M6 focusing

[George Collier]

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I have a newly acquired M6 (SN indicates 1985 manufacture), very clean. I've always used M2, 3,and 4's so the meter is nice, but a couple of questions:

The secondary image (the one that moves when turning the focusing ring that disappears when covering up the small window below the shutter speed dial) can be very difficult to see in many lighting conditions (unlike my 2 M4's). Almost too faint to see, but looks accurate. This camera had a CLA by a very well known repair person, so I'm guessing this is normal. But am I missing something?

Also, one of the red exposure indicator arrows can disappear, again, depending on the brightness of the area it falls on. This leaves one arrow showing till the meter times out. Any advice?

[TomB_tx]

I have the M6 I bought in 1985 to add to my M4, and used both for decades, but was aware my eye had to be very centered on the M6 or the patch would fade or turn white. Decades passed and i read about the RF flare common to the design of the M6 through M7 models due to a change in the RF mechanism. I finally had DAG do the "flare fix" to add the parts to fix the issue, and also had him upgrade the VF Windows to multicoated like the latest MPs. This is a great improvement, if pricey.

[ktmrider2]

Sounds like you are encountering the "cheapened" M6 viewfinder.  Leica removed a condenser lens and perhaps other small parts with the M4-2 and subsequent models up to either the M7 or MP in an attempt to save money.  The M3, M2, M4, and M5 have the condenser lens and don't have the flare problems of the M4-2, M4-P, M6 and I think the M6TTL.  They returned the condenser lens with the MP.

I think your original M4's have spoiled you.  I use an original M4 as well although the viewfinder of the M2 is my favorite.  I like the film loading and rewind of the M4.  You can have the condenser restored by DAG or other Leica repair person.  I have no idea what it would cost or you could trade it for another M4 or M5 or MP if you like the meter.

Edited January 26, 2024 by ktmrider2

[Anbaric]

Is the effect that the RF patch 'whites out' (i.e., becomes almost white and translucent rather than clear and transparent)? This may be classic patch flare, though for me it's not under many lighting conditions, just sometimes, and is pretty easy to work around. More details of the issue, and solutions ranging from simple DIY fixes to RF component upgrades:

http://www.nemeng.com/leicafaq/020b.php

If it's just difficult to see the second image most of the time, something else may be going on.

Not sure what you meant about the exposure indicator. If one of the triangles is going out as you move the finder around to darker or brighter areas, it could just be normal behaviour - as you get further away from the 'correct' metered exposure, the display changes from equally illuminated triangles (correct), to one brighter than the other (1/2 stop out), to only one illuminated (at least a stop out). Just adjust the aperture of shutter speed until the indicators balance again. But if you can't see an indicator when you think it should be on, there may be an issue.

Edited January 27, 2024 by Anbaric

[rpsawin]

Upgrade to the MP vf.