The New Leitz - Wetzlar Leica M6 (and the dreaded film scratching issue)

[faberryman]

What does that have to do with the CLE and CL that have no parts? I’ve had two CLEs die on me, and most CLs have non working meters. So definitely buy nine of those.

Leica M2s, M3s, and M4s sell pretty well, and they don't have meters. Real photographers use Sunny 16 anyway. I am pretty sure there are a million or so posts on Photrio advocating that approach, even though it really doesn't work all that well. So get with the program. I only use a meter because I can't do the Sunny 16 math in my head. I'd just as soon carry a meter than a calculator. It's a more direct approach.

 

[Radost]

What does that have to do with the CLE and CL that have no parts? I’ve had two CLEs die on me, and most CLs have non working meters. So definitely buy nine of those.

No-one mentioned that the new M6 will have interchangeable parts. What we know is it is a new camera that will have parts for a long time into the future. Which makes it a very desirable purchase.

FYI that is a very expensive price for a 40 year old M6. Private sales are in the $2500 range. You can buy a brand spankin new M6 for $600 more, shipped If you live in the US and buy from the UK.

How much is in the UK? 4500 pounds? Cheaper in Germany. 5050 euro

 

[Radost]

Another question. I dont see any options on the viewfinder. Is it just a standard viewfinder?

 

[Huss]

How much is in the UK? 4500 pounds? Cheaper in Germany. 5050 euro

3750 as you will not be paying VAT

 

[BradS]

Another question. I dont see any options on the viewfinder. Is it just a standard viewfinder?

https://leica-camera.com/en-US/photography/cameras/m/m6/technical-specs

 

[logan2z]

https://leica-camera.com/en-US/photography/cameras/m/m6/technical-specs

I see they corrected the viewfinder magnification to 0.72 from 0.73. Figured that was a typo.

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

I have no doubt in the future that Leica will offer a retrofit meter circuit board replacement for the "original issue" M6 for 1995.95, and the wait time will be 8-11 months. When the parts are in stock. Oh and only back in Germany, so USA customers will have to ship it to Leica in NJ, which will add 3-5 months.

Just think of the middle dot you'd be gaining!

 

[Radost]

3750 as you will not be paying VAT

Man, This is cool. What about from Germany?

 

[Radost]

I see they corrected the viewfinder magnification to 0.72 from 0.73. Figured that was a typo.

so no 0.58 ?

 

[brbo]

so no 0.58 ?

This is a new "classic" M6. M6 "classic" was only issued with 0.72 viewfinder magnification.

 

[Christiaan Phleger]

Apparently Leica is adamant only 0.72.

But 3 years ago who would have thought that a Leica M6 would be a regularly made and stocked product.

 

[brbo]

But 3 years ago who would have thought that a Leica M6 would be a regularly made and stocked product.

We'll have to wait to see about that

But, I would never pick M6 over MP at the same price (well, it's all academical since I'm about 4000 EUR short). If MP will get discontinued (or will be permanently out of stock) that only means that Leica just replaced MP with a cheaper camera at the same price.

 

[Patrick Robert James]

We'll have to wait to see about that

But, I would never pick M6 over MP at the same price (well, it's all academical since I'm about 4000 EUR short). If MP will get discontinued (or will be permanently out of stock) that only means that Leica just replaced MP with a cheaper camera at the same price.

My prediction months ago was that Leica would release a camera at about the same price, then raise the price on the MP so the new camera would be the "affordable" one. We'll see if that is correct I guess in the future.

I still say Leica totally missed the boat on this one. Perhaps they will have an update to the M7 now that they are going backwards? One can hope.

 

[faberryman]

I still say Leica totally missed the boat on this one. Perhaps they will have an update to the M7 now that they are going backwards? One can hope.

Apropos of the Leica M7, I never understood the antipathy toward "automatic" cameras. I generally shoot aperture priority. I set the aperture, and watch the meter. If the indicated shutter speed is sufficient to avoid camera shake and/or stop the motion in the image, assuming I want to stop the motion in the image, I am good to go. Otherwise, I turn the aperture until the shutter speed is appropriate. Of course, I have to balance shutter speed with depth of field, so sometimes a compromise must be struck. What an automatic camera does for me is save me from the herculean task of turning the shutter speed dial when I am metering. Not a big deal, but in a fast developing situation it is maybe the difference between getting the shot and not. Most of the situations I photograph are slow developing or static, so it's not like I am going to miss a shot, but I am still able to avoid the herculean task of turning the shutter speed dial. Note that in all cases I am choosing what aperture and shutter speed I select, so it's not like I am some dolt who just presses the shutter button and let's the camera do the rest. AAs (anti-automatics) like to portray people who use automatic cameras as dolts. I don't see the authenticity and moral superiority of engaging in the herculean task of turning the shutter speed dial when you meter. I will admit that AAs may have a more fully developed thumb and forefinger on their right hand, so there's that. If I want to be authentic and have moral superiority, I shoot 4x5, where I have to engage in the herculean task of turning both the aperture and the shutter speed dial. And it's not really all that herculean. What is herculean is carting the camera and tripod five miles out in the woods. And don't even get me started on Sunny 16. I will only say this: all practitioners of Sunny 16 were show-offs in math class when they were growing up, and they are not really all that concerned with getting the correct exposure.

