What would you buy? 1997 M6 Titanium vs 2022 M6 Reissue

[Robert Ardinger]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

The electronics of the older M6's cannot be repaired by Leica (they told me that up front when I had them approve the estimate to have work done on my 1996 M6 late last year).  I like having the meter and my M6's meter worked going into a CLA and works now but it was a bit of a gamble as apparently if it did not work after the CLA was done I still would have the pleasure of paying for the work but now owning a nice M4 in an M6 suit.  

I know there is a Europe based company that apparently has replicated the older M6 circuit board but I do not know how easy it would be to have the work done from where I live (US). Luckily my M6 meter is working well (as is the rest of the camera now).  

I would easily pick the 2022 re-issue M6, especially if the plan is to use the camera as a "regular shooter". Also, for some reason I am not a big fan of the titanium colored cameras/lenses (nor the green ones but will admit to seeing some pictures of set-up (tricked out?) Safari cameras that do look pretty nice).

[Advertisement]

The Leica Q3 is available for pre-order at B&H Photo Video and Adorama

[Don Flynn]

1 hour ago, TomB_tx said:

I've been enthralled by cameras since I was about 5. My first occupation was a Mechanical Design engineer, but sidelining as a photographer. So I view cameras as functional art in themselves, not just as tools to get an image. Each model has things to appreciate about it, testifying to the skill of the designer and production process. I have several that pre-date the first Leica and still try to keep them in operable condition (Even though film is not available, they are still interesting mechanical objects.)

I rotate using my Leica models, so each time I pull out one I haven't used for a while it's like rediscovering an old friend. M4 was my first when it was new, added M6 in 1985, and after retiring filled in the missing models (M2,3,5,7). The old electronics don't bother me - they don't have expiration dates and may last... however long they work. In the meantime I enjoy them, After all, I'm just starting several months of cancer treatment, so who knows how long I'll last either - I don't know my expiration date, but I still try to do the things I enjoy every day. Just added another M5, feeling optimistic. May add a new M6 out of curiosity if finances permit.

I like rotating cameras myself. I've 2 "shooter" Nikon F2's and the "shooter" M6 and will have 2 "shooter" M5's when DAG finishes servicing the 2 he has now. I also have "collector" pieces for all those just because I wanted them.

I'm like you, I've thought about getting a new M6 or MP in March with a profit sharing check from work. I also would like to pay my car loan off early with it (the amount will be the same) then I can retire in June if I want. I'll see how I feel then, worst case I work until the end of 2026 as planned, and use my 2026 profit sharing check for the new film Leica or just save up for it and get it Xmas next year.

I wouldn't get a "safe queen" 2022 M6 or MP since those are in production. The biggest reason I got doubles on the M5 and M6 "classic" was their long OOP

[Don Flynn]

55 minutes ago, Robert Ardinger said:

The electronics of the older M6's cannot be repaired by Leica (they told me that up front when I had them approve the estimate to have work done on my 1996 M6 late last year).  I like having the meter and my M6's meter worked going into a CLA and works now but it was a bit of a gamble as apparently if it did not work after the CLA was done I still would have the pleasure of paying for the work but now owning a nice M4 in an M6 suit.  

I know there is a Europe based company that apparently has replicated the older M6 circuit board but I do not know how easy it would be to have the work done from where I live (US). Luckily my M6 meter is working well (as is the rest of the camera now).  

I would easily pick the 2022 re-issue M6, especially if the plan is to use the camera as a "regular shooter". Also, for some reason I am not a big fan of the titanium colored cameras/lenses (nor the green ones but will admit to seeing some pictures of set-up (tricked out?) Safari cameras that do look pretty nice).

I already did the research on the ACR board before I committed to buying my "Classics". DAG can get them as he needs them from ACR. He was provided with a free sample to test when they first introduced them and was using the test example on a Classic over the summer. he also said ACR can provide him with them as needed.

From his emails it was a drop fit and was easy to calibrate. It's "supposed" to be more sensitive than the factory board.

That's why I bought 2 "Classics" this year instead of 1 "2022" model, for the price of 1 2022 model I have 2 "classics, and they have been fully serviced by DAG (no issues with metering boards).

That doesn't mean I might not get the new 2022 or MP next year. I'd call it a retirement gift to myself (the Classics were supposed to be that this year, but I decided to try working until the end of 2026) but I would only get 1 of those. If I could sell 3 items from another hobby (I collect M1 Carbines and M1 Garands) but the market has died on those for some reason) I'd get 1 sooner.

