Difference between M6 and M6TTL

Hello all,

I want to start using a RF system. I tried the Conta G2 and the Leica M7 and just had a better feeling with the Leica.

As ar as the M7 costs quite a lot of money and I first want to get familiar with the RF system I thought of buying a used M6 or M6TTL.

Can someone point out the differences between a M6 and a M6TTL except the TTL function for using a flash?

Thank you very much in advance and greetins,

Martin

[Huck Finn]

As far as I know, there are no differences. Both can use flash but the M6 TTL meters the flash through the lens.

Since money is an issue, there are cheaper ways than a used M6 to get familiar with the RF system:

Konica Hexar RF - for the price of a used M6, you can get a new Hexar Rf kit, which includes 50mm lens, flash, & case. Build quality & lenses are Leica quality. This camera is discontinued but you can still find it new if you hunt a little bit. like the M7, it is an auto-exposure camera.

Voigtlander Bessa R2 - for the cost of a used M6 body, you can get a new R2 & 2 or 3 new Voigtlander lenses. The body is good but not Leica quality. Lens optics are outstanding.

Rollei 35 RF - dressed-up Bessa R2 body but with Carl Zeiss lenses. If you like the Contax lenses, you can get the same make on a manual, rangefinder body. Body & one lens for the cost of a used M6 if you order directly from Rollei-USA in New Jersey or current internet sale from Adorama.

Of cousre, you can always look for a used fixed lens rangefinder from the '70s for $100 more or less. However, these are smaller cameras & will not have the same feel as the Leicas you like. They are true rangefinder cameras often with very good lenses & are a good introduction to rangefinder photography.

Good luck,
Huck

[rover]

Here is a good comparison of the two cameras.

http://www.kbcamera.com/m6profile.htm

[SolaresLarrave]

Something not mentioned here... Besides the ability to control flash through the lens, the M6TTL has a more sensitive and easier to read meter. I remember having read the M6 manual and seen how the meter works. IIRC, it has a two-arrow system, and when both arrows disappear and a dot appears in between them, you can shoot trusting to get the best exposure. The M6TTL has an even more sensitive meter, and it's also newer than the M6's. The downside: the M6TTL is 2mm taller than the M6 because it has to accomodate the TTL circuitry.

Other than that, both cameras are the same thing, and both have the "defective," flare-prone viewfinder that, supposedly, was improved in the M7 and MP. It simply happens that under intense light, the rangefinder patch dissappears; this can be fixed by adding a small filter in the rangefinder mechanism. Leica does the job for $262.50, and DAG will do it for $150. M7 owners who purchased their cameras before the viewfinders were massively upgraded can have it done for free, but they should contact Leica first to find out if they qualify.

I hope this helps!

[HelenB]

Actually... there are some subtle differences other than the flash TTL facility:

The TTL body is a few millimetres higher (the official reason for this is that it accomodates the extra electronics, but we all know that it was done so that collectors had more camera to caress lovingly),

The shutter speed dial on the TTL is larger (so that it is easier to turn with a finger resting on the front plate) and turns the other way (so that the required movement of the front of the dial corresponds with the way the meter arrows point),

The meter readout adds a central round red LED between the arrows (this is supposed to make it easier to judge correct exposure),

The meter spec is one stop more sensitive than later non-TTL models and two stops more sensitive than the very early M6 (this change to the specification was made by Leica without any fanfares).

I don't have a TTL, but I do have a couple of non-TTL M6s and an M7. The M7 shares the features of the M6 TTL. It took me about 30 years to get used to that shutter dial, then they went and changed the damned thing - but I do find the new one easier to use. Overall, however, there is little real difference between the two other than the TTL flash and I would be happy with whatever I could afford. Or, in my case, rather more than I can really afford but never regret.

Best,
Helen

Later edit: Francisco and I must have been writing simultaneously.

[SolaresLarrave]

Of course! The viewfinder magnfication! The M6 didn't carry the 0.58 magnification, and there were very few made with the 0.85 VF (for special use with long lenses). In sum, you have a better choice of VF magnification (and the necessary framelines) with the M6TTL.

Should I add I have that one? I was aiming for a M6, but I ran across the M6TTL for such a price I couldn't pass it.

[HelenB]

I'd missed off the 'off' position on the shutter speed dial of the TTL. Not only does it switch the meter off, it also opens a whole new can of worms.

The M6 & 7 meters come on when the shutter is cocked and the release is pressed lightly. Therefore, if you put the camera into your bag cocked it is very possible that something presses on the release and drains the battery. On the non-TTL you could turn the speed dial to B to stop this (but not prevent an accidental exposure in the bag - a hazard to those of use who use a big shutter release button). The M6 TTL has a proper 'off' position on the dial. The M7 does it right with a little lever round the base of the release.

Best,
Helen

[SolaresLarrave]

Helen... I was waiting for your responses and I had no idea we were writing at the same time!

Well... there's more than meets the eye when it comes to the differences between the M6 and the M6TTL. I had forgotten about the shutterspeed dial and the on/off feature. BTW, the only way to prevent battery drain with the M6TTL is easy: never store the camera with the shutter cocked. But then, even if you leave it in B (thus turning the meter off), if the shutter is cocked you run the risk of making an unnecessary exposure of the insides of your gear bag if the shutter release button is pushed while set in B. And you know what else happens with a prolonged B exposure and captive film inside a bag: leaks!

Later edit: I also like the big dial in the M6TTL. It's turned in the direction of the meter arrows in the VF. One day I had in my hands a MP, and their small dial (in addition that it turns "the wrong way") didn't warm me up to it.

Happy now, unregistered?

[martinfuchs]

Hi all,

Thanks for your replies and tips.

Yesterday I bought a used M6 at ebay. The price was so good I could not resist... :-)

So I am waiting for my first Leica M camera to arrive!

Greetings from Vienna,

Martin

[back alley]

welcome to the forum martin.

i hope your leica experience is a good one.
let us know what you think of the camera when you get a 'feel' for it.

joe

[martinfuchs]

Thanks, Joe! I will let you know about my new Leica as soon as I got it and took the first few rolls of film...

martin