M6 or MP, that's the question.

[Borna]

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I have an M6 Classic today - however, if I was in the market for new analogue M, the end game camera would me either M-A or MP... No questions about it. I mean, you can always pick up an M6 classic for the "cheap" in comparison to the new version. 

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[JoshuaR]

Over the years, I’ve used an M2, an M4-P, a silver MP, and a black big-logo M6. Of all of these my favorite has definitely been the silver MP. But it’s all incredibly personal and subjective. I just like the slightly modernized design, the rewind knob, and the meter with the little arrows and circle (as opposed to the two arrows only on my current M6). Also, even though my M6 has the MP finder upgrade from YYE, I still feel that I preferred the VF in my MP more. Against all rationality, I’m now thinking of trading my M6 in for a silver MP. I wish I’d never sold my MP to try the M6.

All of which is just to say that there’s no right answer, and you may have to try several film Ms before you find “the one.”

[EddieJ]

On 1/25/2024 at 5:51 PM, JoshuaRothman said:

Over the years, I’ve used an M2, an M4-P, a silver MP, and a black big-logo M6. Of all of these my favorite has definitely been the silver MP. But it’s all incredibly personal and subjective. I just like the slightly modernized design, the rewind knob, and the meter with the little arrows and circle (as opposed to the two arrows only on my current M6). Also, even though my M6 has the MP finder upgrade from YYE, I still feel that I preferred the VF in my MP more. Against all rationality, I’m now thinking of trading my M6 in for a silver MP. I wish I’d never sold my MP to try the M6.

All of which is just to say that there’s no right answer, and you may have to try several film Ms before you find “the one.”

I align myself with this way of thinking.

 

@WvE There is no real answer, other than to go to a brick-and-mortar store, speak with a Leica owner, and get a feel for the bodies and equally importantly the lenses. 

My 7-year [ongoing] Leica journey has me starting at a pristine M4 BP w/ 50 Summilux, a well-used early M6 w/ 35 Summicron ASPH, the M2 w/ 35 Summicron V3, 50 DR, and now a birth year M3 w/ 50 Rigid.

[cj3209]

You can't go wrong with ANY of these cameras:  MP, M6 reissue or MA.  I've owned all three and each have their differences which I like.  Sold my BP MP (big mistake) but now have BC MA and 2023 M6.  The black finish on the M6 is really nice.

[Anbaric]

It's really very simple. If you are a retired dentist with a selection of tweed jackets, strong opinions on the correct dilution of D-76 for Tri-X (the only film you've used since Kodachrome was discontinued), and would happily pay $700 for a hand-made leather camera satchel, you should definitely get an MP. If, on the other hand, you are a thirtysomething influencer with 50,000 Instagram followers, a series of deadpan YouTube videos where you shoot 'analogue' in your baseball cap, and listen to cutting edge EDM (but only on vinyl), the M6 is your camera. If you are neither of these, and don't have a fetish for a particular kind of paint or finish, you may want to ponder whether you'd prefer to rewind the film by twirling a knob around like it's still 1926, or whether it's finally time to give that crazy space-age idea of rewinding much more quickly with a crank a chance.

[ktmrider2]

Of course, we all know that the film rewind on the M5 with the ratcheted clutch was the best ever found on a Leica camera.  

[Fotoklaus]

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Am 26.1.2024 um 21:18 schrieb Anbaric:

It's really very simple. If you are a retired dentist with a selection of tweed jackets, strong opinions on the correct dilution of D-76 for Tri-X (the only film you've used since Kodachrome was discontinued), and would happily pay $700 for a hand-made leather camera satchel, you should definitely get an MP. If, on the other hand, you are a thirtysomething influencer with 50,000 Instagram followers, a series of deadpan YouTube videos where you shoot 'analogue' in your baseball cap, and listen to cutting edge EDM (but only on vinyl), the M6 is your camera. If you are neither of these, and don't have a fetish for a particular kind of paint or finish, you may want to ponder whether you'd prefer to rewind the film by twirling a knob around like it's still 1926, or whether it's finally time to give that crazy space-age idea of rewinding much more quickly with a crank a chance.

Make Sure you choose one without meter.

A real photographer pulls out his new IPhone to Check the lightmeter App every 10 seconds. 

 

[WvE]

Tried the MP in a shop, looks gorgeous but a bit jewel-like, almost somewhat brittle. Strangely enough, my (broken) M2 feels more solid so perhaps I should get it repaired after all, even though I want a built-in lightmeter... 

[aesop]

19 hours ago, WvE said:

Tried the MP in a shop, looks gorgeous but a bit jewel-like, almost somewhat brittle. Strangely enough, my (broken) M2 feels more solid so perhaps I should get it repaired after all, even though I want a built-in lightmeter... 

     ...shades of my thoughts when I bought my first MP. Fast-forward 20 years: the glossy black paint has 'cured' somewhat, gears have all bedded in and brassing is well under way. What a tool. Here's to the next 20. 📷 🎞

[rossawilson1]

I bought a black MA once, I was underwhelmed with the paint and I thought that it sort of felt hollow under the top plate. I know it’s not, but compared to my m6 it was too modern, and the paint seemed to mark really quickly. I got a mark on it in one week my m6 hadn’t got in 15 years of use. I sold it as Leica wouldn’t take it back thanks to the mark. Which is fair enough. When I look at the photos of my wife holding it it does look really really cool. But then I remember in reality for me, it just felt underwhelming. And I also realised I really do want a meter.
 

