dwrz Posted May 16, 2011 Share #1 Posted May 16, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) I'm an infantryman. Work comes first, but if there is some downtime I do try to photograph. Until now, I've used an Olympus E-P2 with a 20mm lens, and despite taking a beating, it's still kicking. Among the things withstood is a taking a video of C4 going off, shooting through a downpour, and slamming around in my cargo pocket. How would the M6 TTL fare? I'm especially worried about: scratching the viewfinder/rangefinder smashing the lens (50mm Elmar), weather resistance, dirt/dust/heat, and all the buttons/dials. Does anyone have any field experience with this camera? How does it hold up? I feel a little hesitant to take it out, but on the other hand, I didn't really get this with the idea of keeping it at home. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Advertisement Posted May 16, 2011 Posted May 16, 2011 Hi dwrz, Take a look here How Rugged/Tough is a Leica M6 TTL?. I'm sure you'll find what you were looking for!
kokoshawnuff Posted May 16, 2011 Share #2 Posted May 16, 2011 I've shot the M6 in the rain and snow with no problems, never dropped it though. Patch flare can be a problem, but then again thats the case with every modern leica. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
andybarton Posted May 16, 2011 Share #3 Posted May 16, 2011 Patch flare isn't a problem with later M7s and MPs and the M6 can be upgraded. Film Ms are tougher than digital ones. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
too old to care Posted May 16, 2011 Share #4 Posted May 16, 2011 My m6 has spent much of it's life traveling in backpacks, motorcycle luggage, etc and never really protected, still going strong. I think this treatment could have killed a dslr. Wayne Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwrz Posted May 16, 2011 Author Share #5 Posted May 16, 2011 Thanks. What about the viewfinder, lens mount? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ganzosrevenge Posted May 16, 2011 Share #6 Posted May 16, 2011 I'm an infantryman. Work comes first, but if there is some downtime I do try to photograph. Until now, I've used an Olympus E-P2 with a 20mm lens, and despite taking a beating, it's still kicking. Among the things withstood is a taking a video of C4 going off, shooting through a downpour, and slamming around in my cargo pocket. How would the M6 TTL fare? I'm especially worried about: scratching the viewfinder/rangefinder smashing the lens (50mm Elmar), weather resistance, dirt/dust/heat, and all the buttons/dials. Does anyone have any field experience with this camera? How does it hold up? I feel a little hesitant to take it out, but on the other hand, I didn't really get this with the idea of keeping it at home. If you want a tough Leica, the Leicaflexs (Original, SL, and SL2) are regarded as tanks. There is a story of an SL2 MOT that fell out of an airplane into the mohave from 5 miles up, and while severely damaged, was repairable and now lives in the Leica Museum in Solms. Cameras do not come tougher than the Flexes. As for the viewfinders, Flexes are all VERY bright, and they are VERY clear. THe SLs has a microprism that allows for center-weighted metering yet focuses anywhere on the screen. Additionally they can be had in good order for $200 (but finding lenses will go at $500 and vertical from there). It's basically an M in an SLR body with SLR functionality, and I love it. Jason Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwrz Posted May 16, 2011 Author Share #7 Posted May 16, 2011 Advertisement (gone after registration) The only problem with that is size. I have a Canon AE-1P that I purchased for some $40-- not a big loss (unlike the M6) if it broke. But I can't fit it in my cargo pocket or in a vest mounted pouch. That's pretty much why I had a m4/3 before the M6. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted May 16, 2011 Share #8 Posted May 16, 2011 Thanks. What about the viewfinder, lens mount? The lens mount is, well, the lens mount. I've never heard of any problems regarding the mount. The rangefinder can be knocked out of alignment if the camera is dropped/hit hard. But overall the M's are pretty hardy which is why they were the choice of many photojournalists for many years. Or consider an Nikon F. Don McCullin's stopped a round from an AK47 and saved his life! Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here… Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! Link to post Share on other sites Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members! ' data-webShareUrl='https://www.l-camera-forum.com/topic/151832-how-ruggedtough-is-a-leica-m6-ttl/?do=findComment&comment=1673831'>More sharing options...
