MP vs M6

[mdozier]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

I'm hoping for some opinions.

I recently got an MP to go along with my M6 Classic.

I've gotten to love the MP so much I'm considering selling my M6 and getting a second MP.

Is that ridiculous?

I know some think the M6 Classic is a "classic" but I just seem to use the MP all the time...

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,

Matt

[rocheung]

Any equipment can help you to take great pictures, it is not ridiculous. If it is finanically viable yourself, please go ahead:)

Of course, you may buy another color or edition will be more sensible, not matter for your ease of identification or other reason.

[buckhorn_cortez]

I'm hoping for some opinions.

I recently got an MP to go along with my M6 Classic.

I've gotten to love the MP so much I'm considering selling my M6 and getting a second MP.

Is that ridiculous?

I know some think the M6 Classic is a "classic" but I just seem to use the MP all the time...

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,

Matt

 

Can you quantify what the MP does that the M6 doesn't do? Or, are you trying to get two cameras that work the same way so you don't have to re-think "how does this work?" - breaking your concentration when you switch cameras?

 

I own an M6 (1991 model) and have never used an MP so I can't really comment on the differences in use. But, I can understand that if you're switching between cameras and the operation or controls are different, that having them exactly the same could be a benefit.

[abrewer]

MP has the brighter viewfinder, comes in handy in low light where the lenses really shine

 

Can't remember if the M6 has a meter or not; the MP's is kind of finicky but it's helpful (if you need one); and the upright rewind knob (is the M6 similar or slanted like M6TTL?) on the MP

 

There are some other differences (plastic backside ISO meter on the MP) but I can't remember them without going to the manual and refreshing

 

Some heavily used M6's have achieved an age at which light leaks at the strap lugs are possible

 

Best thing about turning your equipment over is someone new gets to experience the thrill of handling one of these beauties

[mdozier]

thank you for the reply's.

Rocheung, you're right, both are capable cameras, my limitations are more the artisan than the brush I do tend to lean more to the MP but the differences are hard to finger.

 

buckhorn_cortez, the viewfinder is a bit easier to use in low light for the MP and I don't use a flash with the Leica's so ambient is important. I do love the M6 as it was my 1st rangefinder and I'm very fond of it.

 

abrewer, the M6 does have the meter. It's not called the "TTL" version but with meter none-the-less. The M6 meter is a bit simpler than the MP's but both are very user friendly so it's not really an issue. The view finder, however, is improved in the MP. I certainly am used to the M6 and can function with it well, but I must admit the MP finder is a bit brighter and therefore easier to focus in low light. I really like your comment about passing along the thrill, so maybe that's the answer...

[photophile]

...or modify the viewfinder in the 6 and get the best of both worlds. sherry krauter or DAG can do it for you. i have used them both and find them equally proficient and efficient. best. ch

[mdozier]

Advertisement (gone after registration)

...or modify the viewfinder in the 6 and get the best of both worlds. sherry krauter or DAG can do it for you. i have used them both and find them equally proficient and efficient. best. ch

I've read of this in the abstract; do they replace the finder with one like the MP? Is it pretty simple?

Mind you, I'm not complaining about the M6 but pressed, I might say the MP finder is a bit brighter.

thanks again,

m

[JBA]

I was asked the same question in PM by another member, so I'll post my response here with some additional elaboration.

 

I feel the MP is more solidly built and responsive. The rangefinder patch not flaring out is a major plus with the MP. I also find the ISO dial easier to set. Another thing I really like about the MP is the lack of branding on the face of the camera. It looks like a serious photographic tool that has no need to announce its pedigree.

 

One of my biggest gripes with the M6 is that the rewind crank slips out of my fingers every time and spins backward. Then I have to take up the slack again and finish rewinding. It is no exaggeration to say that I curse the camera every time I rewind a roll. By contrast, the MP's rewind knob maintains pressure on the film and makes rewinding actually faster. And I could always opt for the accessory crank attachment. I also prefer the MP's solid metal film advance lever both aesthetically and ergonomically.

 

The MP is noticeably heavier than the M6 classic. I don't mind the extra weight, but some might and this would give the M6 an edge over the MP.

[rocheung]

thank you for the reply's.

Rocheung, you're right, both are capable cameras, my limitations are more the artisan than the brush I do tend to lean more to the MP but the differences are hard to finger.

 

 

Hmmmm, I think the only difference that makes you take pics easier, is the brighter viewfinder for MP. Other will be the appearance and the material. You may also say MP probably more durable, but heavier weight.

 

Hahaha, I think you are finding something to justify to buy MP, not to keep the M6. So that I guess you will still buy the MP finally. Anyway, this is an enjoyable process before buying new things.

