If you'd need to pick today: 2022 Leica M6 or latest Leica MP (both new)

[Jewl]

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If you were asked to pick, which one would you take?

For myself, I actually would prefer the look of the MP but the new M6 might have the latest parts so that it might be better for repairs etc..?

Any other downside if you pick the one or the other except of the aesthetics... 

Cheers,
J

[LocalHero1953]

I've made my choice: I have a MP black paint on order. I have a silver M4 but want an alternative with a meter. The degree to which the MP and M6 share components was not important: I don't mind either way. Outside Leica, only armchair CEOs know the truth.

I didn't make my choice on functionality or longevity grounds: I chose the MP for frivolous and arbitrary aesthetic reasons: the M4 has a angled crank rewind, plastic-tipped wind-on lever, and plastic-finished self-timer and frame-preview levers, so went for the opposite this time. I haven't had a genuine black paint Leica before (as opposed to the modern, more durable black coatings).

Edited January 23 by LocalHero1953

[jakontil]

I’d still pick MP in black paint,  i dont fancy the advance lever and rapid rewind crank

[Garantenstellung]

I would always choose the black chrome M-A.

But to answer your question, I do think it's all about the aesthetics when choosing between the two. The difference in advance lever and rewind crack is largely an aesthetics thing too in my opinion. I don't think one is superior over the other in terms of parts or anything. Personally, i'd choose the black paint MP. But I see the appeal of the M6 too. They're all beautiful. 

Edited January 23 by Garantenstellung

[Mikep996]

For me it's the opposite, I'd select the M6 for two reasons.  I hated the button rewind on my first Leica (M2) back in the day and I prefer the styling of the M6 over the MP with the "M6" Logo/Leitz red dot.  I agree that any concern about parts - MP vs M6 - would not be an issue so pick whichever camera you prefer for whatever reason you prefer it!  

OTOH, the only reason I would buy one is if my 1984 M6 quit working.  It functions perfectly though I suppose it's getting close to time for a CLA since the last time it had one was... 

er...

umm...

never.  😱

[Jewl]

Thanks guys!

Do we actually have certainty whether the MP and M6 parts are the same, meaning, MP repairs are secured in the same way? That would be at least my most important aspect when picking one or the other! From an aesthetics point of view, I do think the MP appeals a bit more to me as I have the M11 with a red dot already. Therefore, it is way more discrete - the M6 and M11 really look quite similar especially since the black finish is the same as from the M11.

[Jimmyp82]

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How do you feel about the difference in rewind knobs and advance lever?

Do you enjoy the writing on the front and red dot or do you prefer the minimalist approach?

Seems to be the only two questions to answer!

[Jewl]

vor 11 Minuten schrieb Jimmyp82:

How do you feel about the difference in rewind knobs and advance lever?

Do you enjoy the writing on the front and red dot or do you prefer the minimalist approach?

Seems to be the only two questions to answer!

I really do like the minimalistic approach as I initially also went for an M10-P just because of this look 😉 The rewind lever or knob are not a problem for me (performance wise) as I do not need to reload film very fast! 

For me really the future proofness in terms of repairs would really impact the decision. I do think, if both are identical then I would go for the MP! 😉 

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Ouroboros]

In a standard issue camera beauty contest it will take something really special to put an MP in black lacquer in the shade and the M6 doesn't do it for me.

I also prefer no red dot and the less cluttered appearance of the MP rewind knob and wind-on lever.  If I were in the market for a second new M, it would  be another black MP over an M6 but I do like my son's black M-A and that would make a final decision much more difficult.  

Edited January 23 by Ouroboros

[TomB_tx]

I'd prefer the M6, as I think the rewind crank and pivoting advance lever are improvements over the M3 style. I thought the same in 1968 in deciding between a new M3 and new M4 (same price). Trying both in the camera shop I much preferred using the M4. Since my 1985 M6 is still doing fine I'm not in the market though... yet.

[logan2z]

I'd choose the BP MP without hesitation. I love my M4, but I prefer the rewind knob/film advance lever of my M2 and M-A. 