[LeicaR10]

Aussierob78,   I forgot to mention something about the M6 reissue in my first post to your question.  You wrote the M6 reissue camera is still in the box and never used.  Depending on when that M6 was produced, it might have an issue with the film pressure plate that was scratching film.  Leica eventually discovered the problem and resolved it.  I believe early adopters had to send their units in for the fix.  If you go the M6 route, I would tell the dealer/seller you want to put a roll of film through it first, get it developed and see if the camera has the pressure plate scratching issue.  Just a reminder.  I would do the same with the Titanium if you can...test it with a roll of film before buying it along with a written warranty.  As they say, "Trust, but verify".  It might save you some anxiety and cost to get either one repaired.  Just my 4 cents...r/ Mark

[jaapv]

12 hours ago, otto.f said:

so don't do it. Besides, the word titanium suggests much more than it is, the titanium isn't that lightweight. At least that was my deception when I had it in my hands. I take it that it's a used version and if the rangefinder has to be re-adjusted the waiting list will be around a year. That will be different with a new M6.

Any competent third party repair service can do that within a few days or even whilst you wait. Or just do it yourself. It is no witchcraft. 

[catacore]

Hi, I have just bought a Titanium M6 about a couple of months back. I like it more than my M3, both esthetically and functionally. I knew the re-release will have a better viewfinder (flare resistant) and that it might scratch the film, but in Europe the re-issue was about 0.7-1k more espensive than the Titanium M6 that I have bought (from Classic Leica in Vienna, so with 1 year warranty).

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Edited November 16 by catacore

[250swb]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

3 minutes ago, catacore said:

Hi, I have just bought a Titanium M6 about a couple of months back. I like it more than my M3, both esthetically and functionally. I knew the re-release will have a better viewfinder (flare resistant) and that it might scratch the film, but in Europe the re-issue was about 0.7-1k more espensive than the Titanium M6 that I have bought (from Classic Leica in Vienna, so with 1 year warranty).

 

 

But the ordinary old M6 is also generally cheaper than the M6 'Titanium' (which isn't made from titanium in any shape or form other than a light decorative plating colour), so the choice could be broken down even more simply into a still working old M6, or a new re-issue M6. Given the repair issues not addressed by Leica with their older cameras a new M6 re-issue is the reliable option. 

[Don Flynn]

1 hour ago, catacore said:

Hi, I have just bought a Titanium M6 about a couple of months back. I like it more than my M3, both esthetically and functionally. I knew the re-release will have a better viewfinder (flare resistant) and that it might scratch the film, but in Europe the re-issue was about 0.7-1k more espensive than the Titanium M6 that I have bought (from Classic Leica in Vienna, so with 1 year warranty).

 

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

Now that prudy 😁

1 hour ago, 250swb said:

But the ordinary old M6 is also generally cheaper than the M6 'Titanium' (which isn't made from titanium in any shape or form other than a light decorative plating colour), so the choice could be broken down even more simply into a still working old M6, or a new re-issue M6. Given the repair issues not addressed by Leica with their older cameras a new M6 re-issue is the reliable option. 

Ok, help me understand this. Outside of the Classic and TTL metering boards what repair issues plague older M6's? Leica still provides all the other parts for other M series Leica's except the M5, which they no longer service.

Most older M6's have been well cared for, unless they were used by photojournalists and most working "shooters" had moved to SLR's by the time the 1st M6 hit the market.

The Platinum M6 costs more than the standard M6 because less were made. By the same token chrome bodied M6's tend to cost less than black chrome classic or TTL M6's because the black versions are more popular than the chrome, they look more "street" user.

Like the OP, I would love to get the Platinum M6 myself this spring when I think I'll have the funds. I would also like to get the 2022 model. I'll decide what bets fits the budget then, but I won't be afraid to use the Platinum if I do get 1 for fear of something breaking. If that were the case the chrome 1995 Classic I just ran a roll of film through would never see daylight. Right now it sees 1-2 rolls a month but that's because I also use my M5, a Nikon F2 and work a full time job 5-6 days a week

[jakontil]

7 hours ago, Don Flynn said:

Now that prudy 😁

Ok, help me understand this. Outside of the Classic and TTL metering boards what repair issues plague older M6's? Leica still provides all the other parts for other M series Leica's except the M5, which they no longer service.

Most older M6's have been well cared for, unless they were used by photojournalists and most working "shooters" had moved to SLR's by the time the 1st M6 hit the market.

