How many will get a M6

[hdmesa]

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42 minutes ago, earthphoto said:

As far as I can see it's an MP in a M6 case.  On the "film plate" inside the camera (Sorry, don't know the exact english expression) there are 4 srcrews. The original M6 has none. There where some complains in this forum about scratches on film MP and/or M-A). I don't know if this is because of the screws. I will keep my M6 from 1989. 

Just my two cents

Well your two cents hasn’t read much here lately has it? The new M6 has recessed screws unlike the original M6 and unlike the MP.

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[earleygallery]

1 hour ago, hdmesa said:

Well your two cents hasn’t read much here lately has it? The new M6 has recessed screws unlike the original M6 and unlike the MP.

As has been said already it is very common for a manufacturer to make minor changes over a production run. Look at the DX code reader in the M7 as an example, or the original button rewind M2 that was later changed to a lever. These do not equate to an 'all new' camera.

If Leica really did make the M6 as a full redesign, I think they wasted an opportunity. They could have updated the design rather than harking back to a model from decades before. A new body with grip, maybe the LED framelines of the digital M's, a more advanced shutter, dioptre correction, lots of options they could have looked at.

Edited October 25, 2022 by earleygallery

[Danner]

The interesting factoid I read is that Leica built about 175,000 M6 Classics from 1984 to 2002.  I wonder how many MP and M-A they built?

[hdmesa]

1 hour ago, earleygallery said:

As has been said already it is very common for a manufacturer to make minor changes over a production run. Look at the DX code reader in the M7 as an example, or the original button rewind M2 that was later changed to a lever. These do not equate to an 'all new' camera.

If Leica really did make the M6 as a full redesign, I think they wasted an opportunity. They could have updated the design rather than harking back to a model from decades before. A new body with grip, maybe the LED framelines of the digital M's, a more advanced shutter, dioptre correction, lots of options they could have looked at.

i was merely responding to someone not wanting the new M6 because of the pressure plate screws. No need for yet another diatribe.

[oldwino]

3 hours ago, earleygallery said:

If Leica really did make the M6 as a full redesign, I think they wasted an opportunity. They could have updated the design rather than harking back to a model from decades before. A new body with grip, maybe the LED framelines of the digital M's, a more advanced shutter, dioptre correction, lots of options they could have looked at.

Yup. That would have been interesting. 

[lmans]

3 hours ago, earleygallery said:

As has been said already it is very common for a manufacturer to make minor changes over a production run. Look at the DX code reader in the M7 as an example, or the original button rewind M2 that was later changed to a lever. These do not equate to an 'all new' camera.

If Leica really did make the M6 as a full redesign, I think they wasted an opportunity. They could have updated the design rather than harking back to a model from decades before. A new body with grip, maybe the LED framelines of the digital M's, a more advanced shutter, dioptre correction, lots of options they could have looked at.

Not so fast on your suggestions....    First there is nothing wrong with the grip. I have had M3 and M6's and found nothing to want for in grip. Second...when you start adding in LED frame lines like digitals, advanced shutter...etc etc... you are moving away from the very reason why this camera exists. It is minimalistic and just doesn't need all of those 'features'.  No, Leica did it right. They brought back a legend. Many of these 'legends' that can be bought now are getting in bad shape and the ones that are in  good shape, are certainly not new.  So bringing back what 'works' is smart....real smart. 

[lmans]

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17 hours ago, BradS said:

For me, it's mostly about the ergonomics.   I prefer the M6 advance lever and rewind crank. The fact that the new M6 is slightly less expensive than the old MP is just a nice bonus. I also like the fact that the new M6 incorporates new parts which, Leica has said will alleviate supply chain related pain they feel with the MP and M-A.

Spot on.... the money...whether more or less, is immaterial. Leica Fans are not here to save money so a few hundred dollars less isn't going to pull one into this M6. I believe the new parts is huge. Just updates all. While I like my existing M6, I know it will need a CLA soon, and I am not sure how long the light meter will continue to work. Beyond that, remember...this is not digital. This is pure analog and cameras at this level and stage will last. Even if my light meter dies, it just turns into a nice M3. 

[earleygallery]

20 minutes ago, lmans said:

Not so fast on your suggestions....    First there is nothing wrong with the grip. I have had M3 and M6's and found nothing to want for in grip. Second...when you start adding in LED frame lines like digitals, advanced shutter...etc etc... you are moving away from the very reason why this camera exists. It is minimalistic and just doesn't need all of those 'features'.  No, Leica did it right. They brought back a legend. Many of these 'legends' that can be bought now are getting in bad shape and the ones that are in  good shape, are certainly not new.  So bringing back what 'works' is smart....real smart. 

But you can buy an MP or M-A if you want that, the new M could have offered something very different if it was a complete redesign.

[ktmrider2]

I seem to remember that Leica had the M6TTL, M7 and MP all in production at the same time shortly after the MP's introduction.  And could we consider the "a la carte" program a fourth variant?

