to be honest at that price point i would not call that camera an entry ticket into film photography. but it truly is a nice tool to work with once you are in the film world and are sure that the money is not wasted! nice video!
Film is not just for young photographers. I am 75 years old and love to shoot with my M6 TTL, M3, Rollieflex, etc. But I also love to shoot with my M10-P and Leica Q. Each provides different delights in photography. Great video!
Thanks Jules, and congratulations on your continued passion for photography although I think 75 years is still not really "old" my friend :) Clearly, you have seen much more in film photography than I have seen, Respect! What I hope is that younger photographers now finally find interest and pleasure in film photography when a respected brand like Leica produces film cameras newly besides their digital offers. Take care and thanks for your nice comment.
Loved the monologue about film photography in the end. Happy to hear the film love from you. I went all in with film… Digital felt more and more like work, and I still shoot digital but film just captured my heart. Btw, I just came back from Japan… where a roll of Portra is around 25€… still trying to recover from that trauma, lol
Thanks for posting this comparison. I have an M6 that I purchased new in 1989. I guess that this is essentially the same camera, just built today. I preferred the M7 with its auto ISO. More than once, I changed film and didn't set the new ISO on the M6. I took the M6 on a six month trip around the world. It functioned flawlessly. It is built like a tank.
One minor correction. The correct frame line pair is selected not by the optical coding on the lens but by a cam. This is necessary on the M mount because the optical frame must work even without a battery especially in the case of M bodies that don't have any electronics. It's also why older M mount lenses can select the correct frame line pair.
@@mathphotographer Thank you. What I would find interesting would be an explanation of the differences between the new Leica M6 and the existing MP 0.72 and Leica M-A (Typ 127) for shooting rather than just collecting. The M6 vs M4 basis, meter vs non-meter and viewfinder magnification seem obvious but, honestly, for shooting I don't see the justification for three cameras which are essentially continuation models rather than just one.
Thanks for creating and sharing this video. It is the first close-up, detailed look at the new M6 (as opposed to the videos some lucky people created at Wetzlar) that I have seen. I previously had several film M bodies and, like many, even sold them when I switched to digital. I think this is a brilliant move by Leica, both as an entry for young photographers (with money :)) and for us older folks who fondly remember the simple pleasures of selecting and loading film, choosing a lens, practicing our focusing technique, and waiting for the resulting slides or negatives. Of course, Leica has continued to produce the MP and M-A, but this is a a bold step and a serious statement in support of analog photography. I have no idea how far down I am on the waiting list, but am very much looking forward to receiving this beautiful camera.
Today, i sold and shipped my M6 1986 to Nepal. A young photographer will continue to do the job. He is happy as can be. Nice to know. Very nice video by the way
Additional difference to the m6 and m6 TTL is the shutterdial (turns the other way), and the two versus three led indicators for lightmetering. The M6TTL led makes it easier to measure light correctly, as it has a dot for the right measurement, and the led arrow gives the correct dial rotation. The m6 dial has to be turned in the opposite direction.
Yet another difference, previously unmentioned, between the M6 and the M6 TTL is that the latter camera (like all subsequent design Leica M cameras) is taller. 🙂
Well that was interesting. I had no idea that Leica has made a re-issue of the original M6. I had two back in the 1990s. Sold my first one when I was short of money. I have managed to hang onto my second one. I think I bought it new but it was a demonstration version or for some reason semi discounted. As I recall it was about $1800 in 1998 or 99. Mine has the smaller dial but it also has the higher .85 magnification. I think those only came in a black anodized finish. I still have the original box (it’s white) and instructions/paperwork. I used that and my two lenses for years, a small 35mm Summilux (1970s) and a 85mm Summarex (1950s) taking pictures of everything from weddings to birthdays in the park to a lot of bands playing in clubs. That camera has been kicked and dropped, bang around. I would sometimes cling to the stage edge trying to get a shot, while the melee of the mosh pit swirled around. Good Times! Still works fine. I have had it cleaned and tuned up a few times but I wouldn’t expect delicate electronics or motors in a modern camera to survive what it’s been through. Maybe I should make a video about my M6 too? Cheers.