 

[brbo]

Apropos of the Leica M7...

I never even mentioned M7?! Did you quote me by mistake?

 

[faberryman]

I never even mentioned M7?! Did you quote me by mistake?

Yes. I didn't have a meter with me. But fear not, I inserted the correct quote.

 

[Radost]

Apparently Leica is adamant only 0.72.

But 3 years ago who would have thought that a Leica M6 would be a regularly made and stocked product.

So no go for me. I need .58. MP has .58 if it goes down in price. And it does not have the annoying red dot.

 

[faberryman]

So no go for me. I need .58. MP has .58 if it goes down in price. And it does not have the annoying red dot.

I thought Leica discontinued the .58 and .85 models a couple of years ago, and if you wanted one, you had to look to the used market.

 

[Huss]

I thought Leica discontinued the .58 and .85 models a couple of years ago, and if you wanted one, you had to look to the used market.

Yup and the .58 especially is really expensive now. A used .58 MP goes for about $8000. .85 are much more common place, but obviously the vast majority are .72

 

[Huss]

Apropos of the Leica M7, I never understood the antipathy toward "automatic" cameras. I generally shoot aperture priority. I set the aperture, and watch the meter. If the indicated shutter speed is sufficient to avoid camera shake and/or stop the motion in the image, assuming I want to stop the motion in the image, I am good to go. Otherwise, I turn the aperture until the shutter speed is appropriate. Of course, I have to balance shutter speed with depth of field, so sometimes a compromise must be struck. What an automatic camera does for me is save me from the herculean task of turning the shutter speed dial when I am metering. Not a big deal, but in a fast developing situation it is maybe the difference between getting the shot and not. Most of the situations I photograph are slow developing or static, so it's not like I am going to miss a shot, but I am still able to avoid the herculean task of turning the shutter speed dial. Note that in all cases I am choosing what aperture and shutter speed I select, so it's not like I am some dolt who just presses the shutter button and let's the camera do the rest. AAs (anti-automatics) like to portray people who use automatic cameras as dolts. I don't see the authenticity and moral superiority of engaging in the herculean task of turning the shutter button when you meter. I will admit that AAs may have a more fully developed thumb and forefinger on their right hand, so there's that. If I want to be authentic and have moral superiority, I shoot 4x5, where I have to engage in the herculean task of turning both the aperture and the shutter speed dial. And it's not really all that herculean. What is herculean is carting the camera and tripod five miles out in the woods. And don't even get me started on Sunny 16. I will only say this: all practitioners of Sunny 16 were show-offs in math class when they were growing up, and they are not really all that concerned with getting the correct exposure.

I love my M7s. There is a reason all the pro 35mm cameras went to AE...
And if you want manual exposure, they all can do that too.

Only amateurs complain about battery dependency. Pros use the best tools for the job and show up prepared.

 

[brbo]

I need .58. MP has .58 if it goes down in price.

Can't decide if that's cute or funny

Your best bet for a "cheap" 0.58 Leica M is used M6 TTL. But, why are we talking about prices in a Leica thread?

 

[BradS]

....

Only amateurs complain about battery dependency. Pros use the best tools for the job and show up prepared.

I find the adamant rejection of battery dependent cameras kinda bizarre. You can carry 10 rolls of film and a few lenses, a spare body, a speedlight and countless other accessories but can't be bothered to carry a couple of spare button cells? really strange.

 

[Huss]

..
But, why are we talking about prices in a Leica thread?

Exactly. The Konica Hexar RF has a .60 finder I think. But that is a really dodgy purchase right now. CLEs are great with 28s, but I've had two that failed and no parts available.
Voigtlader Bessas can be had with wide finders - I think the R4M/A has a .52 finder that can show 21mm frame lines. Those are about $1700.

If you are price conscious, Leica isn't the choice.

 

[Huss]

I find the adamant rejection of battery dependent cameras kinda bizarre. You can carry 10 rolls of film and a few lenses, a spare body, a speedlight and countless other accessories but can't be bothered to carry a couple of spare button cells? really strange.

Plus batteries last way longer than film! I think it's an affectation for people, or perhaps it is just one less thing to think about. Of course those who used these cameras in their professional lives were not concerned, because that was such a non issue.

 

[faberryman]

I have looked though Leica .58 viewfinder. You definitely need to get the magnifying diopter to be able to make out anything.