[lmans]

57 minutes ago, earleygallery said:

But you can buy an MP or M-A if you want that, the new M could have offered something very different if it was a complete redesign.

Not sure if the M6 has been touted as a complete design. If so, well...Leica is wrong. If not....well, you have the M6 updated. Can't go wrong there. 

[MattiasAndersson]

13 hours ago, MattiasAndersson said:

And the M8, just sold mine… the Leica.

 

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Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Wrong pic, sorry for that if there are any BMW friends here, this is the one M8 from 30 years ago.

 

[hdmesa]

4 hours ago, earleygallery said:

But you can buy an MP or M-A if you want that, the new M could have offered something very different if it was a complete redesign.

This wasn't a redesign for the sake of redesign. It was self-preservation to ensure long term mechanical and electronic parts supply as well as to speed up production (per Jono's discussions with multiple Leica staff).

I would imagine that Leica has zero interest in repeating their past mistake (M5). There's just not enough profit in a hand-made film camera to be worth the risk. Leica's head of global marketing said exactly that the other day: they remade the M6 out of commitment to film, a statement.

[earleygallery]

1 hour ago, hdmesa said:

This wasn't a redesign for the sake of redesign. It was self-preservation to ensure long term mechanical and electronic parts supply as well as to speed up production (per Jono's discussions with multiple Leica staff).

I would imagine that Leica has zero interest in repeating their past mistake (M5). There's just not enough profit in a hand-made film camera to be worth the risk. Leica's head of global marketing said exactly that the other day: they remade the M6 out of commitment to film, a statement.

But they already have 2 film M cameras. A 'commitment to film' would have been a film version of the SL cameras to take the L mount AF lenses.

[hdmesa]

43 minutes ago, earleygallery said:

But they already have 2 film M cameras. A 'commitment to film' would have been a film version of the SL cameras to take the L mount AF lenses.

You're quite the moving target, are you not? I don't see any further reason to continue to engage with you. Cheers 👍

[lmans]

It would be interesting to know of the reason why MP and M-A are getting too difficult to make. What part, what material is the issue and, what is it about the M6 which makes it easier to make? Is it suppliers, manufacturers or? Has anyone heard as opposed to conjectured? 

 

[hdmesa]

1 hour ago, lmans said:

It would be interesting to know of the reason why MP and M-A are getting too difficult to make. What part, what material is the issue and, what is it about the M6 which makes it easier to make? Is it suppliers, manufacturers or? Has anyone heard as opposed to conjectured? 

 

The answers will be clear when someone does a side-by-side tear down of the new M6 and the MP. Otherwise all you'll hear is yet another person chiming in with their "expertise" to tell you why the new M6 is just an MP.

[Linford]

It sure is tempting. Beautiful machine in black. However, I am going to fight the urge. I have an silver M6 TTL from ‘99 and an MP in black paint (which I LOVE) from ‘14. I’m on the list mor an M-A if they ever source one to my AD. I would add that to my arsenal. Admittedly, if I wasn’t already well set I would find this new M6 undeniable.It is a beauty!—lt

 

 

 

[adan]

Back on topic.....

If I were getting a new 35mm film camera in 2022, it would definitely be the M6 re-issue.

However, the past 9 months or so with a pretty nice M2 (upgraded to M4 rapid-loading) have persuaded me that my "film aesthetic" is now only satisfied by medium-format, and 35mm just doesn't interest me any more.

The experience reminded me of one I had about 1966 (age 12) - when I rolled a sheet of typing paper into a cone, stuck a needle through the pointy end, lowered the needle tip into the grooves of spinning vinyl records, and produced analog music. DIY gramophone.

Yeah - it worked. But was the quality anything I really wanted to listen to? After playing about 3 tunes, and showing off my "invention" to my dad, I never used it again.

On the plus side, I'll be one less person competing with you for the limited supplies of M6s and Portra 400 135-36 and so on. And I'll look forward to seeing your results on the various film sub-forums.  

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[Mikep996]

How ironic!  I said this two days ago:   

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.  

Today,I was out again shooting and in the space of 20 minutes two people noticed my Leica M6.  The first was a kid, probably 9-10 years old.  He/his family passed me in the opposite direction.  He saw the camera and hollered, "DAD!  He's got a LEICA!!"  We all just kept walking; I'm sure dad was extremely embarrassed. 

Ten minutes later a guy - I'm guessing early 20's - noticed it and said, "Wow, is that the new M6?"  "No," I replied, "It's an original M6."  "Well," he responded, "it's a beautiful camera!"  I thanked him and he talked about how he's "always" wanted one and plans to buy a new M6.  We wished each other well and went on our respective ways.

So it's clearly no exaggeration to say that young people are very aware of these cameras.  

 

[Danner]

For the last fews years, I have had numerous baristas (mostly young women in their 20's) in the Arts District of Fort Worth (museums, colleges, trendy restaurants, etc.) notice my M6 Classic, and ask about it, and a couple have wanted to fondle it for a bit.  They universally admire and desire it (unfortunately, not the same situation regarding my persona, LOL).