M7 vs. M6 (2022)

[otto.f]

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The M7 feels a bit heaver than the M6. I don’t know whether the old one is lighter but the re-issued M6 is 575g and the M7 610g  without batteries. My M7 weighs 659g with film and batterie, the new M will weigh about 600g with film and it has less ‘heavy’ batteries. I notice that difference. 
What Leica did not seem to change is the direction of the exposure time. At the M6 TTL this was corrected: aperture and time are in the same direction, just like in every M after that, so also M7 and I prefer that, it works faster. 

Edited September 19, 2024 by otto.f

[TomB_tx]

2 hours ago, otto.f said:

What Leica did not seem to change is the direction of the exposure time. At the M6 TTL this was corrected: aperture and time are in the same direction, just like in every M after that, so also M7 and I prefer that, it works faster. 

Since I started with an M4 in 1968 I somewhat prefer the "old" direction, but as I tend to select shutter speed for the conditions and then set exposure by aperture, it isn't a big deal to use both old and new directions.

[Sailronin]

7 hours ago, otto.f said:

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. 

I did/do like the MP but was also concerned that repair parts for a 20 year old M7 might stop being available in the near future. Probably a bit of an overreaction but seeing the difficulty in sourcing M10 batteries or Hasselblad H6 batteries as manufacturers slow down or halt support of parts for even more recent cameras I'm happy with my decision.

[Anbaric]

3 hours ago, TomB_tx said:

Since I started with an M4 in 1968 I somewhat prefer the "old" direction, but as I tend to select shutter speed for the conditions and then set exposure by aperture, it isn't a big deal to use both old and new directions.

When I turn the shutter speed dial on the M6 Classic (old direction) I just visualise what the back of the dial is doing (where my thumb is). The meter arrows then point in the right direction. I wonder if they changed the direction with the TTL because it's natural to spin the larger dial from the front with just your forefinger?

Edited September 19, 2024 by Anbaric

[paddycook]

On 9/18/2024 at 10:18 PM, Sailronin said:

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.

I’ve never understood this viewpoint. I mean, why not keep using your M7 until it happens, if indeed it ever happens? I’ve still yet to meet someone whose M7 has died and not been repairable. 

[TheGodParticle/Hari]

2 hours ago, paddycook said:

I’ve never understood this viewpoint. I mean, why not keep using your M7 until it happens, if indeed it ever happens? I’ve still yet to meet someone whose M7 has died and not been repairable. 

Both my M7s were overhauled by Leica last year 

[nemendes]

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I had before leica m6 tll, now for almost 3 years i have leica m7 with MP finder. 

For me there was a little difference about using experience between them, nothing big. Aperture priority is good option but if you use your m6 or mp for a long time, you get use to arrange it by yourself, like a mechanic car. If you dont have any experience, i think its better to get M7 with mp finder if you can find. MP finder is great to have for flares, for me thats made difference, maybe for other people wouldnt. 

I was happy with my m6 as well, i just found a good trade with m7 and did it. So far, i didnt have any problem after 3 years usage. 

To sum up, both are great cameras. IMO if you want to get use to leica m rangefinder system quicker, get m7. Aperture priority will help you a lot at first times. 

[edstock]

I bought my M7 back when they first came on the market. Been with me on many excursions to Europe, in good weather and not-so-good. I've never had a problem with it and it's always a pleasure to shoot. I had an M6-TTL that I bought when they first came out. I sold it after a few years as I had no need for TTL. My M6 is an oldie but goodie and it performs like a Leica M should. My other two M's are and M4-P and one of the 1200 or so M2's fitted with fast loading by Leica. I use only lithium batteries and have never had one leak. Aperture priority is something that should be on most cameras.

[otto.f]

One aspect of the M7 has not been mentioned if I’m right. The exposure times are continuous. This made the M7 in analogue times the best choice for working with slide films where the right exposure is much more critical than with (color) negative films. So, if you intend to shoot with slide films, the M7 has an advantage. For very precise exposure with the M6 you’ll have to use the aperture for fine-tuning which influences the depth of field in a way you didn’t ask for.

[TomB_tx]

5 hours ago, otto.f said:

One aspect of the M7 has not been mentioned if I’m right. The exposure times are continuous. This made the M7 in analogue times the best choice for working with slide films where the right exposure is much more critical than with (color) negative films. So, if you intend to shoot with slide films, the M7 has an advantage. For very precise exposure with the M6 you’ll have to use the aperture for fine-tuning which influences the depth of field in a way you didn’t ask for.

Interesting point - but for 55+ years I've always preset the shutter speed and tuned exposure by aperture - so no difference for me.

[mhasman]

Thanks! 

[colonel]

On 9/12/2024 at 11:42 PM, Crem said:

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.

The new M6 has some key design differences from the MP. for example the lugs can't be repaired on the MP without taking the top off and the body sleeve off. Whereas on the M6 I believe they can be screwed out and new ones put in. I personally like the design of the MP more, but I would probably buy the new M6 if buying new, as I think the engineering is slightly superior.

The M7 is useful if you often use aperture priority. this makes it a faster camera to use if you don't have or want the experience to pre-determine 90% of the exposure.

The M6 TTL IMHO is the best discontinued film M. As it has taken account of all the tweaks from the M4 and is relatively recent (25 years!!!). The main seller to me over the M6 is the larger speed wheel. 

If you have limitless budget, I would always get the new 2022 M6, despite the fact that technically, the M6 TTL and M7 are more slick to use

Finally, I have used most M cameras by now (M2, M3, M4, M4-P, M6, M6 TTL, M7, MP) and my favourite, and one I get the best pictures from, is the M6 TTL (followed by the M6 classic & MP). Not sure I can necessarily explain why 😄 

 

Edited October 15, 2024 by colonel

[ktmrider2]

Bottom Line:  do you prefer AE or using the slightly older method of setting the exposure by matching to diodes in the viewfinder.  Everything thing else is pretty much a non issue compared to the AE vs manual debate.  Sure the M6 will work without batteries as a non metered Leica but unless the circuit board goes out in the M7, batteries will be available for the rest of your life.

Personally, I have never owned an M7 but have used AE on other cameras including digital Leicas.  I will grant AE might be a bit quicker but film has a hell of a lot of latitude.  Only you can make the choice.  Have fun with whatever camera you purchase.