The Platinum M6 costs more than the standard M6 because less were made. By the same token chrome bodied M6's tend to cost less than black chrome classic or TTL M6's because the black versions are more popular than the chrome, they look more "street" user.

Like the OP, I would love to get the Platinum M6 myself this spring when I think I'll have the funds. I would also like to get the 2022 model. I'll decide what bets fits the budget then, but I won't be afraid to use the Platinum if I do get 1 for fear of something breaking. If that were the case the chrome 1995 Classic I just ran a roll of film through would never see daylight. Right now it sees 1-2 rolls a month but that's because I also use my M5, a Nikon F2 and work a full time job 5-6 days a week

I think platinum and titanium would be different finish.. the one on m6 is titanium finish 

the most popular M6TTL would be black paint 

[Robert Ardinger]

7 hours ago, Don Flynn said:

Ok, help me understand this. Outside of the Classic and TTL metering boards what repair issues plague older M6's?

Outside of Leica (New Jersey) letting me know that if the meter board was or became dysfunctional that they had no replacements, there was no other indication they could not service my 1996 M6.  They did a great job and, outside of some wear marks on the baseplate that were there before I sent it in (and were from my use), it came back looking and acting like a new camera.  Good to know that a US based repair service (DAG) can get the new ACR circuit board if one is ever needed.

[250swb]

8 hours ago, Don Flynn said:

 

Ok, help me understand this. Outside of the Classic and TTL metering boards what repair issues plague older M6's? Leica still provides all the other parts for other M series Leica's except the M5, which they no longer service.

 

You are making assumptions, nobody knows what stocks of older parts Leica hold, it was the case that circuit boards could be ordered, and then at some point somebody bought the last one. Equally it was the next person who wanted their M5 repaired who found out it couldn't be done and not the person before him. 

Edited November 17 by 250swb

[Don Flynn]

5 hours ago, 250swb said:

You are making assumptions, nobody knows what stocks of older parts Leica hold, it was the case that circuit boards could be ordered, and then at some point somebody bought the last one. Equally it was the next person who wanted their M5 repaired who found out it couldn't be done and not the person before him. 

Odds are I can find threads here from posters who have sent their 1950's M3's to Leica for service recently and had no trouble getting parts for those. 

As to the M5, Leica choose to stop offering service for those years ago because they consider the model an "off model" and too few in number to maintain supplying parts for.

[Don Flynn]

7 hours ago, Robert Ardinger said:

Outside of Leica (New Jersey) letting me know that if the meter board was or became dysfunctional that they had no replacements, there was no other indication they could not service my 1996 M6.  They did a great job and, outside of some wear marks on the baseplate that were there before I sent it in (and were from my use), it came back looking and acting like a new camera.  Good to know that a US based repair service (DAG) can get the new ACR circuit board if one is ever needed.

It's the basic reason I went with buying 2 "Classic" M6's over getting 1 new 2022 this past March. After looking into the issue with replacement boards and ACR developing their replacement I contacted DAG to see what he knew about them. He'd serviced my M3 and 1st M5 so I figured he'd help me out with info.

He told me ACR had provided him with a sample board, and he was waiting for a M6 to use it on. I went ahead with buying my 1st "Classic" then from KEH for $3315 with tax and decided to send it straight to DAG for a CLA just to play it safe (I had the M3 and M5 at the time) so at this point I had $3905 into the 1st "Classic" M6 vs, &6865 with tax for the new 2022 I had planned on getting in March this past year.

After I'd bought the 1st "Classic" about a month later "MPB" listed a "Like New" M6 Classic for $2700 bucks. I was talking myself in and out of a 2nd M5 they were listing at the time and jumped on the M6 instead because I figured for $2700 "like new" that was better than the M5 I had my eye on at the time.

When I got the 2nd M6 I found out it was indeed mint, but the frame selector lever was stuck from lack of use. After researching that I decided what the hell, DAG needs a new boat 😁and sent it in for a CLA.  So now I'm out about $7400 smackers but I have 2 pretty nice M6's pictured here.

Now, I couldn't justify buying two brand new M6's at the time. I'm telling myself next March when I get my profit sharing check from work I don't need either the 2022 or Platinum M6. I have 1 working and 1 spare M6 now.

But we know how that goes 😁I'm up to 4 Leica M5's now (2 are at DAG now for CLA's and battery conversions)  

 

[fotopan]

On 11/15/2025 at 2:10 PM, jaapv said:

What do you need all that stuff for? You can only use one at a time. 

