M6 Classic or M6TTL?

[trs]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

My first and only M is M8. So, not too familiar with film versions. After the dreaded 'attention shutter fault' issue with M8, I am seriously thinking about getting a film M as backup (also for keep sake). I really want MP, but M6 is looking more apealing due to $ diference.

 

Must have on film M is:

1) has metering

2) But, can work without battery when needed. So, M7 is out for example.

 

Few questions to those who own or know:

1) TTL: Is it true only three shutter speed work without battery? I can't remember where I read, but it mentioned someting like 1/60, 1/125... not quie sure of the numbers either.

2) TTL: Is it really battery eater like people say?

3) Classic: Does shutter operate on all speed when running without battery?

 

I like TTL over classic fo reasons below

1) there seem to many available in .85.

2) shutter dial same as M8?

3) lndication to show proper exposure (as measured that is)

4) Big shutter dial wheel.

 

Sorry about the too basic questions, but I don't seem to find the answers.

 

Thank you.

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[batmobile]

M6 TTL works at all speeds.

Availability of TTL in 0.85 is better than with classic, but still plenty of 0.85 classics about if you have the abilitity to wait a month or two.

Shutter dial rotation is in same direction with TTL and M8. Sounds like a TTL is the best bet.

[adan]

M7 has the 2-speeds-without-battery limitation. M6ttl has all speeds without battery (just no metering) Same for "classic".

 

I preferred the smaller size of the "classic" - but expect you will like the "M8-ness" of the ttl for the reasons you mention.

[geotrupede]

Couple of things to add:

- Classic meter is more minimalist in design. From a designer perspective I like it more.

- shutter dial is smaller in classic and metal and there is not OFF setting, just B

- TTL is louder, a lot more.

 

I had a M6 classic .72, then a M6 TTL .85 which did not like that much for the magnification, and not a M6 TTL .72.

It is a great kit but the classic had some more magic...

 

G

[j. borger]

And most important: meter of ttl works better in very low light (2 etra stops)!

[Xmas]

- Classic meter is more minimalist in design. From a designer perspective I like it more.

- shutter dial is smaller in classic and metal and there is not OFF setting, just B

- TTL is louder, a lot more.

 

The B setting turns the meter off, it is missing the text off, which must be worrying if you are a gold fish.

 

An M2 with a clip on meter is a lot cheaper and smoother than even an MP, the rangefinder is flare resistant like an MP, and you can adjust it with a screwdriver.

 

Admittedly the clip on meters look like warts, but you can keep them in gbag.

 

Noel

P.S. if you need 0.85 get an M3, they have gothic windows but are still cheap

[jsrockit]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I'm a big fan of the classic...but you can't go wrong with either.

[andym911]

I'm a big fan of the classic...but you can't go wrong with either.

 

agree....

[earleygallery]

Just to add for clarification, the M6 and the M6 TTL both have TTL metering. The 'TTL' model has the additional capability of TTL flash metering with the dedicated unit.

 

There is no bad M model, they all have their own advantages over each other in some way or another an much of it is down to personal preference and/or budget.

[ai1]

I have both a M6TTL .58 and M6TTL .72; immediately before these two I used an M4-2 and M4-P and have also owned an M3, M4 and another M4-2. The two M6TTLs are easily my favorites (although I will admit to pangs of nostaliga at times for the M3). I much prefer the bigger shutter speed dial and the fact that it rotates logically with respect to the metering arrows. The difference in size between the M6TTL and M6 (and all earlier M bodies, save the M5) is pretty much irrelevant (2.5 mm height difference). Also, the M6TTL has TTL flash control and works very nicely with the SF20 flash (and the newer flashes as well) on the infrequent occasions I use a flash. The M6 does not have TTL flash control.

[trs]

Thank you all. These are a lot of good information from real users. This is what I was looking for.

 

From this, I am good with either classic or TTL as far operating without battery goes. Not that I will use often (or ever), but really wanted to have the option.