 

Cheers

Rocheung

[rob_x2004]

I feel the MP is more solidly built ...

 

... the M6 is that the rewind crank ... etc.

 

The only two comments I would make are that it isnt likely the MP is more solidly built. Its still a pretty soft (but heavier) camera that doesnt take a hard knock. You also have to be careful of viewfinder alignment so all bets are off. From some of the beat up M6 I have seen I wonder if the M6 might not be instinsically more robust than the MP. I guess you would have to ask Leica and doubt they would tell.

 

I also think the MP rewind knob uncovers a few light leaks that probably go unrecognized in the M6/M7 style rewind. When my MP leaked it was visible in vertical lines of additional exposure at points on the negative where the film transport had paused for a moment as I took the next hold to wind on. With the continuous wind of the M7 there would only be a very very light fogging that would not be distiguishable. If I recall this particular light leak was present in some M6, and probably undiscovered in others. But that is speculation.

[JBA]

The only two comments I would make are that it isnt likely the MP is more solidly built . . .

 

I also think the MP rewind knob uncovers a few light leaks . . .

 

Whether one or the other is actually, objectively more solidly built is a good question. The MP feels more solidly built to me mainly because of the weight and the solid wind lever. But brass is a pretty soft metal. In the end, build quality might as well be decided by coin toss.

 

When my M6 leaked, it was evidently a seal on the barndoor. My MP is tight, but it's early days yet. We'll see how it holds up over the years.

[rob_x2004]

Youve got both, which one would you hand back if pressed? Keep the MP?

[JBA]

Youve got both, which one would you hand back if pressed? Keep the MP?

 

Yes, I'd definitely keep the MP.

[martin]

since the MP is with it's lightmetering close to the M6 I'd keep the MP as the best one in mechanics and sell the M6 classic to refinance a M7.

So you'll have the best of both worlds in M cameras.

Later on take a M8 for color shooting

[mdozier]

Thanks again to all for the great input.

My M6 is about a '96 vintage (I think) and no light leaks at all, as yet.

My MP is basically new (maybe '05?) and no leaks there either.

 

The weight difference to me is pretty nominal but it does add a slightly more "solid" feel to the MP. I'm no journalist so the knocks about are just daily wear and tear. I hadn't worried about vertical alignment but luckily both are far more rugged than anything else I've ever had.

 

I do like the rewind on the MP, it certainly seems more reliable and a bit improved. And, the finder is also an improvement, no doubt. However, the M6 is a wonderful and worthy companion, and my first Leica so I am a bit partial.

 

All said, I guess imho the MP is basically an improved version of a wonderful tool: the M6. I'm certainly keeping the MP and I guess I'm going to add another one. Now I guess I must decide on keeping or selling the '6.

 

Thanks again for all the input and opinions.

[Guest Posto 6]

Perhaps you could take advantage of the fabulous à la carte programme, where you could not only have a choice of viewfinders, but also a personalized finish and engraving styles. I bought one and was really very happy with it, although I sold it recently to prepare for some newly-announced I am plannning to buy (I also have an M6j, M4-2, M3 and 2 SL2Mots).

[abrewer]

One way to 'keep' the M6 closeby is to give it to a son or daughter, close friend, etc then invest some time 'teaching' and sharing the hobby with that person

 

You may find that far more valuable to you than the $$$ earned from sale

[mdozier]

Thanks Allan, unfortunately no kids, however, the wife is a "Kathy-Kodak" never without a camera. I hadn't even thought of moving her up to the next level from her point-and-shoots.

 

One great thing about Leica is their simplicity.

 

Martin, I love the mechanicals which is why I'm enamored with the M6 and MP. I know I'll have to add an M8 in the future so I was thinking of skipping the '7 for now.

 

Thanks again to all.

M

[Leitzmac]

Thanks Allan, unfortunately no kids, however, the wife is a "Kathy-Kodak" never without a camera. I hadn't even thought of moving her up to the next level from her point-and-shoots.

 

One great thing about Leica is their simplicity.

 

Martin, I love the mechanicals which is why I'm enamored with the M6 and MP. I know I'll have to add an M8 in the future so I was thinking of skipping the '7 for now.

 

Thanks again to all.

M

 

 

I hope 'Kathy-Kodak' doesn't read this post.

[Advertisement]

Hallo,

Look here: Interesting Leica gear

[batmobile]

if you want another MP and can afford it, do. I bought the MP and quickly added a second. I wanted identical handling and feel and got just that. There is no need to justify a MP over a M6 in objective terms. 'wants' and 'I feel more comfortable with' need no such justification. I do not regret the additional expense over a used m6 one bit. If I get a third body it will be a 0.58 MP if at all possible.