re: M6 TTL

[jonny_r]

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I should probably get the formalities out of the way. Hi, my names Jonny and new to this fine forum. I'm not quite a Leica owner yet but will certainly be in the imminent future.

 

Ideally I was looking for some advice from one of you good people...

 

I've decided to go for an 'M6 TTL' and found a mint example for a decent price. However I am confused with the 'M Number' designation featured on the front top plate. The 'TTL' i'm looking at simply states M6 (like the M7/M8/M9 layout) and not 'Leica M6' like every other example i've seen.

 

I did check the serial number and it begins 273XXXX, seemingly it was produced in 2000/2001?

 

Prior to creating this thread I did have a quick search of the forum and found this link.

http://www.l-camera-forum.com/leica-forum/customer-forum/129367-top-plate-m6.html

 

Could it be that the seller has simply miss labelled this Leica? e.g. it's an M6 'classic' not a M6 TTL? or are there any other feasible explanations?

 

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

Jonny.

[doubice]

Johny,

 

Welcome to the forum!

 

There are many ways to distinguish an M6 from an M6TTL. The quickest one is to look at the 'hot shoe' - the non-TTL M6 will have only one central contact. The TTL version will have the central contact and three more smaller contacts around it.

 

The TTL version is also a couple of millimeters taller but, that could be difficult for you to compare, not having both versions in hand. Another feature that is diferent between the two versions is the shutter speed dial. On the TTL it is slightly larger and sits off-center closer to the front of the camera, the classic non-TTL dial is smaller and sits centrally on the top plate. The orientation of the shutter speeds is also different between the two.

 

Quickest way for newbie though, is to check the flash shoe. The TTL is not marked as a ' TTL' anywhere on the body, just 'M6'.

 

Good luck,

 

Jan

[wda]

Jonny, Welcome!

 

Unless TTL flash synch is important to you, both models will do the job. Many M-photographers pride themselves on getting natural looking pictures using available light, whereas a few work in dark places and need modern on-camera flash. My guess is that the one you have found is one of the later non-TTL models.

[jonny_r]

many thanks for the replies doubice and wda.

 

i will certainly check this Leica body for further characteristics that can help distinguish which model it is.

 

if anything i hope i can knock some money of the sale price (if the body turns out to be a classic as oposed to a ttl version.)

 

i'm sure the additional features would be useful to some, but my reasoning to purchase this ttl is purely on account of condition and price. being a student these things are overly important just now. for the record i have allocated a greater budget towards the purchase of glass.

 

thanks again for your replies.

 

jonny.