 

Interesting comment about TTL being noisier. I thought they would be same as far as shutter goes. I am not so much in hurry to get it right now. M8 issue just made me look more seriously. So, I will look for good deal to pop up.

 

TTL gets better point for low light metering while points taken away for being noiser. As M8 user, not too much worried about noisyness though.

 

Looks like I will like TTL better, but I think I have no problem with classic either if I find good deal which there are some.

 

Again, thank you so much.

[Xmas]

I think there is some variability between bodies, it is not that all M6 TTL are going to be noisy, compared to all M6 Classics. .

 

Noel

[raizans]

the TTL is not noisier in general. there is variation across all leica models.

[menos I M6]

Love my M6 classic.

Love the simple - just right shutter speed dial.

Love the simple and most perfect meter reading.

Love, how smooth the film transport feels, compared to my M7.

Love, how much easier it is, to set shutter speeds without looking as on my M8.2.

 

The classic is not an outdated camera - far from it. I see the classic as the Leica MP with improved film rewind and intend to keep mine ;-)

 

Surely, I like mine more too, as it was the first Leica, I acquired.

[trs]

Very encouraging menos. Thank you.

[geotrupede]

About TTL and noise.

I would suggest to go to the shop and try both.

 

I had two M6TTL, one basically new and the other pretty used.

One M6 Classic in working condition but "used".

Both TTL where louder that the classic. Significantly.

The classic was definitely smoother.

I posted about this a while back and found that other users had the same experience.

Just check before buying, that's it.

 

About the "OFF" mark on the dial, it is just ugly.

A mechanical camera with an OFF mark is almost an oxymoron.

I do not see why B was not enough, function was the same so...

Perhaps the OFF is the reason why the shutter dial went bigger on the TTL :-)

Which in the end is a good feature...

So hail to the OFF mark!!

 

As mentioned earlier I love(d) the classic for the minimalist design, from LED in viewfinder to the lack of an OFF setting, to the smoother shutter action and sound.

TTL flash was not a huge issue, as I use manual if I use flash. So I was happy.

 

In the end the RF kept messing up and loosing the alignment (the camera was really abused by previous owner, some Mr Perkins as scratched on the base plate) and I decided to swap with something else. I was a bit sad.

 

I found a M6TTL new with a .85 and did not listen to the right advice... bought it.

Hated the magnification factor (I mostly use 28 and 35), so I went again to the shop.

Sold again and found the current M6 TTL .72 which I really like, although louder and baroque in design.

 

G

[underground]

That's too bad about the battery ishu you have with the M7 because it is just a fantastic camera.

[tgray]

I'd go for the M6 classic, unless you really want the same shutter dial as on your M8. Great camera. Other than flash-metering functionality, the dial, and the insignificant increase in size, the TTL and classic are more or less the same. Well, you can get the .85x finder in the TTL if you want it.

 

To be honest though, I'd get an M7. It's a fantastic camera. Yeah it needs batteries for shutter speeds other than 1/60 and 1/125. However, they are tiny (tape a spare set to your camera strap) and last about 50-75 rolls. The M7 will also give you AE like on your M8 if you choose to use it.

 

The battery issue is totally overblown in my opinion. Again, the batteries last 50-75 rolls, and you can fit 3 changes in a spare film canister. If you were going into the jungle for 4 months, I might recommend a fully mechanical RF over the M7, otherwise, the batteries won't be a problem. If you NEED that kind of power independence (hope you are good at guessing exposure - you're battery independent right?), or you NEVER use AE, then a fully mechanical camera makes sense. Otherwise it's like buying a fully rigged military Hummer because maybe one day, you'll drive it in the rain.

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[redbaron]

All metered Ms are TTL, BTW. The TTL in the name only refers to an advanced flash mode.

[E.M]

I agree with some previous posters that the classic has the better looks , but I think the TTL is a better user , especially alongside an M8-2 or M9 etc. , because of the shutterspeed-dial direction . Nevertheless , it is still a beautiful camera .

 

Etienne Michiels