So I bought an MP, lusted after one since they came out. And it was actually a little too fancy for my liking. I was so worried about scratching the paint. A bit too shiny. So I sent that back. And I never did buy a second body. Toyed with the idea of a new M6 but felt it was a bit of a slap in the face to the decade plus I’ve had with mine. The other day I found a used  black MP. It was already brassed, but not too heavily, and I’m sorely tempted. A used black MP takes thst preciousness edge off so I might go for that. Silver is nice too, but I reckon I’ll feel more conspicuous. Anyway, check em out. It’s the only way to really know. And go with your gut not yours head. 

[Radost]

3 hours ago, rossawilson1 said:

I bought a black MA once, I was underwhelmed with the paint and I thought that it sort of felt hollow under the top plate. I know it’s not, but compared to my m6 it was too modern, and the paint seemed to mark really quickly. I got a mark on it in one week my m6 hadn’t got in 15 years of use. I sold it as Leica wouldn’t take it back thanks to the mark. Which is fair enough. When I look at the photos of my wife holding it it does look really really cool. But then I remember in reality for me, it just felt underwhelming. And I also realised I really do want a meter.
 

So I bought an MP, lusted after one since they came out. And it was actually a little too fancy for my liking. I was so worried about scratching the paint. A bit too shiny. So I sent that back. And I never did buy a second body. Toyed with the idea of a new M6 but felt it was a bit of a slap in the face to the decade plus I’ve had with mine. The other day I found a used  black MP. It was already brassed, but not too heavily, and I’m sorely tempted. A used black MP takes thst preciousness edge off so I might go for that. Silver is nice too, but I reckon I’ll feel more conspicuous. Anyway, check em out. It’s the only way to really know. And go with your gut not yours head. 

This is very interesting. I have never seen MA in person but on pictures the black chrome looks very appealing. Definitely don’t like the shiny MP.

 

Edited February 8, 2024 by Radost

[Radost]

I don’t want a red dot Theft target hanging on my neck so M6 is out of the question.

 

Edited February 8, 2024 by Radost

[sandro]

Fascinating to read that so many people decide on the finish of the camera (black paint, chrome or whatever) instead of how the camera feels and works. I own a few M camera's and when I for instance use the M4 (the silver chrome) or my beat-up black M6 or the still good looking black M6TTL that I bought new in 2002, I never feel limited by the black or silver body. Just to say how personal these things are. Since there are beautiful M6TTL bodies on the second hand market I'd go for one of those and use the rest of the money (if there is any left) for a lens.

Lex

[Helge]

vor 7 Stunden schrieb Radost:

I don’t want a red dot Theft target hanging on my neck so M6 is out of the question.

 

Be assured that no thief will recognize that red dot (except the ones who are over 70).

So, take the M6 and if you see a mean looking, 70 or 80 years old person approaching you, just run.

[espelt]

Another possibility: I found a really bad looking M4 about a year ago. The leather was missing in most places, the chrome was scratched, the times weren't running - visually it was a wreck. But the price was very low. And so I bought it. And then she went for a technical and also a visual overhaul. This all took a few months. But since I got it back, it's my favorite camera. In exactly the surface I wanted including new camera leather. The technology feels perfect. I even have the feeling that the M4 is the smoothest to wind. Maybe there really is something in the stories that the M4 was the last real M before Leitz started saving. And before I forget: I actually like the rewind crank better. However, I have it with the winding lever of the MP / M3; M2 added.
I look at the costs and compare it with a new M6 - the fun cost less than a third. But I have the classic engraving on the top cap, no large lettering or red dots on the front.

[rossawilson1]

15 hours ago, Radost said:

I don’t want a red dot Theft target hanging on my neck so M6 is out of the question.

 

I guess it depends on how you feel, but I’ve been using an M6 for 15 years with zero issues regarding that angle and I’ve taken it around the world and the UK, in all kinds of areas and never once had a problem. 

To be honest thieves are more interested in a fancy watch, smaller, way better value for moving on the black market. You’d be amazed how little thieves get for moving on gear through a ‘fence’. Watches and jewellery are easier to move on because they are smaller and usually despite their condition more valuable - my grandad use to be in the police and told me all about this stuff. Also digital cameras have way more demand and it’s often about demand over strict value, they want this stuff gone asap and there’s just less demand for some things. So honestly I wouldn’t worry about it. 

Still. It’s how one feels I know, I don’t like even slightly larger cameras because they make me feel more conspicuous even though I know no one really cares either way. 

Just bought the new M6 today so I’ve got the old one and new one now. Slight material changes here and there but know it’s the right choice for me. I tired an m11, m10, mp, sent them all back. 

[Anbaric]

11 hours ago, Helge said:

Be assured that no thief will recognize that red dot (except the ones who are over 70).

So, take the M6 and if you see a mean looking, 70 or 80 years old person approaching you, just run.

If you do live an an area with a high risk of running into roving gangs of septuagenarians (maybe Eastbourne UK, or Florida in winter), you might need to take appropriate measures to protect your camera from the unwelcome gaze of their bifocally enhanced eyes.