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

[freecitizen]

Did they fix the flaring viewfinder yet ?

 

[NB23]

Imagine the huuuuuge igloo 2000$ can buy in the Nunavut.

 

[otto.f]

So, for those ignorant on M-details: we are just talking about (to me) minor changes of details?

Except that the last years there was a growing interest in the old M6 and that it’s not possible to repair it if something goes wrong with the electronics. With the new one you’re safe again for decades. If you see the prices asked for a nice old M6 today, you’re not that far away for going safe with a new one.

 

[Huss]

Imagine the huuuuuge igloo 2000$ can buy in the Nunavut.

 

[Huss]

Did they fix the flaring viewfinder yet ?

Yes, 20 years ago.

 

[snusmumriken]

Except that the last years there was a growing interest in the old M6 and that it’s not possible to repair it if something goes wrong with the electronics.

I didn’t know that, and now I shall not sleep. Is it really true? It surprises me that there is no one around who could remake the electronics from basic components.

 

[snusmumriken]

I notice that you still have to turn the speed dial to B to switch off the meter. So it’s still possible to run down the battery by accidental pressure on the shutter button in your camera bag.

 

[AgX]

Except that the last years there was a growing interest in the old M6 and that it’s not possible to repair it if something goes wrong with the electronics. With the new one you’re safe again for decades. If you see the prices asked for a nice old M6 today, you’re not that far away for going safe with a new one.

As indicated I am rather ignorant on these M-models, but seen the strive of Leica to build up a reputation of continuity and seemingly longevity, why then did they not come up with respective, maybe modified, spares?

 

[otto.f]

As indicated I am rather ignorant on these M-models, but seen the strive of Leica to build up a reputation of continuity and seemingly longevity, why then did they not come up with respective, maybe modified, spares?

As far as I have understood, this was not in their hands, it has to do with how circuit boards are produced in the electronic world then and now. These things happen. Of course it’s tempting to suspect such a story because it fits in a commerial interest, but actually I doubt whether Leica would do such a thing. In fact, it’s doubtfull whether Leica would not have released a new M6 if the old one would be repairable. It’s been THE most successful M, 18 years of production.

 

[snusmumriken]

So I suppose the next question is, can an old M6 be upgraded?

 

[faberryman]

So I suppose the next question is, can an old M6 be upgraded?

I think the way to upgrade is to sell your old M6 and buy a new M6.

 

[guangong]

My M4 with lens new cost me $440, about 3 times my rent for a 4 room + kitchen and bath in Greenwich Village at that time. M4 still going strong.(The numbers tell the story of the dollar.)
I looked at M6 in late 1980s at Ken Hansen’s. Viewfinder not up to M4 standard. And I don’t like diodes, prefer match needle, which is visible in bright light. Technicians at Leica told me there was some skimping of internal parts.

The financial failure of the M5 broke the company to the extent that Leitz family forced to sell. After a series of owners marketing the name, the current owners have a marketing strategy that seems to be working: high end products for an exclusive market, similar to the marketing strategy of watchmakers selling $60,000 watches.
Leica also making professional movie lenses in Germany. This could be a relocation of Panavision.

 

[snusmumriken]

I think the way to upgrade is to sell your old M6 and buy a new M6.

Yes, it was a stupid question really. I don't actually want more LEDs in my viewfinder. Maybe by the time the electronics go in my old M6 I'll have developed an instinct for light levels. The camera may see me out anyway.

 

[faberryman]

I notice that you still have to turn the speed dial to B to switch off the meter. So it’s still possible to run down the battery by accidental pressure on the shutter button in your camera bag.

Yes, the camera is not completely idiot proof. It is not unique in that regard. My OM-1 has a switch to turn the meter on and off. If you do not turn the switch to off, you can run down the battery.

 

[snusmumriken]

Yes, the camera is not completely idiot proof. It is not unique in that regard. My OM-1 has a switch to turn the meter on and off. If you do not turn the switch to off, you can run down the battery.

Sure, but at least it's just a simple switch, then you are ready to shoot. On the M6, you have to run through all the speeds from B to get there. So if you carry the camera in a bag, it isn't exactly ready for action. I'm surprised Leica hasn't taken the opportunity to improve on this arrangement.

