How many will get a M6

[RayD28]

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I have not read all the different threads about the new M6 but have a couple of comments and a few questions.  First, I don't own an M6 but do own an MP.  If I didn't own the MP but did own an original M6, and I had the money to spare, I might upgrade to the M6 just for knowing the electronics are replaceable.  This assumes the new electronics do not work in an original M6.  Does anyone know if the electronics are interchangeable?  If not, is it a coincidence that Leica announced within the last year they no longer have replacement electronics for the original M6?  

Finally, what will a new version do to the pre-owned M6 market?  

[jakontil]

47 minutes ago, RayD28 said:

I have not read all the different threads about the new M6 but have a couple of comments and a few questions.  First, I don't own an M6 but do own an MP.  If I didn't own the MP but did own an original M6, and I had the money to spare, I might upgrade to the M6 just for knowing the electronics are replaceable.  This assumes the new electronics do not work in an original M6.  Does anyone know if the electronics are interchangeable?  If not, is it a coincidence that Leica announced within the last year they no longer have replacement electronics for the original M6?  

Finally, what will a new version do to the pre-owned M6 market?  

It was said, the internals aren’t the same and most very likely not transferrable 

[Vlad Soare]

6 hours ago, leica-curious said:

For those planning to purchase the new M6, why are you selecting it over the MP beside the lower price?

Because I like the red dot and the engraved name. And the slanted rewind crank. It's a timeless design. 
To me it feels as if Jaguar had brought back the E-Type with a modern engine and modern brakes. Why would I buy an XF when I could have that?

[leiM6]

Nope. Already have later production model M6 all black. CLA, masked lines and anti-flare upgrade all done. 

[johnwolf]

6 hours ago, Mikep996 said:

"

I don't mind the red dot, but the big white "Leica M6" branding is pretty unappealing compared to the clean design of the MP. "

I am, and always have been, a fan of both!  Never understood the blackout thing - as if suddenly people can't see you?  That whole, "Nobody notices you with a Leica" (or other smaller camera) is just silly.  True, they may not think you are shooting a movie but they definitely can see you are taking pictures.

  I've traveled my entire life with a camera - at various times with pretty much every well-know brand.  The ONLY time in my life another person actually paid any attention to the camera brand was in Peru a few years ago.  I guy walking by on the street said, (in Spanish) "Hey, nice camera."  Turned out he was carrying the exact same model Olympus and lens so we laughed and congratulated each other on our good taste.  

Why a new M6 over the MP?  As noted, per the pricing I have seen, a new M6 is $400 less expensive than a new MP and appears to be functionally the same other than the rewind lever/button.  So Leica HAS produced a "less expensive M camera." at the same quality level.  If you don't want the Leica dot/logo and prefer the button winder, that's the reason to buy the MP.  I prefer having the logo/dot and the lever-winder.

My post did not mention and had nothing to do with visibility or blackout. It was, or I intended it to be, purely about aesthetic preference. 

John

Edited October 24, 2022 by johnwolf

[Crem]

I’m not, but I have this nagging feeling that I will end up with one. I’m curious who else is in this boat?

[BradS]

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Yup. Although I already have an M6 and an M2, I am seriously thinking of getting the new M6.

[mediumformula]

TokyoCamerastyle posted this on Instagram yesterday.  

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkE1a1jyz7J/

 

A few things I learned about the M6 last week, directly from Jesko von Oeynhausen, the global director of product Photo at Leica and head of the M6 revival project:

-Originally, from 1984-2002 about 175,000 original M6 bodies were produced. The M6 is 43% M3. The RF is based on the M2. I've heard that the MP is 75% M6. Now, I'm not good at math but that adds up to 100% Leica M. (43+75 . . .Is it 118%?). It is an M6.

