Leica M6 vs MP

[gmfotografie]

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Pros and Cons for you why you use the MP or the M6 ( not the price )

 

Best Michael

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[a.noctilux]

Kifkif= same thing

if we find differences, those are simply so individual things that don't count.

As user, having M6 (many units) then MP (many units), I just use them to take pictures, that's all.

 

I still use M6, not MP anymore 😇.

 

...233 pages to read for MP

certainly less pages for M6 !

70 pages only

 

I'd add that the MP viewfinder is clearer/contrastier than M6 which sometimes can white out,

so needing MP - VF upgrade.

Never hear of M6 upgrade VF for MP 😉.

We still can buy new MP.

Edited August 6, 2022 by a.noctilux

[Guest]

Does it matter 😳.

What I mean by that is they’re just black boxes to put film in and a lens on.  Only real difference is one’s newer than the other and includes improved technology and materials in the intervening years. 

The choice is do you want the new shiny model or the old shiny model. 
 

 

Edited August 6, 2022 by OThomas

[Ouroboros]

MP:

• Better sealed, non flaring viewfinder
• Brass top & bottom plates means no 'zinc pox' 
• Knob rewind 
• Newer than M6 and still in production
• No plastic articulating tip on film advance lever
• No red dot
• Smaller 'traditional' shutter speed dial
• Standard silver or bp MP are more stylish cameras than a standard M6

M6:

• Cheaper to buy than a used MP 

 

 

 

[Stuart Richardson]

My first Leica was an MP that I bought new in 2003. I eventually went on to buy an M7, and subsequently inherited my father's M6 when he stopped film photography. Of all of them, I wound up selling the MP. The reason I did so was that I feel like the M7 is the best M for actual photographic use. The addition of stepless AE and a better viewfinder makes the camera more usable. Between the M6 and MP, I found the M6 to be smoother (this can vary between cameras...it was fairly pronounced between my cameras), and as pretty as the MP was, I think the wind on lever and the rewind crank were better on the M6 than they were on the MP. I did not really encounter the viewfinder flare enough for it to be a real bother for me, but it is there. In the end I kept the M6 because it was my father's and because it was smoother in operation. I also like that it is a bit more utilitarian than the MP. In then end though, when I go out and use an M, it is most often my M7, which I think is the best of the bunch.

[cesc]

I had an M6 as my first M long time ago, sold it.

I have an MP BP....

I miss my M2

But between M6 and MP, no real difference in terms of using it to take pictures. 

[Mute-on]

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GIYF

[Sunyforreal]

Everyone has already done a great job explaining all the differences but I will add - M6 prices have risen (due to the YouTube hype train) to the point where they are not so different from MP prices. For example, there’s a silver chrome MP for sale on FM right now for $3500. There are several M6s listed in different places for MORE than that. The MP is the better camera to use. Is it thousands of dollars better? No. But is it hundreds of dollars better? Absolutely.

Now if you decide you want black chrome or black paint, I guess that helps narrow down the decision for you, doesn’t it!

Edited August 6, 2022 by Sunyforreal

[grahamc]

I have M6 (albeit the TTL version ) and MP.  For me, the MP viewfinder is noticeably easier to focus with as the rangefinder patch is more contrasty.  They aren’t worlds apart but I’m more confident with the MP.  I also prefer the MP advance lever

These factors are more relevant to my actual image-making than the things I prefer in the M6 (rewind knob, retro looks).  So overall MP is my favourite. 

Edited August 6, 2022 by grahamc

[Matlock]

1 hour ago, Sunyforreal said:

The MP is the better camera to use. Is it thousands of dollars better? No. But is it hundreds of dollars better? Absolutely.

The MP is better only if it is the camera you prefer. We all have our own favourites and, although I own one (an MP3 actually)  my favourite would be my M7 or my M6TTL. The only way is to try them out and see which you prefer.

[grahamc]

Speaking of M6 TTL have a think if you may value TTL flash capability.  
 

Not often discussed here but I love the convenience of mine and use it often.  So much so that if I ever needed just one film camera it might just be the M6 TTL, although referring to my earlier post I would upgrade the viewfinder.   That’d be my perfect camera as I already swapped the advance leaver for an MP one.  

[Sunyforreal]

18 minutes ago, Matlock said:

The MP is better only if it is the camera you prefer. We all have our own favourites and, although I own one (an MP3 actually)  my favourite would be my M7 or my M6TTL. The only way is to try them out and see which you prefer.

You’re absolutely right. “Better” is all about what metrics you use to define it. 

[Sailronin]

I've owned and used M6, M7 and three MP's (not at the same time).  I don't even remember if my M6 was TTL as I never use portable flash. I currently have an 2021 MP and am happy with it. The finder is better (less flare, better focus patch) then either the M6 or my previous M7.  For quick street shooting the M7 is king, for more contemplative street and all other shooting I prefer the MP (which is my only M now) due to the finder. YMMV

[TomB_tx]

My M6 is my second M, bought new in 1985 or 86 ('85 production). It eventually developed light leaks from the curtain seals (known weakness on early M6), so I had it repaired along with a CLA. While I used it for decades with its original RF (which could mildly flare in some lighting), I eventually had the VF/RF upgraded by DAG. It's now the film M I use most, still looks like new, and I see no reason to get anything else. I also have M2,3,4,& 5 and consider the M6 equal to any.

[Topsy]

I had an M6 and liked it but preferred the advance lever and rewind on my M2 so I got an MP and sold the M6 (I also have an M4P) they all take the same pictures but asthetically and functionally I prefer the advance and rewind of the MP over the M4P or M6. For me MP all the way.

[logan2z]

7 hours ago, Ouroboros said:

M6:

• Cheaper to buy than a used MP 

That difference seems to have been disappearing in recent months.  Yes, the M6 is still cheaper, but the gap has been narrowing to the point where it would be hard for me to justify buying an old M6 (with the cons you've listed) over a used MP.  And, given that used MP prices aren't that far off of new MP prices (at least in my neck of the woods), I'd skip the M6 and just go for a new MP.

[Anbaric]

Where I live a used MP is still about 40% more expensive (and a new MP about 75% more expensive) than a used M6 (Classic). For me, the 'modern' film advance and (especially) the much faster rewind crank on the M6 are significant upgrades compared to the retro MP. The disadvantages are the possibility of zinc corrosion, the increased tendency to flare out the RF patch, and the lack of spares if the lightmeter circuit board fails. I suppose the ideal camera for me would be an MP from the old 'à la carte' programme tricked out like an M6...

[Ouroboros]

2 hours ago, logan2z said:

That difference seems to have been disappearing in recent months.  Yes, the M6 is still cheaper, but the gap has been narrowing to the point where it would be hard for me to justify buying an old M6 (with the cons you've listed) over a used MP.  And, given that used MP prices aren't that far off of new MP prices (at least in my neck of the woods), I'd skip the M6 and just go for a new MP.

Exactly.  I saw an early s/n black MP in 'mint condition' with original packaging and paperwork advertised by a London dealer last week for £3450, which is about £1000 less than the cost of a new MP and about £1000 more expensive than a similar condition M6 listed by the same dealer.   

 

  

 

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[labyrinth]

I have them both M6TTL and MP. I like the look of my MP but for daily use I prefer the M6 as it feels much smoother and better ergonomically

[grahamc]

OP has this been helpful or confusing? 😂

Edited August 7, 2022 by grahamc