Logic tells me that the internal parts of the MP and new M6 are largely the same, so I don't think that would be a factor in my decision.  And given that Wetzlar just did a complete overhaul of my 60+ year old M2 tells me that either of the cameras will be serviceable for a long time. 

Edited January 23 by logan2z

[andybarton]

33 minutes ago, Jewl said:

MP repairs are secured in the same way

Leica gave a commitment to be able to service MPs for at least 30 years after they ceased production, which obviously hasn't happened yet. Whether that still holds true, I don't know, but you're more likely to get an MP serviced in 30 years time than an M11.

[Topsy]

I already made my choice when I sold an M6 Classic to help fund my MP.

[Al Brown]

It is not an easy question... for BP fans the answer is obvious, but if you do not care about BP (the nerve of some people 😁) it boils down mostly to UI/UX... what rewind crank you prefer, what advance lever you prefer etc.

Me, I chose neither. Settled with a 1988 mint chrome M6.

[Huss]

They are the same camera.  Pick which one looks better to you.  They both look amazing to me!  I prefer the solid wind lever over the hinged one - just feels better.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[colint544]

The early (21st century) MP had the nice ISO dial from the M6. The latest MP has an ISO dial that, to my eyes, is much less aesthetically pleasing. The new M6 has a very nicely designed ISO dial. But then the new M6 looks as though the rotating tip of the rewind crank is plastic. It was metal on the M4, and original M6.

Also, those old Leitz cameras had the fabulous crinkle finish inside the film chamber. Looks like a kind of Hammerite paint finish on the new M6. But then, it has a brass top, and a superb viewfinder. 

Nobody does swings and roundabouts quite like Leica.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Anbaric]

The Leica MP? That's so 2021! How many YouTube videos have been made about the Leica MP over the last week? None. How about the M6? At least a dozen. Clearly the M6 is the Cool choice, because Internet influencers can't be wrong. Also, the rewind crank thing really works. Even in the latterday steampunk era of 35mm rangefinders, we are allowed to use cutting edge technology from 1966. And did I mention the M6 is Cool? Case closed!*

*But don't mention film scratching.

[earleygallery]

I can't afford either but if I HAD to choose one I would go for the MP because it's closest to my M2. I prefer the fixed wind lever and the rewind/clutch design over the crank.

[Ouroboros]

1 hour ago, Anbaric said:

The Leica MP? That's so 2021! How many YouTube videos have been made about the Leica MP over the last week? None. How about the M6? At least a dozen. Clearly the M6 is the Cool choice, because Internet influencers can't be wrong. Also, the rewind crank thing really works. Even in the latterday steampunk era of 35mm rangefinders, we are allowed to use cutting edge technology from 1966. And did I mention the M6 is Cool? Case closed!*

*But don't mention film scratching.

Ah, but you're missing the whole point. 

MP is for Professionals, M-A is for Amateurs and the M6......

.....well, it's obviously for 6 year-olds so scratched films don't matter.

Oops......

 

[david_92]

If availability of parts and or repairs is a major concern - I think anyone would be very happy with either camera considering they are both currently produced by Leica, parts will be no issue for a very long time. I don't see Leica discontinuing the MP any time soon. Perhaps I'm wrong about that.

For electronics, Leica had about 20 years worth of the old meter system in the original M6 after it's discontinuation 2002. 

In terms of mechanical parts - I was recently told by a technician that Leica still make new shutter curtains that will fit the M4, which is 48 years after it has been discontinued. 
I think if you buy either camera, you will be very happy with it. 

I have owned two "original" M6 cameras which I sold, and I currently have a 2022 MP. I am certainly very happy with it.
Either camera will be an excellent choice, I think you should allow yourself to be guided by which camera you prefer aesthetically.

On a functional level, as someone who has broken the rewind crank on an M6 by having it knocked, I do actually prefer the M3/M2/MP style rewind knob.
In terms of the difference in advance lever, I don't feel any functional difference, however I will note that once while shooting with an M6 the retention screw on the plastic tip did work loose, while it did not come fully out but it did scratch the top plate of the camera as a result. This couldn't happen with the MP.

Good luck with your decision, I'm sure you will be very happy with either.