M6 or M6 TTL? (Whilst I'm saving for my M8)

[ian748s]

I hope someone can help. I am VERY new to Leica and am saving for an M8 but of course I also have to raise the cash for a lens of two!

So my thought is to get an M6 as the cost is pretty good second hand - around £600-800 which I can use with my new lenses whilst I am saving/waiting. My question is as to what benefit I would gain from getting a TTL, other than it would likely be much newer?

[wattsy]

Not much. If you plan on using flash, the TTL has it's uses but it's not hugely compelling. You might also argue that the shutter speed dial of the M6TTL, which turns in the same direction as the M8 (and is of a similar size and feel), will make you feel more at home when you eventually get the latter. The M6TTL also comes in more viewfinder magnification flavours than the M6 (or M8).

[wparsonsgisnet]

The TTL is very handy for flash in particular. I have a pre-ttl M6 and found it a wonderful tool.

The M6's are apparently not yet being collected, so the prices are still reasonable.

Funny way to "save" for the M8. Nice way to enjoy Leica's lenses, however.

[ian748s]

Originally Posted by wparsonsgisnet

The TTL is very handy for flash in particular. I have a pre-ttl M6 and found it a wonderful tool.

The M6's are apparently not yet being collected, so the prices are still reasonable.

Funny way to "save" for the M8. Nice way to enjoy Leica's lenses, however.

Thanks. As for 'funny way to save' - well I will be selling my Panasonic anyway but the real 'extra' cost for me is the M8 body, so I don't want to buy a couple of lenses (which I can do second hand) and then have them sitting around 6 months while I wait for the M8 funds to accumulate.

Might even sell the F3 as well. If I'm honest I am keen to reap the benefits of those superb Leica optics! As for ttl, well I have a flash for my D2x but it rarely gets used and I am not really a fan of flash despite the superb Nikon system so it looks like an M6 for me.

[ian748s]

Originally Posted by wattsy

Not much. If you plan on using flash, the TTL has it's uses but it's not hugely compelling. You might also argue that the shutter speed dial of the M6TTL, which turns in the same direction as the M8 (and is of a similar size and feel), will make you feel more at home when you eventually get the latter. The M6TTL also comes in more viewfinder magnification flavours than the M6 (or M8).

Thanks for the extra info. Seems like I'll look out for either then, will maybe a slight preference towards the TTL. I want the 0.72 viewfinder anyway.

[richam]

In addition to differences already noted, the M6TTL meter is 1 Exposure Value (EV) more sensitive than the M6. The range is -2 to 20 rather than -1 to 20. The M6 is slightly shorter (2.5 mm) and lighter (40 g), but hardly noticeable. The "TTL" means that there are fewer steps to set up for flash, but not much more. Most flashes have a built in sensor that does the job of metering and adjusting flash output once the ISO, aperture, etc. have been dialed in manually. So, all things considered, I believe you are on the right track to search the market for both and get the best deal you can find.