Leica R6 - some questions before pulling the trigger

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RezaLoghme

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- is the body size that of a (smaller) R5 or (larger) R7. Simple question, could not find an answer.
- without battery, does the shutter work? I know that the battery is only feeding the exposure meter, but still.
- while the black version seems to be the obvious choice, is there any love for the silver panda?
- when looking at various forums, why are so many people obsessed with the .2, does the extra EUR 300-400 make any difference in terms of quality?
- does anyone know about aftermarket/3D printing options for the faded film transport lever cover?

Thank you so much.
 

Bearman

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- closer to R5 in size. R7 is slightly larger
- Fully mechanical shutter...Yes, works without batteries
- Silver Leicas are never out of place!
- Leica R6.2 added an increased maximum shutter speed (1/2000th) and an improved/magnified film frame counter. Some people value the all-mechanical nature of the R6 & 6.2
- don't know about 3D printing options

Good review:

Leica R6.2 Review - By James Tocchio of Casual Photophile

The Leica R6 and R6.2 left me conflicted. It did exactly what it was supposed to do. Using it felt simple and sharp, fast and accurate.
www.35mmc.com
 
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RezaLoghme

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Thanks, its the part of an R camera that always lets the whole aesthetic down.
 

mrosenlof

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I own the R6.2 and R7, but not the R5.

Mostly the 6.2 and 6 can be thought of as the same camera. I think the price difference can be mostly related to being the "last of its kind" than any quality difference, but what do I know.

Definitely smaller than 7, can't say for sure if the exact size as the 5. The 7 got a little taller. I have large-ish hands, the 6.2 feels small to me.

I've got the faded transport lever too. There is a small screw on the bottom of the lever. I haven't tried to remove the plastic part, and don't plan to try.

Battery powers the meter and self-timer only. Shutter works fine with no battery.

I like the choice of average or spot meter.

The color of the camera body is not visible in many of your photos. my 6.2 is black, 7 is silver. Both have the damn red dot.

Nice lenses, overall probably too expensive for what you get, but you get a lot.
 
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RezaLoghme

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Thank you!
R6 it is. For me, it embodies the 1990s, in a good way.
 
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RezaLoghme

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The Mother of all Updates:

Trigger pulled. Like a boss. Like the boss of a boss.

Black R6.2(!) is here.
  • Super clean. No scratches, dings, leatherette unpeeling etc.
  • Inside pristine. No palpas cracks.
  • Still has bottom place protection film ("Remove before attaching winder").
  • No shutter/mirror lag.
  • Film advance lever cover not faded and flips back fully to original position.
  • DoF lever works fine.
  • Long shutter times sound plausible.
  • LEICA font in Colgate white, not cataract yellow. Letters on the backside ("Leica Camera Germany") not rubbed off.
  • Short panic about flickering LEDs in viewfinder but solved the problem.
  • Need to adjust viewfinder diopter (done - thought it was broken but wheel needs to be pulled out, feels like a swiss watch!).
  • Filmsy 1990s Leica plastic "neopren" strap included, no further accessories.
  • Serial number says it was made in 1993.
  • Price 1/4 - 1/6 of a M6, the most comparable other Leica.

Am I missing something?.
 
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RezaLoghme

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Here it is:

The shutter speeds in the viewfinder display show incorrect values compared to what is selected on the shutter wheel. So when selecting "250" for example, the camera fires correctly as set, but in the display it says "8".

I tried to google, there is one(!) person on another forum who had exactly the same problem, but nobody could solve it, and that person never returned to the forum.

Should I return the camera, as fixing it will not be economical?
Live with it, as the meter seems to work ok?
 
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RezaLoghme

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I think I am going to return the camera, which really hurts. But I know myself. I am going to stare at the shutter speed indicator and become obsessed with it.
The camera was below "going rate" market price, but there are many others around. In fact, i got it for R6 money, and the R6 is what i really wanted (also for OCD reasons, the "0.2" feels odd).
 

fresto44

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It's five months later now. Did you find your R6? If yes, what is your experience so far?
 
  • RezaLoghme
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  • Reason: Unnecessary kick
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