New M6TTL

[AceVentura1986]

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Hello, all. As mentioned in another thread, I have years of experience with digital Leicas but haven’t really shot film since my college days. I just took delivery of an M6TTL in silver chrome that I bought on eBay. The camera was advertised as mint but I’d say it’s just a little under mint, though still quite beautiful. I tested it today w some old film as I wasn’t able to find a store that sells film in my vicinity. Still, it appears to work fine and the meter gives me readings that correlate with what I’d think should be the shutter speed, more or less. Overall it’s good and a keeper, except for one thing: blistering. 

I’d read about the problem zinc tops have with blistering but thought it was a phenomenon particular to earlier M6s. Mine is a late model, manufactured in 1999, so I thought the issue would be moot. Now, the blistering is not very noticeable at all. In fact, if you didn’t know what to look for you might not notice it. I’m not really concerned with its current condition but more worried about the future and how it might look in a few years. 

I’ve attached two photos with the areas circled. I come to this having experienced the corrosion issue with both my ME and my M9M which luckily Leica repaired under warranty. A 20 year old camera, however, is a different animal. 

So, Am I making too much of this? Should I keep the camera or return it and keep looking? Is there such a thing as an M6 that won’t blister or is this more like the CCD issue where all sensors would eventually corrode? 

Also, to preempt the issue I am set on an M6TTL. I say this because it’s shutter dial is the same size and orientation as my two digital Leicas so switching between them should be easy. Also, I ruled out the M7 because I want the option of shooting  the camera without a battery and without the limitations that the M7 imposes on shutter speed without a battery. Given my desire for a fully mechanical camera, with an internal meter and a larger shutter dial, the M6TTL is really the only option. 

Thanks in advance. 

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[ChicagoMatthew]

I am not one to care about aesthetics, especially when it comes to my Leicas. But, if it was advertised as “mint” and it’s not, I would be wondering what else is wrong with it. Mint is a very specific classification. I’d return it. 
 

Also, the M7 works without a battery at 1/60 and 1/125. Honestly, it’s not that big of a problem to use only those two. I wouldn’t do it all day, but if I ran out of battery it wouldn’t really stop me either. Also, I think I’ve changed my m7 three times in 10 years. 

Edited February 17, 2020 by ChicagoMatthew

[mediumformula]

I would just accept it for what it is and not worry about it.  Maybe mention it to the ebay seller (Since they listed the item as MINT and ask for a small refund if it really bothers you).

[stray cat]

I have three M6TTLs and value them for the same reasons you gave, especially that all shutter speeds are available without a battery. None of mine (they are all Manufacture Year 2000) have blistering. To be honest, it would bother me if they did and if it was me, I'd return it. You should be able to find one in genuinely mint condition. If all else fails, it'll cost you a bit more, but buy through a respected retail outlet such as Leica Shop Vienna (oops just checked - only one at the moment is in A condition (ie perfect) but Titanium which commands a significant premium). A reputable store will advise you honestly about bubbling, too.

[plasticman]

That’s not mint and I’d return it as quickly as possible, because otherwise it’s gonna bother you for year after year of use.

I agree that buying from somewhere like Leicashop is optimal (have bought two cameras from them, and they’ve been exactly as described), but in any case it’s better to wait and find the best possible model from any source, than keeping a camera that will bother you every time you pick it up.

Also some of the special edition M6TTL cameras don’t have the zinc top-plates. Sometimes they don’t even cost much more than the standard model, so maybe worth looking out for one of those.

[AceVentura1986]

Thanks for the responses. I’ll contact the dealer today and start the return process. 

[TheBestSLIsALeicaflex]

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When I had them, in the way back, I liked the big shutter dials of the M5 and M6ttl.  Very ergonomic, and easy to change shutter speeds with the camera up to your face.  But you'll get used to whatever you have to shoot.  I use M2's now.

M6' seem pretty pricey these days.  If you paid up for it, I'd try to get a partial refund or send it back.  "Mint" should really mean just that.  

Edited February 17, 2020 by TheBestSLIsALeicaflex

[Reini]

I also wanted to buy an M6ttl with the big shutter dials . She looked good in the 3 month old photos, while looking at it I also saw some pimples.
No, I don't like that either. It then became an M4P with a brass top. 😉

I have already read on the net (or was it here in the forum?) That someone was with his M6 in the rain and at home they suddenly had pimples ....

[AceVentura1986]

All this leads to an interesting scenario. Assuming I found a mechanically sound but very pimpled M6ttl and was able to acquire it at a good discount specifically because of the pimples, is it economically worthwhile to do so and then send it into Leica for both a CLA and an exchange of the top plate? If so, would Leica go so far as to install a brass or titanium top plate on an M6ttl considering that this would significantly change the model? 

Any thoughts on this? 

[AndreasG]

I think it is better to buy right from the beginning a M6TTL which is in proper condition without having it sent to Leica for service/repair.

[AceVentura1986]

Just initiated the return procedure. Was nice while it lasted. If I get another, that’s a big if, it’ll be one of the specialty models with a brass top plate or one that has been modified with a brass top plate. 

[RayD28]

Agree with you returning it.  Good move.  You paid for mint, a subjective term certainly, but bubbling finish is not mint within any reasonable person's definition.  A dealer's reputation and knowledge is worth a couple of hundreds of dollars.  A month after purchasing you won't care.  

BTW, this is no knock against eBay.  

Good luck and I hope you find exactly what you are looking for at a fair price.  

[earleygallery]

5 hours ago, RayD28 said:

 You paid for mint, a subjective term certainly 

Mint shouldn't be subjective, especially when a dealer is using the term. Mint SHOULD mean an item that is indistinguishable from new. No marks, no signs of wear, nothing to show that the items was used. Any marks or signs of wear and it's not mint.

[jaapv]

I always skip eBay items labelled "mint" It is synonymous with "overpriced".

[earleygallery]

2 minutes ago, jaapv said:

I always skip eBay items labelled "mint" It is synonymous with "overpriced".

Overpriced and almost always not mint! 

Another to avoid is anything described as 'minty'. 

[jaapv]

Coming back to the M6TTL, I see the attraction of the big shutter dial, but having owned one and still owning an M6 classic, I much prefer the latter camera, albeit for totally subjective reasons. I didn't like the size (although that has improved now that I am used to digital Ms, I prefer the older viewfinder for my eye. I would advise the OP to try one - and mine doesn't bubble... If you get one that is not corroded after all these years it is unlikely that it will go wrong.

[AndreasG]

vor 18 Minuten schrieb jaapv:

I would advise the OP to try one - and mine doesn't bubble... If you get one that is not corroded after all these years it is unlikely that it will go wrong.

Same with my M6 cameras, no bubbles, just some black chrome rubbed off after many years of use - front 34 years, rear 30 years.

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[jaapv]

Something like that :

 

 

 

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Hallo,

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[dkmoore]

20 hours ago, AceVentura1986 said:

Just initiated the return procedure. Was nice while it lasted. If I get another, that’s a big if, it’ll be one of the specialty models with a brass top plate or one that has been modified with a brass top plate. 

Leica store Miami has 3 M6 cameras listed as we speak and they are very accurate with descriptions. I think they have silver, black, and titanium (oh beautiful titanium). 

[AceVentura1986]

21 hours ago, dkmoore said:

Leica store Miami has 3 M6 cameras listed as we speak and they are very accurate with descriptions. I think they have silver, black, and titanium (oh beautiful titanium). 

Thanks. Am going to wait till my credit comes through for the purchase. If it’s still there I’ll call Josh and go in and see it as I live only a 10 minute drive from there.