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

[Robert Ardinger]

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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).

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[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.