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How's the MP different from M6?


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Been meaning to ask this question for a while. I don't own an MP so please excuse my ignorance. But in reading the specs I can't seem to find any real difference (other than the advance lever, rewind knob, and other cosmetics) between the MP that everyone raves about and the M6TTL. Can someone set me straight? Looks to me it's an M6 disguised as an M3.

 

Alan

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Differences include

o MP viewfinder is multicoated and has a condensor lens which helps reduce flare in the focusing patch.

 

o MP top-plate camera housing is made of brass, M6TTL's is made out of a Zinc alloy.

 

o M6TTL has Flash TTL lens metering which is also compatible with Metz flashes, the MP doesnt have this.

 

o MP's Film ISO setting doesnt have a lock.

 

o MP redesigned top plate has a different viewfinder attachment design that is screwed on leaving a gap, this allowed dust into the VF, this is sealed in later cameras.

 

o MP rangefinder adjustments returns to pre M6 designs, where the front isn't covered with a Red dot.

 

o MP light meter is digital and derived from Leica M7 meter unlike M6TTL which is analog (not sure on this one)

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I have one of each, an MP and an M6. The main difference physically is the MP is a lot heavier, feels sturdier, more solid than the M6. Also, the viewfinder is brighter on my MP. Both great cameras. Very similar in terms of function.

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yep, its two arrows and a dot, but I meant the circuitry behind the light meter, there might be a chip determining the light meter reading rather than a simple current read out from the photocell, but I'm not sure about this.

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Just to further clarify, the M6 (Classic) and the M6TTL are two different cameras. The M6TTL is a little bit (a real little, maybe a couple of millimeters) taller than the M6 and the MP in order to accomodate the TTL electronics.

 

There's a difference in build quality if you believe the old-timers. Also, you need to check an M6 (Classic) at the strap lugs for light leaks (thanks William for making me aware of that!).

 

I guess the only other really big difference is that an MP is a new (or nearly new) camera and the M6's getting into their twenties and M6TTL's into 8-10 plus years in age...not that it makes a lot of difference with a Leica.

 

Thanks.

 

Allan

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The MP is an amalgamation of favorite design elements from various M cameras produced since the 1950s, particularly the M3, but also including more modern conveniences like TTL light metering and a hot shoe (but no TTL flash).

 

Functionally, it is most similar to the M6 "classic".

 

The MP and the A La Carte program exist in order to maintain a bit of interest in film cameras.

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Well I was wondering if I should sell my M6 and get the MP. But sounds like the differences are minimal, especially since mine is the LHSA black paint version which I believe has the brass top since it is engraved and almost as heavy as the M3.

 

Think I'll just stay with the M6.

 

Thanks everyone for your comments,

Alan

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...can you update the M6 viewfinder to be on par with the MPs viewfinder? I guess the MP is better?

 

Hi Andreas.

 

Yes, you can replace the M6 VF with the one used in the MP and the newer M7's. It's something most of the specialist repair people frequently recommended on this Forum could easily do for a couple of hundred dollars.

 

The MP finder eliminates the patch flare of the older VF that some users experienced, and is supposedly brighter as well.

 

Thanks.

 

Allan

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I must be one of the few who actually thinks the M6 is better looking than the MP.

 

However, can you update the M6 viewfinder to be on par with the MPs viewfinder? I guess the MP is better?

 

Allan is wrong. All the MP parts will not fit into an M6. Most, but not all. You might get a result similar to a late M7 viewfinder, but not quite an MP viewfinder. Contact Leica CS in Solms for costs. I'd guess 250 Euros plus the cost of a CLA.

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Thanks for the followup info William.

 

I'll yield to your knowledge and experience in this area as I'm a rank beginner in the mods department on Leica cameras.

 

Can you think of any other major differences we've missed between the MP and M6 cameras?

 

Allan

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Allan,

 

As you know, I own an M5. Was never attracted to an M6 which could do far less than the camera I owned, so I never had any desire. Not until the M7 were there advantages for me to "upgrade". Thus, I'm not qualified to discuss M6's. The viewfinder info I gave above comes from Dave Elwell at Leica. The MP I own, as you know, is a .58 and has the brightest viewfinder in any Leica and has the right frame for my walk-around 35/2. Otherwise, I wouldn't own that camera either. (Compared to the M5 and M7, it's quite "fussy" to shoot IMO.)

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I must be one of the few who actually thinks the M6 is better looking than the MP.

 

However, can you update the M6 viewfinder to be on par with the MPs viewfinder? I guess the MP is better?

 

DAG (Don Goldberg) can do it. Last Sept 2005, it was $300 for a brightline MP/M7 VF.

He also does modification to make the original M6 finder bright @ $150 as I remember at that same year.

 

He is among the Leica repair center that was praised to do a much superior workmanship than Leica NJ and Solms.

 

DAG Camera Parts

 

Cheers,

-Ron

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Ron,

 

How can he do all that if the MP condenser lens does not fit? This is the reason the v/f upgrade on an M7 does not create an MP. Does DAG also install the coated windows from the M7?

 

William,

 

When I inquired to have mine done. all of the Leica service center guys can do it. Sherry turned down my request only for the reason that her work is above her head. They all charge the same for the service. $300 is parts and labor back then. Of course plus return shipping.

 

Wanna check out my Psudo MP? =)

 

Added: I compared an M7 and an MP at Tony Rose residence May of last year and honestly I don't see any difference with the VF resolution.

Maybe you're talking about the earlier M7. I haven't handled one yet.

 

Cheers,

-Ron

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  • 1 month later...

I have the older M6 and after handling and looking at the MP I know I have to have one. I got to play with an MP, M7, and an M8 side by side and there was something about the MP I found irresistable compared to the others. Of course I'll still keep my M6!

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