Tribute to Roland, Sherry and a Wetzlar M6

[Range-rover]

Okay Cal, here's a picture of that great looking M6.


Range

 

[Calzone]

I purchased an M6ttl from Bellamy at JCH late last year. I sent it to Sherry for the VF upgrade because I shoot in venues that encourage VF flare and also for a check-up suspecting shelftime-itis. Sherry did her thing after sending me a quick note saying the body was very dry and needed a 1/2 overhaul. What a difference! The camera is a joy - smooth, precise, exudes that manual transparency that film M's can give a user. All this over the holidays too.

She's a gem!

Mike,

I put thousands of rolls of film through my M6 since 2007 when Sherry overhauled my camera. The most recent visit to Sherry was to strip out the 75mm frames which made a huge difference to me, and at that time Sherry replaced my windows because the were worn. I guess I sweat a lot and my body chemistry etched the glass. Anyways now the VF'er is mucho bright and spotlessly clean.

I just want to let you know that if you use your M6TTL extensively that I found that the smoothness only gets better and has proven durable. In many ways a Leica is like a mechanical watch in that it needs to be used and to sit idle is really bad for a Leica.

Cal

 

[Calzone]

Okay Cal, here's a picture of that great looking M6.


Range

Bob,

Thanks for posting my Wetzlar M6. I'm really bonded to this camera to the point it has become part of me. You can see how the top plate is chemically etched just above the TA Rapidgrip. What is not seen is how the vulcanite pebbled surface is worn smooth from using the Rapidgrip from my fingertips.

Cal

 

[MCTuomey]

Mike,

I put thousands of rolls of film through my M6 since 2007 when Sherry overhauled my camera. The most recent visit to Sherry was to strip out the 75mm frames which made a huge difference to me, and at that time Sherry replaced my windows because the were worn. I guess I sweat a lot and my body chemistry etched the glass. Anyways now the VF'er is mucho bright and spotlessly clean.

I just want to let you know that if you use your M6TTL extensively that I found that the smoothness only gets better and has proven durable. In many ways a Leica is like a mechanical watch in that it needs to be used and to sit idle is really bad for a Leica.

Cal

Thanks, Cal - I plan to make it my full-time film M from here on out. 😀 Good point about idle M's. This one apparently lost its lubricant from sitting too long, among other not-so-good things Sherry fixed

 

[MISH]

I have a 1970 chrome M4 that I had Sherry service. Over the years I have learned that Sherry will openly refuse to do work that is unneeded.

What makes you think you need new windows. BTW with the older MP finder upgrade and the new windows my M6 has a stunning.VF'er.



Cal

I was just thinking that the windows on my M4 have been cleaned many many times in the last 45 years and was thinking that the new glass might be a easy way to make my rangefinder a little clearer and brighter to my tired old eyes. I did email Sherry and she informed me that this upgrade is not available for the M4 but Youxin Ye does offer it.

 

[noisycheese]

Yeah, Sherry yelled at me on the phone for wanting to send in my M6 for a meter problem.. It was pretty funny..

She said its probably this or that, try it, I guarantee it will fix it, dont be an idiot by sending me your camera and money for no reason... 🙂

Cal's M6 is something, but that M3....😉

LMAO!!! That's Sherry, alright! 😀

 

[Calzone]

I was just thinking that the windows on my M4 have been cleaned many many times in the last 45 years and was thinking that the new glass might be a easy way to make my rangefinder a little clearer and brighter to my tired old eyes. I did email Sherry and she informed me that this upgrade is not available for the M4 but Youxin Ye does offer it.

The new windows on my M6 made a huge difference.

Interesting how Sherry is very particular. When I asked about modding a M4 with a driveshaft so I could use a TA Rapidwinder she refused, but in hindsight perhaps the brass gears in a M4 film transport likely would eventually wear a lot faster.

BTW I eventually did buy a black paint MP with a 0.85 VF'er. I find the MP to be an exceptional camera, but my well worn Wetzlar M6 has mucho sentimental value. Really like the spread in VF'er magnification, but I will likely send my 11 year old MP to Sherry to have the 75mm frames removed and to get the RF'er cleaned.

I feel really lucky to have two such exceptional cameras. It does seem like the more the cameras get used the better they get.

Cal