP then (for more than double the price of a good M6 classic).
 
MCTuomey said:
True - and the owner is equally likely to forget to turn an M6, M6ttl, or M7 off pretty regularly ... speaking only for myself of course.
Click to expand...

I don't care, to switch off my M6 classic (battery lasts now around a year).
I like the basic principle of the M7 on/off switch with shutter lock.
Leica should really have taken over this exact switch to the digital M instead of a "mode dial".
 
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