Thinking about moving from M6 (2022 Reissue) to MP

[petereprice]

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I currently own a Leica M6 (2022 Reissue) but as of recently I’ve been thinking about trading it in for the MP.  Two main reasons.

1.  I like the film advance lever on the MP better than the M6 and seems it will last longer through the test of time

2.  I do recognize that the rewind lever is a weak point of this camera with the potential to break, where as the older film rewind knob seems more solid.

Other than that the M6 has been a great camera  for me and I’ve enjoyed shooting with it.  I have no experience using or even holding the MP, so i’m wondering….

Are these two points enough to trade up/upgrade to the MP?  Are there other advantages to the MP over the M6 Reissue?  I’m especially curious about making this move because the MP prices are increasing as of Monday so ideally would like to make this move soon, but also welcome feedback that i may not need to go this direction especially for those with experience with both!  

 

[250swb]

Sounds like a bad idea to me, the M6 style lever is plenty tough enough, and it could be replaced if broken, or you could have an MP lever fitted on your M6, each far cheaper than the depreciation you’ll get on your M6.

[Anbaric]

Doesn't seem worth taking the inevitable hit on trading one for the other to me, but I prefer the M6 in general and YMMV. I believe the M6 wind-on lever can be swapped for the MP style if you prefer, but obviously not the rewind.

https://www.dagcamera.com/store/p138/Leica_M3%2FMP_Black_Chrome_Advance_Lever-.html

There are many M4s with the 'modern' rewind that are working perfectly well after more than half a century, so it's a robust design if you don't abuse it. The retro MP rewind is also slower to use (gadgets have been sold to speed it up by attaching a crank, which obviously you already have with the M6). The only other significant differences are cosmetic (e.g. the finishes available).

[spydrxx]

Sounds like you have a case of GAS. Personally, although I didn't like my M6, the trade you are  contemplating doesn't make a lot of sense to me, especially since you like the M6.

[TomB_tx]

I've been using my M6 since 1985 with no noticeable effect on either the wind or rewind levers. I also have M2 + M3s that came with the older style (same as MP) wind and rewind, and I much prefer the M6 style. In fact I swapped out the wind levers on my M2 & M3s for the M8 style - just personal preference. If you like the MP style wind lever it's easy to change your M6 to that style. (Not so much the rewind.)

[ktmrider2]

I just sold 50 year old M4.  Rewind crank was still working last I looked.  Your can easily switch the film advance lever.  Switching cameras will probably cost at least $1000-1500.  Only you can make the decision.  It would not be to hard to find an M2 or M3 for that price which gives you another body.  Would not do it myself but no one here is rational on any decision involving Leica's.

[Mute-on]

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I started with M2 and prefer that design. I also have M4, and whilst the difference is relatively minor, I do not enjoy the feeling of the M4 advance as much as the more crisp, solid M2 and MP. Neither style will wear out in your lifetime. 
 

However, since you already have the M6, your most cost effective option is to change the advance lever to the MP style, as others have said. Personally, I would have just bought a BP MP in the first place (that’s my source of GAS 🤪). 
 

Edited June 30, 2024 by Mute-on

[250swb]

Replacing a bent rewind crank on the M4-M6 style of camera is the easiest DIY job anybody could do on a Leica. They can bend and I've replaced two on cameras I've bought, but the aluminium crank head tends to bend on impact and not the steel shaft it's mounted on. That said it takes a 'lucky' pression blow to only bend the crank and not damage the top plate.

[costa43]

For me there would be only one reason to choose an mp over an m6 reissue and vice versa. The aesthetics. That’s the only thing I really see as a difference between those two bodies. 

Edited June 30, 2024 by costa43

[petereprice]

Thanks everyone for the advice.  I think the general consensus is that it’s not worth the cost to make the swap and I tend to agree with all your rationale.  Thanks for snapping some sense into me!  I’m gonna keep the M6 for as long as it lives!  Appreciate the perspective!

[a.noctilux]

47 minutes ago, petereprice said:

 I think the general consensus is that it’s not worth the cost to make the swap

If you have the money to spend, why not.

MP is desirable, I'm done swapping MP toward M-A.

Your own experience might worth the money spent

[a.noctilux]

I realize now that it was so long ago ...

 

[f8low]

Don't forget to pop a bottle of champagne once you have taken so many photos that the advance lever broke 😉 

Edited July 1, 2024 by f8low

[Rollei35]

Not a single sound mind in this sane world would ever switch from M6 (reissue) to MP or M-A, or vice versa.

It's not worth the hassle.

[earleygallery]

Seems a bit like trading your car in for another one that’s the same but you prefer the floor mats its got. 
 

 

[jakontil]

Dont swap, keep the M6, add the MP

when you realize the M6 felt better built or for whatever reason, you still have in your possession 

[Mikep996]

"I've been using my M6 since 1985 with no noticeable effect on either the wind or rewind levers"

Same here - first batch M6 from 1984 that has never had a service and still works as new!

[Aussierob78]

I've owned both, currently own neither due to a few changes but am on the hunt again. I prefer the MP over the 2022 M6, but it's just the styling of the rewind crank mainly. I'd gladly own either, but I'm looking for an MP.

can't loose with either, really

[davidmknoble]

Note that the difference in the full metal lever and the plastic tipped lever is from the M3 to the M4.  There are plenty of copies in the 1950’s and 1960’s of both M3 and M4 bodies.  This makes them 50-60-70 years old.  

So, if you buy the new remake M6, it is likely you will be dead before you have a problem with the level. 

Just a thought.

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[lazyhusky]

The rewind crank is definitely an issue with my M6 TTL. I shoot about 50 rolls a year and it used to jam up every 20-30 rolls.

This is a common problem with the retaining ring getting loose. I have since learn to self repair(quite easy with proper tools) and will tighten it up every once in a while or before any important session.

I then went with an M2 as a backup camera and find that I much prefer the older rewind knob, even though it is slower.