I have a machined turn-switch that screws in, replacing the battery cover. (Wish I could recall the name of the wonderful guy who made it. EDIT: It was Larry Welker. I don't think he is still in business, though.) It means I can operate without any distracting LEDs once I have checked light levels. They can be switched back on with the fingertips. The meter is nice to have on board, and it works very well, but it is distracting.

You'll notice I had to add two improvements to my Summicron 50 too (tab ring and rigid lens hood).

 

[faberryman]

In other photography news, DigitalTrends has just posted the results of a shootout between the cameras in the Pixie 7 and iPhone 14. Here's just the description of the cameras on the Pixie 7:

"The Pixel 7 has a 50MP camera with an f/1.85 aperture, plus a 12MP wide-angle camera with an f/2.2 aperture. The camera has optical and electronic image stabilization, laser autofocus, and a host of special editing features in the Google Photos app that are exclusive to the Pixel. On the front of the Pixel 7 is a 10.8MP, f/2.2 aperture camera with fixed focus, while the iPhone 14 Plus has a 12MP, f/1.9 aperture autofocus selfie camera."

Our Pixel 7 vs. iPhone 14 camera battle has a clear winner | Digital Trends

The Google Pixel 7's camera impressed in our review, but how does it compare to the Apple iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus? We put them to the test.

www.digitaltrends.com

Maybe one day we'll have a smartphone that accepts film. Will all the young people shifting to film, it is not out of the question.

 

[logan2z]

It’s been THE most successful M, 18 years of production.

I think the MP holds that honor. It was introduced in 2003.

 

[faberryman]

Sure, but at least it's just a simple switch, then you are ready to shoot. On the M6, you have to run through all the speeds from B to get there. So if you carry the camera in a bag, it isn't exactly ready for action. I'm surprised Leica hasn't taken the opportunity to improve on this arrangement.

Your camera is never exactly ready for action in a camera bag. If you want your camera ready for action, take it out out of the camera bag and have it ready to go.

I have a machined turn-switch that screws in, replacing the battery cover. (Wish I could recall the name of the wonderful guy who made it.) It means I can operate without any distracting LEDs once I have checked light levels. They can be switched back on with the fingertips. The meter is nice to have on board, and it works very well, but it is distracting.

Sort of looks like the button on that gizmo replacing your battery cover could get pressed in your camera bag causing the battery to run down.

 

[otto.f]

I think the MP holds that honor. It was introduced in 2003.

Haha, and the amount of sold copies?

 

[faberryman]

Haha, and the amount of sold copies?

Since the MP was introduced just as the film market was tanking, I'd guess the M6 sold the most copies. Now that the M6 has been reintroduced with the film market on the upswing, the MP may never catch up.

I am puzzled since they haven't been able to keep up with demand for the M-A and MP, how do they think they are going to be able to keep up with demand for the M6. Are they hiring more elves?

 

[Sirius Glass]

I really don't get this. Why go backwards instead of forwards? Release a camera that is an evolution of the M7. Totally not interested in this one. I'd love to buy a new Leica but it has to make sense.

Making sense has nothing to do with shooting film or even digital. We do it because we like to.

 

[4season]

I really don't get this. Why go backwards instead of forwards?

Welcome to the world of luxury products, where emotional appeal is the #1 selling point. And one of those emotions is the implied promise of a "forever" camera.

Leica's products for more forward-minded buyers are the Q, S- and SL-systems.

 

[Huss]

I notice that you still have to turn the speed dial to B to switch off the meter. So it’s still possible to run down the battery by accidental pressure on the shutter button in your camera bag.

No. If the shutter is not cocked the meter cannot turn on. The off switch is so the meter is not accidentally activated if the camera is put away with the shutter cocked. And pressure remains constant on the shutter button.
if the shutter is cocked, in regular use the meter times out after about 10 secs.

But I get it. Leica is releasing a $5500 camera so you just need to make yourself feel better.

 

[BradS]

Since the MP was introduced just as the film market was tanking, I'd guess the M6 sold the most copies. Now that the M6 has been reintroduced with the film market on the upswing, the MP may never catch up.

I am puzzled since they haven't been able to keep up with demand for the M-A and MP, how do they think they are going to be able to keep up with demand for the M6. Are they hiring more elves?

It has been posited that Leica have re-assigned the elves that used to make the APS-C digital cameras.

 

[faberryman]

It has been posited that Leica have re-assigned the elves that used to make the APS-C digital cameras.

I am sure the skills are easily transferable.