M7 vs. M6 (2022)

[mhasman]

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Hello M film camera photographers! 

I love film rangefinders, always wanted Leica M. I own Leica CL 50 Jahre, recently got lucky to find Minolta CLE in like-new condition. Now, been able to collect some out-of-family-budge $$ for my next toy, I am looking at used M6/M6 TTL/M7. Wow, prices are sky-rocking! This days, it is very hard to find M6 in good condition for under $3K. M6 TTL is pretty much out of market, and costs ~$3500. Which makes me thinking maybe better decision is to wait, collect more $$ (hm... twice more) and purchase brand-new M6 2022. I do get that most Leica Ms stay forever, but paying that much money for 15-20 years old, used camera is a risky. Othervise, paying twice more for M6 2022, less advanced vs M7 just because it is brand-new and fully covered by Leica warranty... hm... don't know...

So, my question to you what would you choose, used M7 in good condition or M6 2022? I understand that those are deferent cameras in case M6 is fully mechanical, and M7 has electronic shutter and auto aperture-priority (which looks like nice option to have, no?)

Also, how good, reliable, accurate M6 2022 vs. "old" M6s and M7? There are rumors that Leica returned it to production only because had some parts leftovers  

Truly appreciate sharing your opinion, pros and cons, and helping me to make a right choice!

-Mark

 

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[TomB_tx]

I've used my M6 since 1985, and it is a wonderful camera. Mine did need repair after I stored it with battery installed which leaked and damaged the meter circuit and also shutter (part is close to battery compartment). Once repaired (by independent tech, not Leica) it has been fine. Luckily this was before Leica ran out of replacement meter circuit boards - which is a problem now due to changed design of the new M6 circuit. I also had the finder updated due to the original tendency to "white out" in some lighting conditions - but that isn't a bad problem - I used it for decades before getting the upgrade. The 2022 M6 "should" be just as good, but I don't think modern Leica has the same tech and assembly expertise as it did when film was king.

I also bought an used M7 earlier this year, and I love it. The aperture priority works well (same control as my M10 digital) and is convenient for my advanced age. I rather with Leica had brought it back to production instead of the M6 - but the M6 has a strong following and reputation, so market is larger for it. I've been using the M7 instead of M6 since I got it.

[mhasman]

Thank you Tom!

[Mikep996]

I bought/owned/used the original M6, M6TTL and M7 back when they were in production.  The only one I kept and still own is the M6.  I didn't care for the M7 at all and I can't really explain why, I just never bonded with it and sold it just 6-8 months after purchasing it.  I saw no actual advantage for the M6 TTL over the M6 though I kept it until switching over to digital in the early '00s.  TBF, I had no issues with the M7 - or any other Leica camera I have ever owned.  My M6 is a 1984, has never been serviced and still works as it did when it came out of the box.

Per the original question, I think it's simply a question of which camera do you most enjoy using.  Given the choice between an M6  or an M7, it would be the M6, new or old.  Others would prefer the M7.  Pick the one you like!!

[newtoleica]

I’ve now gone fully digital workflow but have shot with film for decades, mostly Olympus OM4ti and 3Ti. I had used Leica digital so got an M7 and an M6 to try. The M7 I found very useable, intuitive and accurate exposures (it has intermediate speeds in AP auto like the OM cameras). The shutter dial in manual moves the same way as the indicator in the finer and the same as M Digital’s. All good. The M6 moves the other way….. unintuitive, the M6 only shows arrows and a dot so you can’t meter across a scene and see what the dynamic range is. I found it slow, cumbersome and a total pain….. I know it’s got a cult following and is indestructible/mechanical/can be used without batteries…..but none of that matters to me. YMMV 

Edited September 12, 2024 by newtoleica

[Mikep996]

I bought/owned/used the original M6, M6TTL and M7 back when they were in production.  The only one I kept and still own is the M6.  I didn't care for the M7 at all and I can't really explain why, I just never bonded with it and sold it just 6-8 months after purchasing it.  I saw no actual advantage for the M6 TTL over the M6 though I kept it until switching over to digital in the early '00s.  TBF, I had no issues with the M7 - or any other Leica camera I have ever owned.  My M6 is a 1984, has never been serviced and still works as it did when it came out of the box.

Per the original question, I think it's simply a question of which camera do you most enjoy using.  Given the choice between an M6  or an M7, it would be the M6, new or old.  Others would prefer the M7.  Pick the one you like!!

[Crem]

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I went with a new MP for the following reasons. The M6 reissue is basically a MP so I believe everything still applies:

• Repairability matters to me. I want to be able to use my gear and know I can get it fixed if I do something stupid (drop it, get it wet and a circuit board dies, etc).
• I prefer the classic Leica shutter dial (smaller).
• Used prices are too high on the M7 and M6 TTL vs buying a new camera. I've had some bad luck with expensive used items and I don't want to deal with that again.
• The M6 reissue is still in production and all spare parts (including electronics) will be available for 10+ years.
• I like that all shutter speeds work without a battery.
• The M6 reissue is slightly shorter than the M7 and I prefer the smaller size. 
• I don't need TTL flash. I'm very happy using a Leica SF20 flash and also a Nikon SB-30. Both work well for me in automatic mode.