-The M6 is in production now for as long as there is a market.
The MP and M-A aren't going anywhere- other than out the factory doors and into customer hands, that is. The M6 is an addition to the line. Leica said that they're working to keep up with rising demand for new film cameras and are likewise upscaling production. Remember, Leica isn't where it was in the mid-2000s- they are currently doing the best in their 100 year history. (look it up). Digital is great for them. To insist that the M6 rerelease is a "cash grab" is, from what I know, rather ignorant. They don't *need* to do this- but out of respect for 35mm film and their history with it, they thankfully are. I'm not saying this because of my new camera and four glorious mornings with the hotel breakfast buffet- Leica genuinely loves and supports photography. (this is a future post)

-In an interview session I asked what the re-release of the M6 means for M repairs. He said it absolutely ensures production of new parts that can be used for older cameras. (He also said that when the M6 was announced internally, Leica's service center staff rejoiced because the resurgence in film has meant an increase in older bodies sent in to be brought back up to spec.)
This includes the M6 light meter. Actually, Jesko said that one of the difficulties in bringing the M6 back was sourcing similar parts for the meter's electronics. Great news for anyone with a currently-meterless M6.

-Was there ever talk of naming it the M6-P or M6-2? No, not at all. From the start, it was the M6. Finally: Silver chrome? No.
- - - - - - - - - - -
These are just some quick notes- There’s still a lot I’d like to share from my time in Wetzlar last week- stay tuned. #leicam6 #camerastyle

[leica-curious]

I'm currently undecided, but tempted.

[Huss]

If you are in the US I recommend on getting one from England just because of the exchange rate.  You can use it and sell it for more than you bought it for, or at the very least not lose any money on it.  It is (or was when ai bought mine) $1400 cheaper buying from the UK shipping to the US.

[earleygallery]

47 minutes ago, mediumformula said:

TokyoCamerastyle posted this on Instagram yesterday.  

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkE1a1jyz7J/

 

A few things I learned about the M6 last week, directly from Jesko von Oeynhausen, the global director of product Photo at Leica and head of the M6 revival project:

-Originally, from 1984-2002 about 175,000 original M6 bodies were produced. The M6 is 43% M3. The RF is based on the M2. I've heard that the MP is 75% M6. Now, I'm not good at math but that adds up to 100% Leica M. (43+75 . . .Is it 118%?). It is an M6.

-The M6 is in production now for as long as there is a market.
The MP and M-A aren't going anywhere- other than out the factory doors and into customer hands, that is. The M6 is an addition to the line. Leica said that they're working to keep up with rising demand for new film cameras and are likewise upscaling production. Remember, Leica isn't where it was in the mid-2000s- they are currently doing the best in their 100 year history. (look it up). Digital is great for them. To insist that the M6 rerelease is a "cash grab" is, from what I know, rather ignorant. They don't *need* to do this- but out of respect for 35mm film and their history with it, they thankfully are. I'm not saying this because of my new camera and four glorious mornings with the hotel breakfast buffet- Leica genuinely loves and supports photography. (this is a future post)

-In an interview session I asked what the re-release of the M6 means for M repairs. He said it absolutely ensures production of new parts that can be used for older cameras. (He also said that when the M6 was announced internally, Leica's service center staff rejoiced because the resurgence in film has meant an increase in older bodies sent in to be brought back up to spec.)
This includes the M6 light meter. Actually, Jesko said that one of the difficulties in bringing the M6 back was sourcing similar parts for the meter's electronics. Great news for anyone with a currently-meterless M6.

-Was there ever talk of naming it the M6-P or M6-2? No, not at all. From the start, it was the M6. Finally: Silver chrome? No.
- - - - - - - - - - -
These are just some quick notes- There’s still a lot I’d like to share from my time in Wetzlar last week- stay tuned. #leicam6 #camerastyle

None of that sounds like a new/new redesigned camera.

[M9reno]

Apologies if this has been asked or answered before:  does the new M6 accept IXMOO cassettes?  (The old M6 and M6TTL did, but neither the M5, M7, MP, or M-A do).

