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ZoomP
01-31-2010, 17:16
Folks,

I have a chance to get either a used but mint M6 Millennium BP from my buddy or a brand new collectors' M6 TTL Dragon from a collector locally. I am in Singapore and frankly find the Dragon kinda tacky with the Chinese character snapped at the back!

Here's what I like abt the dragon vs. the Millennium...

0.85 vs 0.72 VF
Not sure if it's a like but I have no problem on my M3. M3 loading on the dragon vs. M6 loading

Both are Black paint brass top. I know the Millennium is more collectable given that it's a Leica initiated collection. The Dragon is ordered by Schmidt marketing in Hong Kong for the China market.

Only 500 pieces of the Dragon vs. 2000 pieces of Millennium

The Year 2000 is unique in the sense that this is the first time B.C. that a Dragon year falls on Y2K. My wife is a dragon so I can relate a bit to it.

I used to have an MP and didn't find the small shutter speed dial comfortable when shooting while looking through the VF. I like the M6 TTL for the bigger dial but wanted a brass top and Black paint hence started looking at these ltd edition.

I also mainly uses 50mm lenses so the 0.85 VF will be handy. I love the 0.91 on my M3.

Prices wise, the difference is probably around 650USD with the Dragon costing a bit more.

I can always use a leather half-case to cover up the back Dragon character and it will look just like any BP.
braver
02-01-2010, 03:32
For a shooter I'd say neither. Especially if you're gonna cover up stuff you might as well get a regular M6. They don't shoot any better or worse. I don't think you need to be sensible about camera purchases, but I also wouldn't buy one of those for picture taking.
For a collectible the Dragon is the more special version, but if you don't like it get the other one.
How do those prices compare to A la Carte Leica's?
jsrockit
02-01-2010, 03:51
Are you going to use it or collect it (i.e. not use it)?
E.M
02-01-2010, 04:22
there is nothing wrong in using a collectable camera imo . There is no substitute if you happen to like a black paint M6 with the large shutter-dial and classic looks . I have a bp mil. 2000 but never used it , prefer a .72 chrome body as my user .

http://www.etiennemichiels.com
ZoomP
02-01-2010, 06:37
I am not a collector so intend to use it. The reason I am eyeing a ltd ed M6 is for the Blackpaint, larger TTL dial n brass top.
photogdave
02-01-2010, 06:57
I would go for the 2000 for the easier loading and the fact that it's less collectible so you may feel less inclined to baby it.
jsrockit
02-01-2010, 07:15
I am not a collector so intend to use it. The reason I am eyeing a ltd ed M6 is for the Blackpaint, larger TTL dial n brass top.

Cool, sounds like you can't go wrong either way.
oxlee
02-01-2010, 09:19
ZoomP, I vote for wongsan's mint M6 Millennium BP. ;-)
dof
02-01-2010, 11:03
ZoomP,

I'd recommend the Millennium version over the Dragon, simply because you prefer the look of the Millennium. One shouldn't buy either of these cameras if it's not fully what they want. That's the whole point of the black paint M6 models.

The difference in the viewfinder magnification can easily be updated using the 1.25x magnifier. I use one and have found no difficulties with it in practice.
ZoomP
02-01-2010, 15:43
Thanks guys! Checking out the BP Mill today.
gilpen123
02-01-2010, 15:49
I just got the LHSA M6 TTL and also a 1.25x magnifier and it will be my main camera intended to be used.
Rob-F
02-01-2010, 16:20
I am a dragon (1940), and was briefly interested in the Dragon. But, like you, I was disappointed with the engraving. If they had a nice engraving of a dragon (like Eragon maybe) I'd probably have liked it better.

Under the circumstances I would prefer the Millennium, or perhaps an LHSA.
gilpen123
02-01-2010, 16:50
The Nikon FM2n millenium version has a dragon and millenium markings I think. Notan RF though.
wongsan
02-01-2010, 18:18
Who said I selling my M6 TTL Millennium Edition Black Paint?:rolleyes::p
ZoomP
02-01-2010, 18:51
I just got the LHSA M6 TTL and also a 1.25x magnifier and it will be my main camera intended to be used.

Congrats on the LHSA!!! It's a beauty and one for sales at a good price on Ebay now. I am kinda more keen on the old M3 knob and red dot. Hahah I am brand whore.
ZoomP
02-01-2010, 18:53
I am a dragon (1940), and was briefly interested in the Dragon. But, like you, I was disappointed with the engraving. If they had a nice engraving of a dragon (like Eragon maybe) I'd probably have liked it better.

Under the circumstances I would prefer the Millennium, or perhaps an LHSA.

Haha... Eragon's dragon will be too westernised for the Dragon series. The Chinese character is classic of the Chinese dragon symbol.
ZoomP
02-01-2010, 18:54
Who said I selling my M6 TTL Millennium Edition Black Paint?:rolleyes::p

Of course you're not bro...
ZoomP
02-02-2010, 06:48
TTL
brass top
blackpaint
top Leica engraving
bigger speed dial
M3 style rewind knob

1706 of 2000. This is what I want my MP to be. Check out the black frame counters.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2777/4324809703_f62933cdb8_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4325546656_360e2823b8_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2794/4325531308_9785431a80_b.jpg
oxlee
02-02-2010, 07:18
So you bought it! Very very nice ZoomP.
I got an M7 off wongsan too.
Was there at the Thaipusam as well.
Boniface XIII
02-02-2010, 09:21
Correct choice. You don't want dragons on your M!!!