Leica M6. which version is recommended ?

[redial]

Hi all,

Thinking of getting a LEICA M6. But there's quite a few versions out there so i am seeking for LEICA User advice here. Which is best suitable for my shooting needs.

- I prefer with manual light metering thru the lens. And how does the M6 manual metering indicator works?? Like the NikonF2AS ?
- prefer 28mm, 35mm 50mm and 90mm
- Shooting B/W and slides.
- I think price has soften for a decent 2nd/used since release of BESSA R2A/3A.
- Prefer a decent and nice M6, using it to shoot. Not for collecting micro-bacterias

cheers..

[Allegro]

Originally Posted by redial Hi all, Thinking of getting a LEICA M6. But there's quite a few versions out there so i am seeking for LEICA User advice here. Which is best suitable for my shooting needs.

>> M6 Classic. (Short answer.)

- I prefer with manual light metering thru the lens. And how does the M6 manual metering indicator works?? Like the NikonF2AS ? >>YES.
- prefer 28mm, 35mm 50mm and 90mm >>M6 classic has only one mag. 0.72x. 6 framelines, from 28mm to 135mm.
- Shooting B/W and slides. >> Natural choice.
- I think price has soften for a decent 2nd/used since release of BESSA R2A/3A. >> S$2K or there about.
- Prefer a decent and nice M6, using it to shoot. Not for collecting micro-bacterias

[Terence]

Originally Posted by Allegro - prefer 28mm, 35mm 50mm and 90mm >>M6 classic has only one mag. 0.72x. 6 framelines, from 28mm to 135mm.

There are about 3,000 M6 Classics with .85x finders so they are relatively rare. There have been some which were post production mods. The .72x finder comes with framelines for 28/90, 35/135 and 50/75.

[Allegro]

M6 .85 (aka M6HM) does not have the 28mm frameline and due to the low quantity produced, commands a premium price. can ignore.

[pipefish]

Agree with Allegro that a .72 is the minimum to consider if you often use a 28mm.
If you wear glasses, you may have problems seeing the framelines with a .72, in which case you will need the .58 but that will make it difficult to focus the 90mm. Its really a question of which focal length you use most.

[redial]

What's the difference between the M6 Classic 0.72 and the M6 TTL ?

1) Metering indication, is there a difference?
2) Prices difference. Is it worth the added features, any features added or deem necessary?
3) which is a better choice ? Classic or the TTL ? Since both are quite similar? or it isn't !!

thks and cheers folks.

[dreamseeker]

Check out the page below on the differences on the classic and TTL version.

A good read.

http://www.nemeng.com/leica/002ba.shtml

[Allegro]

[quote=redial]

What's the difference between the M6 Classic 0.72 and the M6 TTL ? << The 2mm increase in height and the reverse speed dial direction of the TTL suck! (yes, been there, done it)

1) Metering indication, is there a difference? << virtually the same.

2) Prices difference. Is it worth the added features, any features added or deem necessary? <<TTL probably costs a little more. not worth it IMHO.


3) which is a better choice ? Classic or the TTL ? Since both are quite similar? or it isn't !! << Classic.

thks and cheers folks.

[XXX Boy]

[quote=Allegro]

Originally Posted by redial What's the difference between the M6 Classic 0.72 and the M6 TTL ? << The 2mm increase in height and the reverse speed dial direction of the TTL suck! (yes, been there, done it) 1) Metering indication, is there a difference? << virtually the same. 2) Prices difference. Is it worth the added features, any features added or deem necessary? <<TTL probably costs a little more. not worth it IMHO. 3) which is a better choice ? Classic or the TTL ? Since both are quite similar? or it isn't !! << Classic. thks and cheers folks.

I did not agree upon that Classic M6 is more worth it. The fact that Classic M6 might be cheaper (just 100-200 bucks) but it is a older camera. I rather spend my money on a newer camera like M6TTL as it might even save me for a CLA.

[Allegro]

ya, ppl sure can understand how an M6TTL owner would feel

[BigBird]

There is no end to the debate.

My take - if you can, try out both the M6 and the M6TTL, and see which suits you better and more comfortable for you. (The M6 has smaller shutter speed dial, but turn in the "right" direction; M6TTL has larger dial, which I think is more comfortable, but turns in the opposite direction).

Then, go out and make pictures!

[jamesong]

I am using the Classic M6 and my standard lens is 28mm. I also like using the 90mm which is always in my bag. Some prefers the TTL, but I prefer the Classic.

[XXX Boy]

Originally Posted by Allegro ya, ppl sure can understand how an M6TTL owner would feel

I now also can understand what M6 Classic owner would feel.

[Terence]

The M6TTL does have a more sensitive meter over the Classic, tends to be a bit more accurate especially in low light condiions. The difference in size is so marginal that it shouldn't even be a factor in your purchase decision. And if you're not a seasoned Leica user, the difference in the directional movement of the shutter speed dial should be of no consequence either. If anything, the larger dial of the TTL would be easier to rotate.

[Allegro]

While the 2mm increase in height might seem little to some, it precludes the use of the DR Summicron's eyes (though no big deal) and believe it or not, the look and feel of the M6TTL just becomes "not-quite-right" (this may be also due to the large speed dial )

When Leica launched the new MP (after M6TTL was discontinued), the 2mm height increse and the large speed dial are gone. Speed direction also reversed to the "wrong" way of the M3-M6's. (basically reversed to an M6 Classic And price increased to close to S$5k. Anyone ever wonders why??

[boochap]

I am hoping to get a leica every now and then.. but seeing so many different variations on each similiar model, it's so confusing...i really gotta backoff each time.

Is there any easier way to get to know abt the leica RF? the M series or the screw mount.. which one come 1st.

[chgoh]

Originally Posted by BigBird There is no end to the debate. My take - if you can, try out both the M6 and the M6TTL, and see which suits you better and more comfortable for you. (The M6 has smaller shutter speed dial, but turn in the "right" direction; M6TTL has larger dial, which I think is more comfortable, but turns in the opposite direction). Then, go out and make pictures!

If one is starting out with the M6, my take is that classic or TTL would not matter with respect to the "right" or "wrong" way the dial turns. Unless of course one is going to extend that with more bodies.

[chgoh]

Originally Posted by boochap I am hoping to get a leica every now and then.. but seeing so many different variations on each similiar model, it's so confusing...i really gotta backoff each time. Is there any easier way to get to know abt the leica RF? the M series or the screw mount.. which one come 1st.

Might want to look up http://www.cameraquest.com/classics.htm

[chgoh]

Originally Posted by pipefish Agree with Allegro that a .72 is the minimum to consider if you often use a 28mm. If you wear glasses, you may have problems seeing the framelines with a .72, in which case you will need the .58 but that will make it difficult to focus the 90mm. Its really a question of which focal length you use most.

Hmm.. as for me, I have consistently used a Elmarit90 with a HexarRF (.60) and find that focus is reasonably accurate.

[Terence]

Originally Posted by boochap I am hoping to get a leica every now and then.. but seeing so many different variations on each similiar model, it's so confusing...i really gotta backoff each time. Is there any easier way to get to know abt the leica RF? the M series or the screw mount.. which one come 1st.

Perhaps the best option is to invest in a more affordable setup like the Bessa R2 with a cheaper Voigtlander lens (approx $800 for the kit) to see how you'd take to using a RF cam before moving to a Leica.