[oldwino]

55 minutes ago, Huss said:

If you are in the US I recommend on getting one from England just because of the exchange rate.  You can use it and sell it for more than you bought it for, or at the very least not lose any money on it.  It is (or was when ai bought mine) $1400 cheaper buying from the UK shipping to the US.

In six-eight months time there will be a bunch of these on the used market, when many find out that a. film isn’t cheap, and b. film has terrible resolution and “noise”. 

[Huss]

14 minutes ago, oldwino said:

In six-eight months time there will be a bunch of these on the used market, when many find out that a. film isn’t cheap, and b. film has terrible resolution and “noise”. 

I think people are aware of film by now.  And the newbies are attracted to it because it is not digital i.e resolution etc.

I really don’t think the M6 or any Leica attracts the no idea about film photography crowd.

[earleygallery]

23 minutes ago, oldwino said:

In six-eight months time there will be a bunch of these on the used market, when many find out that a. film isn’t cheap, and b. film has terrible resolution and “noise”. 

If someone can drop over 5K (plus a lens don't forget) on a new camera I doubt they would consider the cost of a roll of film to be prohibitive!

Terrible resolution and noise? Oh dear.

[Mikep996]

FWIW, I'm in the UK at the moment and I checked with the main store in Mayfair.  Leica UK is selling (when available) the M6 for £4500.  At the current exchange rate, that's $5082.  The US price (when available) is $5295 per Leica Miami.  If they had one available I'd buy it in London but I doubt they will have any before we head back to the US on December 8.  If they do, I'll buy one and cancel my preorder with Leica Miami.

[LocalHero1953]

15 minutes ago, Mikep996 said:

FWIW, I'm in the UK at the moment and I checked with the main store in Mayfair.  Leica UK is selling (when available) the M6 for £4500.  At the current exchange rate, that's $5082.  The US price (when available) is $5295 per Leica Miami.  If they had one available I'd buy it in London but I doubt they will have any before we head back to the US on December 8.  If they do, I'll buy one and cancel my preorder with Leica Miami.

£3750 for export, without tax.

[oldwino]

54 minutes ago, earleygallery said:

If someone can drop over 5K (plus a lens don't forget) on a new camera I doubt they would consider the cost of a roll of film to be prohibitive!

Terrible resolution and noise? Oh dear.

A roll? No. But go out for a good day's shooting with 5 rolls of Portra 400, send them off to be developed and (properly) scanned, and you'd have spent close to $200. On top of the $5K+ for the camera. Suddenly, the shine is starting to wear off...

My wife still, after 20+ years of marriage, will look at one of my film photos up on the monitor, zoom in 100%, and proclaim, "that camera isn't very sharp!"

20 years.

[andrew01]

2 hours ago, Huss said:

If you are in the US I recommend on getting one from England just because of the exchange rate.  You can use it and sell it for more than you bought it for, or at the very least not lose any money on it.  It is (or was when ai bought mine) $1400 cheaper buying from the UK shipping to the US.

If you do this, please send an email of thanks to our former PM, who is now known as ‘The Lettuce’ because a lettuce has a longer shelf life.  The Lettuce tanked the British economy within days of starting the job, thereby causing the pound to crash to all-time lows against USD.

Send your email of thanks here:

elizabeth.truss.mp@parliament.uk

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[hdmesa]

2 hours ago, earleygallery said:

None of that sounds like a new/new redesigned camera.

It can still be all-new internals and still be an M6. Why wouldn't they make improvements where needed to all parts of the camera as they went? I don't see the contradiction. Take for example the photo of the new M6 pressure plate I posted in a few threads – the screws are recessed now. The old M6 pressure plate had no screws. The MP pressure plate has exposed screws. Did they continue that kind of thoughtful redesign of the parts as they went? Why wouldn't they? Could they still be backward compatible with the old M6? Absolutely. So the new M6 can be new but its parts still be backward compatible with the old M6. Some of the parts may also be compatible with the MP, such as that pressure plate. Etc.