Wetzlar M6 w/ "LEITZ" Red-Dot in Front/Centre of Camera Body...

[leicavirgin2]

greetings. I have an M6 from the Wetzlar factory. However, I am a bit skeptical if it is a REAL Leica. The serial number says the camera was made around 1985. However the paint which is black seems a bit "shoddy".

The person/party (who is VERY well respected around the world as a private dealer), says it was an MP upgrade with higher contrast finder, strengthened mechanics, and MP counter/dial.

I asked the party that I bought it from said that some paint jobs that LEITZ/LEICA did were a little shoddy on some of the black bodies of the M6 series.

I have not had any problems with this camera... just curious and a little worried.

Anyone who maybe able to shed some light on this subject would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[stunsworth]

As far as I'm aware there have been no counterfeit M6's

[earleygallery]

Likewise. Post a photo of it?

I'd be worried about the MP upgrade thing. I've heard of people upgrading the rangefinder but not the 'mechanics'

[doubice]

Originally Posted by leicavirgin2

......... However the paint which is black seems a bit "shoddy"........

.......I asked the party that I bought it from said that some paint jobs that LEITZ/LEICA did were a little shoddy on some of the black bodies of the M6 series........

Anyone who maybe able to shed some light on this subject would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

In 1985, the M6 came only in Silver Chrome or Black Chrome - the bodies were never painted. The Black Chrome finish tends to become a little shiny and somewhat grayish whith use. There could not have been "shoddy paint jobs" as the M6's were not painted. If your camera is indeed in black paint (and I doubt it), than it is a repaint not done at the factory.

Best,

Jan

[luigi bertolotti]

Difficult it's not a "real" Leica... but the whole story of "upgraded" MP and "paint" and "stregthened" mechanics sounds strange... has the dealer some docs about ? a SERIES of pics is mandatory to draw some free ride hipotesis... but a professional inspection (Solms ?) should probably be right to be done

[cbretteville]

The upgraded finder available for most Ms are often called the "MP finder" as it was introduced with the MP. All M7s made after this time has it and the M8s too. I am seriously considdering having my M6 classic upgraded. After using an M8 with the improved finder for more than a year my M6's tendency to give me an RF-patch white-out is truly annoying. As for the body itself, only pictures of it will help us give you an idea of what you're holding

- Carl