Leica M6 vs M4

pjroo33 · 07-29-2010

I need some advice. I currently own an M6 but was thinking of possibly "upgrading" to the M4. Let me ask you this. Would you prefer owning an M6 in great condition or an M4 in good condition. I can say that having the light meter is nice, but it is not too terribly important to me. I hear so many people speak very highly of the M4. Thanks for the advice.

summicron2020 · 07-29-2010

Chrome or black? I have an M4 and have been thinking about getting an M6.

joshkrake · 07-29-2010

Get an M4. No real need for the light meter.

pjroo33 · 07-29-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by summicron2020

Chrome or black? I have an M4 and have been thinking about getting an M6.

I have a black M6

stompyq · 07-29-2010

I've been thinking along the same lines myself. Have a M6 and go to a M4

maddoc · 07-29-2010

The M4 is nice (had two of them) but these cameras have reached a certain age so very probably something will have to be fixed sooner or later and you will be without a camera for some time... If you would say that you own an M6 and want to add an M4, it would make more sense to me.

pjroo33 · 07-29-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by maddoc

The M4 is nice (had two of them) but these cameras have reached a certain age so very probably something will have to be fixed sooner or later and you will be without a camera for some time... If you would say that you own an M6 and want to add an M4, it would make more sense to me.

Wish I had the funds to justify that move. I like the idea though!

Chriscrawfordphoto · 07-29-2010

I went from two M4 bodies to two M6 bodies and am much happier with the M6 cameras. I find them easier to focus and the meter makes them more usable as tools for a working professional.

Mister E · 07-29-2010

I prefer a hand-held meter to the meter in the M6. I'd take an Ikon over an M6 and an M2 over an M4. If my only choice was an M4 or M6 I'd take the M4 if it had a fresh CLA. The horrible, cluttered, flair-prone finder in the M6 just turned me off on them.

maggieo · 07-29-2010

Light meter are for pussies! (and I've been drinking with really old photographers!)

bwcolor · 07-29-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister E

I prefer a hand-held meter to the meter in the M6. I'd take an Ikon over an M6 and an M2 over an M4. If my only choice was an M4 or M6 I'd take the M4 if it had a fresh CLA. The horrible, cluttered, flair-prone finder in the M6 just turned me off on them.

Why do you prefer an M2 over an M4? I ask because I have an M4 and have wondered what I might be missing.

Mister E · 07-29-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwcolor

Why do you prefer an M2 over an M4? I ask because I have an M4 and have wondered what I might be missing.

Many might call me crazy, but I prefer the mechanics of the M2. I love the slow rewind, the stiff, one-piece, advance lever, the bare minimum frame-lines, and especially the film loading. I don't like Leica's newer film loading mechanism. Don't get me wrong, I'd still like an M4, but I like the M2 more. If you already have an M4 I wouldn't trade it for an M2, but with all of the cheap M2s out there try and find one to compliment your M4.

PMCC · 07-29-2010

OP: Limit your upgrade to the MP finder fix for the M6 and you'll have a more useful and reliable machine than a user M4 could ever be. The M6 classic is currently the most sensible all round M body. The M4 has higher wank appeal for those who set store by that sort of thing. Just my 2c.

Mephiloco · 07-29-2010

Just get an m5

semilog · 07-29-2010

Um, all of you who think light meters are dumb do realize that the batteries in an M6 can be removed, right? :P

Mister E · 07-29-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by semilog

Um, all of you who think light meters are dumb do realize that the batteries in an M6 can be removed, right? :P

Sure, so why pay extra for a more poorly made, lesser camera when you can get one you don't have to remove the batteries from?

Rogrund · 07-29-2010

If your intention is taking pictures, I don't think you need to "upgrade" to an M4.

Mister E · 07-29-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogrund

If your intention is taking pictures, I don't think you need to "upgrade" to a Leica.

Fixed

Ten characters

aizan · 07-29-2010

i would trade a great m6 for a m4 if it was in mint condition, and only if i knew i could get on with a handheld meter instead.

Rogrund · 07-29-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister E

Fixed

Ten characters

So true!

nzeeman · 07-30-2010

i have m4 and my wife have m6 - except for a viewfinder whis have 28mm on m6 and 35 on m4 - there is not much difference in use. if you find 50mm framelines too small on m6 then you should get m4.
also if your m6 is in great condition as you said and you want good m4 - maybe you can earn some money in that transaction and get some lens or a lot of film for it...

Fujitsu · 07-30-2010

Where´s the point? Theres hardly a difference between the two except the built in meter which is a blessing.

sig · 07-30-2010

I think the point is that the M4 is a more Leica than the M6, and if you want a real Leica M4 is better.

Mister E · 07-30-2010

Can I get a flowchart on how to discriminate the amount of Leica each particular Leica is?

elude · 07-30-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by PMCC

OP: Limit your upgrade to the MP finder fix for the M6 and you'll have a more useful and reliable machine than a user M4 could ever be. The M6 classic is currently the most sensible all round M body. The M4 has higher wank appeal for those who set store by that sort of thing. Just my 2c.

I agree a 100%. I miss my M6 despite the viewfinder. Just upgrade the thing and you'll have the finest camera (along with the MP and M3/M2 depending on what you do).