The top plate of a M6.

[PasMichiel]

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Why and when did they change this M-number layout?

This one is like the M7, M8 and M9.

 

But most of them are like this:

[jaapv]

Or without logo:

 

Google Afbeeldingen resultaat voor http://www.cameraquest.com/jpg6/LM6G.h5.jpg

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[PasMichiel]

That's a special edition. It has also the old winderarm

[jaapv]

Yes - the Milennium M6 - there is also an M6J. And plenty of dealer, etc. ordered specials. My 1987 catalogue has the "Leica M6" front logo.

Edited June 18, 2010 by jaapv

[jpattison]

Actually, I think you'll find the lower one is an M6TTL, the upper an M6 classic. Look at the speed selector wheel, and the top plate height.

 

 

John

[aesop]

Actually, I think you'll find the lower one is an M6TTL, the upper an M6 classic. Look at the speed selector wheel, and the top plate height.

 

 

John

 

...agreed, John, but that notwithstanding, the M6 "classic" came with both versions of the lettering. Not sure when or why.

[wizard]

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The designation on the top plate was changed due to a trademark conflict with Olympus. Olympus had their OM1, OM2, OM3 and OM4 cameras, and apparently had registered rights also for OM6 (or at least could claim rights in the series of OM designations), and they approached Leica at the time for risk of confusion (in a trademark sense, none of us would mistake an Olymous SLR for a Leica rangefinder camera) between their OM designations and the M6 marking on Leica's then new M6. To avoid litigation, Leica chose to alter the marking to "Leica M6", which is why after the the first production run of M6 cameras, this is what we see as a marking on the camera.

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

[bill]

It's worth pointing out that there were other changes during the M6 production run, not least the first appearance of the anti-rub inserts and the change from "Leitz" to "Leica" on the red dot. I *think* it was also during the lifetime of the M6 that the CE mark and plastic covering for the bottom plate first made an appearance, although I stand to be corrected on that last.

 

Regards,

 

Bill

[jpattison]

The early M6 also had engraved on the top "ERNST LEITZ WETZLAR GMBH" with a Leitz red dot, when they moved to Solms the engraving moved to the rear of the top plate and is "LEICA CAMERA MADE IN GERMANY" with a Leica red dot. (from 1988)

 

see... Leica M6 Early Production

 

still doesn't answer the OP's question, but this thread might...

 

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=66724

 

John

Edited June 18, 2010 by jpattison
added link

[PasMichiel]

Actually, I think you'll find the lower one is an M6TTL, the upper an M6 classic. Look at the speed selector wheel, and the top plate height.

 

 

John

 

In this case yes, but my classic is like this ttl version. And the text "Leica Camera GMBH Germany" is on the back. My dad's M6 has something like that on top.

[PasMichiel]

The designation on the top plate was changed due to a trademark conflict with Olympus. Olympus had their OM1, OM2, OM3 and OM4 cameras, and apparently had registered rights also for OM6 (or at least could claim rights in the series of OM designations), and they approached Leica at the time for risk of confusion (in a trademark sense, none of us would mistake an Olymous SLR for a Leica rangefinder camera) between their OM designations and the M6 marking on Leica's then new M6. To avoid litigation, Leica chose to alter the marking to "Leica M6", which is why after the the first production run of M6 cameras, this is what we see as a marking on the camera.

 

Cheers,

 

Andy

 

Sounds like the truth..