Edited September 12, 2024 by Crem

[AnakChan]

M7 for me…I’m lazy so I’m happy to use aperture priority. I went from M6TTL to M7 22 (21?) yrs ago & still have the M7. It’s currently going for a service which M6TTL’s meter can no longer be repaired. If I want manual, I’d take the current MP over the M6 re-issue, but they wouldn’t replace my M7.

 

P.S. I’m told that the M6 reissue uses the same circuitry as the MP so serviceability of the new M6 Reissue isn’t a problem.

And no, the new circuitry can’t be used in n the older M6es (officially anyway).

[mhasman]

Thank you all! I appreciate sharing the personal experience and thoughts about between Leica M models. Haha still hard to decide, and hard to choose...

[Anbaric]

20 hours ago, mhasman said:

Also, how good, reliable, accurate M6 2022 vs. "old" M6s and M7? There are rumors that Leica returned it to production only because had some parts leftovers

That's one rumour that I don't imagine is true! The M6 2022 probably has more in common with the MP than the M6 Classic. If you'd bought an MP under the old 'à la carte' programme that allowed you to customise your camera, and specified the M6/M7-style wind-on lever and rewind crank, you could have ended up with a camera very close to the M6 2022, but badged as an MP. It has been suggested that Leica have reworked some components to modernise their supply chain for the M6 2022, though. If that's the case, it isn't clear if it also applies to current MP production, which would make sense.

One thing that may factor into your decision, depending on how you view risk of failure and longevity, is the likely future serviceability of these cameras. The M7 has unique features, including aperture priority AE, which some users really value. But it was also something of an evolutionary dead end for Leica, and is the only M with a largely battery-dependent shutter. Some leading independent technicians won't touch it, which may mean sending it back to Leica for an often slow and costly service. And nobody except Leica knows for how long parts will be available. The M7 has rather complex electronics from the turn of the century, and was discontinued 6 years ago. Meter circuit boards for the M6 TTL ran out about 15 years after the camera was discontinued. M6 Classic boards were available for longer, running out only in 2022, but they were simpler and made for a camera that was sold in much greater quantities over a longer time period. It's possible that M6 Classic and M6 TTL boards will at some point be replaceable by some version of the 2022 meter board (Leica have suggested this will be the case), but that service isn't yet available. Of course, both these cameras have fully functional mechanical shutters even if their meters die. But the most future-proof of all these cameras is currently the M6 2022, with a fully-serviceable meter and useful upgrades over the earlier M6 Classic like the flare-resistant finder and a brass top without the risk of zinc corrosion. Personally, I have an M6 Classic and would likely get another if I had to replace it, purely based on the cost of the M6 2022, about double the price of a nice Classic. I would avoid Classics with zinc 'bubbling', any meter issues, or corroded contacts. If you do go for an M7, be aware that some have problems with the original version of the DX code reader (so check this carefully) and note this shutter electromagnet issue identified by UK technicians Camerworks-UK (who no longer work on the M7).

Edited September 13, 2024 by Anbaric

[mhasman]

@Anbaric Thank you!

[Roy Bigsby]

I wouldn't rule out a nice-condition M4. They are arguably built better than their M6 counterparts (2022 version notwithstanding) and can be found at half the cost. Yes, there is no light meter, but a modern cold-shoe-mounted one can be had for cheap. I have a 2022 M6 and love it, but the decades-old M4 I picked up recently is just as good.  

[Crem]

31 minutes ago, Roy Bigsby said:

I wouldn't rule out a nice-condition M4. They are arguably built better than their M6 counterparts (2022 version notwithstanding) and can be found at half the cost. Yes, there is no light meter, but a modern cold-shoe-mounted one can be had for cheap. I have a 2022 M6 and love it, but the decades-old M4 I picked up recently is just as good.  

The m4 has a cold shoe and the m4-2 and m4-p have hot shoes I believe? Just mentioning this in case someone isn’t aware. I almost went with the original m4, but I didn’t want to give up my flashes. 

[paddycook]

Get the M7. Best M film camera Leica ever made. They really should revive it.

[TheGodParticle/Hari]

I have all the film Ms, M7 over all the other film Ms for me. I love it so much I have two, both with 0.58 finders as I shoot the 35mm focal length the most  

[mhasman]

So, M7. I just pulled the trigger

Thanks everyone, I truly appreciate your advices! 

[TheGodParticle/Hari]

30 minutes ago, mhasman said:

So, M7. I just pulled the trigger

Thanks everyone, I truly appreciate your advices! 

Congrats! Looking forward to see what you create with it 🎉🍻

[AnakChan]

3 hours ago, mhasman said:

So, M7. I just pulled the trigger

Thanks everyone, I truly appreciate your advices! 

Congratulations! Don't forget to share pix of it in the I love my M7 thread !

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[Sailronin]

Contrary to some here, I enjoyed the M7 very much but eventually sold it for an MP. My concern was dead battery or electrical failure leaving me with only a single shutter speed (1/125th of a second).  When my MP battery died, I just used my iPhone light meter app and carried on shooting; with my old M7 that would have been a serious inconvenience.  When I travel I usually bring a digital M (for 7 years an M9, now M10) and the MP for backup or black and white work.

[otto.f]

4 hours ago, Sailronin said:

inconvenience

That’s true and I also had that once. I found it a bit sporty to be able to use only 60 and 125. I chose the other option because I never liked the MP in my hands, which is to always have spare batteries in my bag. I think this is no dealbraker itself, you must have liked the MP to start with. 

Edited September 19, 2024 by otto.f