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Thinking of M6 purchase


Studio58

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I currently own an M8 and M9 and am considering purchasing an M6 with a .58 finder. I do like the idea of the .58 finder as I assume that it will be easier to use with my 24mm Elmarit. Is that correct logic ? ANd what impact does that have on 75 mm focal length.

Also, I have read that the viewfinder is prone to flare on the M6. Was this problem addressed in later models... EG Serial 268*** era ?

Thanks,

Paul

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Was this problem addressed in later models... EG Serial 268*** era ?

 

No. The 'problem' was addressed with the finder used in the MP and later models of the M7. It's possible that a particular M6TTL could have been retrofitted with the 'MP style' finder but it is safe to assume not.

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The M6 (and M7) 0.58 finder accommodates the 28mm frame lines more comfortably but as has been noted does not in any case include 24mm framelines, as no Leica M body does. Even with the 0.58 finder you would still need to use an external finder for the 24mm.

 

The anti-flare thing is largely over-stated. The MP finder is better, it's true, but the difference is nowhere near as marked as some will make out.

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My original M6 is .72 finder, but I'd agree the "flare" issue is overblown. Technique, mainly eye placement to the center of the finder, may explain why some complain more than others, and may be more of an issue for us eyeglass wearers. I notice the flare about as much with my M9 as with the M6. I have noticed more flare on the M6 than my M4 (which I bought in 68) so there is indeed a difference. I had my M6 CLA'd a year ago, so probably won't bother sending it in again for a fix - it isn't that much of a problem.

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Recently I had the opportunity to purchase an M7 with a .58 viewfinder. Since I use mostly 35-50-(75)-90 lenses I found the viewfinder not to meet my needs. As previously stated it would work well with a 28 but I do not use that lens much.

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With regard to the flare issue, I have an M6ttl (o.72x) which has the 'problem', and an M3 (for more than 40 years) which is generally agreed to have the best view/rangefinder system in this regard. When I got the M6 I noticed on a few occasions that the rangefinder patch flared out to white, if I moved my eye position relative to the viewfinder the flaring disapeared.

I can't say that I have noticed the problem at all for a long time, and the M6 is the camera I use most, I don't know why that should be, maybe I position my eye better in the first place, or maybe the slight adjustment to position has become automatic.

It seems to me in my limited experience, that it is a theoretical 'problem', one of the many one learns to cope with in using ANY camera, none of the many I have used has been 'perfect', all have pros and cons, for me the M6ttl with 0.72x finder is the best 'compromise' for what I do (at the moment!!). The MP should be the same, but I can't afford the extra money, and indeed why should I if the M6 will do the same job.

 

Gerry

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Thanks Gerry. It may be a while before I make the move to film so I will have plenty of opportunity to consider my decision. I reckon though that the M6 would be a wonderful camera to own An MP would be nice too but i would need to generate a few more $$$'s in my struggling business to finance the purchase:D:D:D

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I've got an M9 (recent) and have had both an M6TTL and now an MP. I sold my M6TTL to finance the MP, which came at a deal I couldn't pass up. The finder on the MP is a bit nicer, it's true, but I'd agree with those who say it's not as though the M6 finder is atrocious. I had no problems (sometimes at odd angles, particularly in portrait framing...but that also happens sometimes with my M9 and my MP. I'm just trying to be mindful of it and practice, trying to get better technique, etc.).

 

The M6 is a wonderful camera, and you won't go wrong having one as your film camera. I actually prefer the shutter dial of the TTL (I know....many out there will send instant hate mail, call it the end of humanity and all things decent, etc.), but I just liked the larger size of the TTL dial, and it turned a bit easier. Things I like about the MP are the black paint, the classic M3 shutter advance lever, and I even like the old school film rewind knob...I'm not a press photographer, so rewinding a roll of film isn't something I need to do in 5 seconds. The M7 has the same shutter dial as the MP, and also has aperture priority AE. Sometimes you can get good deals on used ones, and many have the MP finder upgrade.

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As gyoung has succinctly said the flare problem of the M6 is way overblown. Some people become paralysed by any lack of perfection in their M camera, and some just get on with the job. Don't listen to those who claim occasional flare is a big flaw.

 

It is a waste of time getting a .58 camera for a 24mm lens, but if you have a 28mm then it may work better for you. Personally I never liked the .58 because all other framelines looked like a lone pea on a plate, so small they make you feel dissociated from the scene.

 

So, if you dropped the idea of a later model, drop the idea of a .58 viewfinder, you have more cameras to choose from in a lower price range :)

 

Steve

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My original M6 is .72 finder, but I'd agree the "flare" issue is overblown.

 

I respectfully disagree, for me my M6 was a constant frustration to use after I added an M8 in 2007 when I saw how the finder could work. My user experience of the M6 after it came back with the upgraded optics was completely different and it has been a joy to use since.

Carl

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