Everytime I have a low ISO color film in the camera there are situations I want high ISO B&W in it and vice versa. The only sensible choice for me is to have two bodies at minimum of every analog system I own or I would be constantly rewinding and reloading (or lose opportunities).

[catacore]

21 hours ago, 250swb said:

But the ordinary old M6 is also generally cheaper than the M6 'Titanium' (which isn't made from titanium in any shape or form other than a light decorative plating colour), so the choice could be broken down even more simply into a still working old M6, or a new re-issue M6. Given the repair issues not addressed by Leica with their older cameras a new M6 re-issue is the reliable option. 

True, but my Titanium was not much more expensive than the regular one, that's why I went for it. But I really wanted a Titanium version, so I had some patience. On the other hand, for many Leica users, the esthetics (I mean camera or camera/lens pairing) seem important. Now I have the Titanium M6, the Chrome M3 and the BP M-P (typ 240). 🙃

[Paulus]

Am 15.11.2025 um 05:40 schrieb Aussierob78:

I have a dilemma. A while back I had to sell my MP due to  a change in circumstances, but I'm ready to buy something else. I've been looking at either a M6 Titanium or a M6 reissue / MP.

I've found a stunning looking 1997 M6 titanium (non TTL) which is under budget. I've also found a 2022 M6 reissue that's in the box, never used for $500 over my budget (not the end of the world). I want something for a daily carry / regular shooter.

My heart wants the titanium, I've lusted after one for years. My head says the newer camera would be the better long term purchase.

What would you get, and why?

My first M6 was an Titan version, ( not the real titanium but titanium coated called in German “titanisiert”. I think you mean this one , because the real Titan camera is over €25.000,- ) .

I have had 11 M6 and MP camera’s or more but I will never buy my first M6 titan again. I loved it, but it was more vunerable than the MP ( a dent in the zink cap was easily made ) and the titan coating was not good enough because under sweat it just fell of and left tiny holes in the coating. I really liked the lesther, so I bought an MP later with ostrich leather. It could have been my sweat , because later I bought an 35mm titan which corroded in a few weeks! 
 

no more “ titanisiert” fot me, but I would love a real Titan camera! I might start a fundraising to buy one … 
 

Edited November 17 by Paulus

[Paulus]

Am 15.11.2025 um 08:41 schrieb Aussierob78:

It’s a hard choice. The 28 year old electronics in the Titanium worry me. That’s pretty much my biggest concern with it. 

Oh that’s easy, they wore out with my specimen in two months. Luckily two years of warranty on a new camera, so they made it. My camera was made in a batch of 25 who all had issues, but after so many  years, they will be all right because all the faults were repaired. 
 

my M6t also had a shutter failiure after 34 shots, so back to “ INCA” for another repair. I must have the warranty and repair bills somewhere because they are do unique! I don’t know any one who had their leica fixed two times in the first years! 
Leica sent me a nice photobook “ statt Blumen “ they wrote , for excuses. 
afterwards it functioned great ( after new electronics and shutter I mean ) 

Edited November 17 by Paulus

[250swb]

7 hours ago, Don Flynn said:

Odds are I can find threads here from posters who have sent their 1950's M3's to Leica for service recently and had no trouble getting parts for those. 

As to the M5, Leica choose to stop offering service for those years ago because they consider the model an "off model" and too few in number to maintain supplying parts for.

The M3 never had an internal meter, not withstanding that most M3 owners wouldn't send their camera to Leica for servicing. Just check 'where do I get my camera serviced?' in the threads and come back to me and say how many responses are saying 'send it to Leica'. Yes, hardly any, or was that none? But the M3 doesn't need any parts that can't be replicated by other specialist manufacturers so what is your point?

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Leica M

[archive_all]

On 11/15/2025 at 2:41 AM, Aussierob78 said:

It’s a hard choice. The 28 year old electronics in the Titanium worry me. That’s pretty much my biggest concern with it. 

Exactly. I'd go with the reissue so you don't have to worry about vintage electronics. 

[Paulus]

vor 17 Stunden schrieb 250swb:

The M3 never had an internal meter, not withstanding that most M3 owners wouldn't send their camera to Leica for servicing. Just check 'where do I get my camera serviced?' in the threads and come back to me and say how many responses are saying 'send it to Leica'. Yes, hardly any, or was that none? But the M3 doesn't need any parts that can't be replicated by other specialist manufacturers so what is your point?

I sent my M240 for servicing and refurbishing to Leica Solms . They did a great, and within weeks , job! Thank you Frau Andrea Frankl!  But not an M3, I would sent it to Zoetermeer. 

Edited November 18 by Paulus