dwrz Posted May 16, 2011 Author Share #9 Posted May 16, 2011 Sorry, by lens mount I meant how much resistance it can take. Viewfinder I also meant scratch resistance. I'm worried mostly about having to hit the deck with the camera in my cargo pocket, or in general it slamming against something while in there and on the move. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
earleygallery Posted May 16, 2011 Share #10 Posted May 16, 2011 Hi again, I'd say the lens mount is as rugged as they can get on a camera, no worries there (no doubt someone will say otherwise!). The viewfinder could of course get broken but then any camera you take would be liable to damage of some kind. If you did have to hit the deck, as it were, presumably the camera would be the last thing to worry about! I'd keep it in a pouch of some sort inside your pocket just as a little added impact protection. It would be interesting to see some of your photos. Good luck and stay safe! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwrz Posted May 16, 2011 Author Share #11 Posted May 16, 2011 I think a pouch is a good idea. Is there something like a neoprene sleeve available? As for getting down, it's something that happens pretty frequently in training. I'm not Combat Camera, and really any chance I get to photograph is a privilege extended to me by superiors. The Leica M works great because of the size (and better IQ than the m4/3), but as it has been a significant investment for me, I feel a bit more hesitant to risk damaging it. Hopefully I'll be able to take and post some shots in the future. Here's a short video I took with the m4/3, back when I was still in training at the School of Infantry: . Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
BobYIL Posted May 16, 2011 Share #12 Posted May 16, 2011 Sorry, by lens mount I meant how much resistance it can take. Viewfinder I also meant scratch resistance. I'm worried mostly about having to hit the deck with the camera in my cargo pocket, or in general it slamming against something while in there and on the move. The viewfinders of all M series are made of glass, both on the eye-side and the front side, even the tiny counter window is glass, so they are scratch resistant; however when you need to clean the viewfinder first brush off the dust then wipe (like you do with a lens). Mounts: Leica bodies are aluminum injection molded and the mounts are fixed through 5 screws. Do you think you can bend the mount without breaking the body? Reliability: Don't regard any film M-Leica as a delicate toy; they are made for photojournalists in mind. They last like the marriages of our grandparents.. Some of my M2's and M3's being used since the 60's do still have the "L" seal, meaning they are not opened for service yet but they work fine and when I check the shutter speeds they still are within 25% tolerance. To my experience only Nikon F's (and F2's) were so reliable. However be careful to not hit the top around the viewfinder side. Brass (or zinc with the ones after M4-2) is rather soft, bent or dented easily. This is no plastic camera you can throw around. Handle it lovingly, you will have a lifetime companion. Bob Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
cbretteville Posted May 16, 2011 Share #13 Posted May 16, 2011 Patch flare isn't a problem with later M7s and MPs and the M6 can be upgraded. I had mine upgraded, it is truly worth it. Carl Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StS Posted May 16, 2011 Share #14 Posted May 16, 2011 My M6 has travelled quite extensively without any issues in a briefcase, just being protected by the M8 neoprene bag. Nothing is completely indestructible, but a Leica comes close and can be fixed, if something happens. If I understand correctly you are in a military profession. Once, one of my lenses hit the stone pavement from hip height, apart from a smashed UV filter and a dent in the lens hood it is still fine. Drop a gun from this height, and the holding point (if this is the correct term) will be completely off (we have national service, hence my limited insight). Stefan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
StS Posted May 16, 2011 Share #15 Posted May 16, 2011 ...I should add one point - the M6 is not waterproof. Stefan Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xmas Posted May 16, 2011 Share #16 Posted May 16, 2011 Hi Leitz (in early 60ies) used to market a stiff leather case (ERC) that had a short snout that would just fit over an Elmar, these will be old now but a good leather worker might refurb, or copy. Your TTL probably a bit tall to fit but a good leather worker... Noel Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
too old to care Posted May 16, 2011 Share #17 Posted May 16, 2011 I should mention something that I did not in my first post. When I said that my M6 has seen its fair share of abuse, when traveling it also rests in the "factory" Leica ever ready case. Bit big and expensive for what it is, but it is also semi-stiff and protects both the lens and body well. Also comes off easily, which is how I use my camera, sans case. Another option, if you also want a good, small rugged camera, look at the pocket Rollies too. I have a 82 vintage Rollie 35SE that has seen real abuse, still ticks like new. Sonnar 40mm 2.8 lens. Wayne Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
dwrz Posted May 17, 2011 Author Share #18 Posted May 17, 2011 Wow. I wish I'd known about that Rollei earlier! I need to shop around to find a good case. I think most ERC's would make the camera not fit in the cargo pocket. Maybe I'll have to see if I can find a tailor who can make a custom tactical one, with MOLLE mounts and/or D-Rings. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
kivis Posted May 17, 2011 Share #19 Posted May 17, 2011 Wow. I wish I'd known about that Rollei earlier! I need to shop around to find a good case. I think most ERC's would make the camera not fit in the cargo pocket. Maybe I'll have to see if I can find a tailor who can make a custom tactical one, with MOLLE mounts and/or D-Rings. Soft hardy neoprene cases are readily available. Check Ebay. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewis44 Posted May 17, 2011 Share #20 Posted May 17, 2011 Wow. I wish I'd known about that Rollei earlier! I need to shop around to find a good case. I think most ERC's would make the camera not fit in the cargo pocket. Maybe I'll have to see if I can find a tailor who can make a custom tactical one, with MOLLE mounts and/or D-Rings. Op/Tech makes a good case. See: OP/TECH USA Soft Pouch SLR and Rangefinder Hope this helps Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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