I must admit that in general I am not a fan of unboxing videos but this is the first one I do like. Especially since you have the older version complete in box to compare. That "vintage" M6 looks in mint condition, beautiful. Now I am following a couple of young street photographers on YT shooting in the streets of New York with almost all M6's and shooting daily (Portra 800 mainly). Very interesting (Paulie B.) both fun and interesting to watch cause it is street photography 'avant la lettre' . They asked themselves if they would buy a new 2022 M6 but for that price they rather have 2 good older M6's, just for the price not the dials etc., IMO interesting to know. (Swiss) Quality video, as we are used to get from you, totally agree with your points at the end, thanks for sharing and a wonderful weekend. Success with the new M6.
I have a Midland made M4 purchased new in 1974. I still use it almost daily. I’ve also just ordered the 2022 M6. The people at the store say that it’ll be a year before I see it. It’ll be fun to use a new ‘old’ camera..
Just when I was considering selling my M6, Leica comes out with a new one. I’ll be holding on to my original M6 for awhile, I sure it will increase in value.
Thank you for a simple yet clear and concise explanation, this clears up my curiosity when Leica reincarnates this Leica M6. I am from the old generation, and lucky enough to own a Leica M4, which is totally manual.
Bravo, bellissima comparazione. Un video realizzato da un grandissimo appassionato Leica! Ho avuto la M6 ttl e l’ho poi cambiata con una M7 che mi tiene ancora compagnia ❤👋
01:33 Als ehemaliger Verpackungsdrucker bin ich sehr stolz, dass die Verpackungen auch nach Jahren noch Farn-identisch aussieht. Gruss an die Druckerei 😅 PS: natürlich auch toll von Leica die gleiche Kamera zu bauen 🙌🏻
Thanks for the review. It's worth mentioning though that, aside from the bigger shutter speed dial which turns the opposite direction, the M6TTL is 2mm taller than the Classic M6 and the 2022 M6. When you look at it from the front view, the range finder window of the M6 TTL has a little space before the top of the top plate, whereas those of the Classic/2022 M6s have none.
Patiently waiting for my pre-ordered M6. Whether Leica intended it or not, guys like me who sold their Leitz M6 and wish they hadn't will appreciate the opportunity to acquire the Leitz M6 with newer board, and other improvements.
Thanks for your great run down on the new 2022 M6 and an original classic version of the M6. I have been lucky to have owned two M6’s at different times in my life and have always regretted having to sell my last one! I’m trying to work out how and when I can replace my M6’s with a new M6 or MP again. I still have my original GMP M handgrip, tripod and camera bag from my last M6 to reuse again.
Great gear, thanks for sharing. For the new M6 currently the waiting lists are long but towards Xmas I hope Leica has produced enough units to satisfy the demand.
Thank you for such a thorough explanation of this new M6. I have a couple of M10-P's which I love and I have never used a film Leica but I've considered getting into film for some time and I find it inspiring that this new film camera is being produced. What holds me back is the process of getting film developed and scanned. I would want to do it myself and that would entail the whole process of learning how to develop and scan, not to mention all the supplies that would have to be purchased. Not a deal breaker but an all encompassing process that one would have to be passionate about to pursue.
Thanks Catherine, and you are right: the development process for film and the corresponding waiting time is holding back many people from film photography. I know and use here in Zurich a lab which delivers the developed film over night, so one day to wait - which is acceptable for me. I also think that the excitement to wait for the development of film is something enjoyable, and it slows down your photography which I also appreciate. Developing film yourself is an option of course but involves a lot of chemicals so not everyones taste :)
I’ll get my 1994 M6 Classic serviced next week and look forward to shooting it B/W with my Summicron f2.0 35mm, 50mm & 90mm lenses. Haven’t used it for over 10 years and actually only because I couldn’t lay my hands on my Billingham bag. Thanks for the comparison review.
Brilliant! Thank you for making this video. I still enjoy shooting film on my Nikon F3 and FM3A. I actually have a few used M-mount lenses that I enjoy using on my Leica SL and Lumix S1R. Now my conundrum is MP or M6!
Great - thanks for the kind feedback. I also shoot a Nikon F3, mint condition, and enjoy film photography besides my digital cameras and digital workflow :)
When I started my photography journey, I was exposed to a HS course in photography and learned how to develop and print my own film… this would be the same process if you choose to shoot with the new 2022 M6, if you want to learn about film photography then you must jump into the darkroom techniques and equipment… the film processing and printing ensures your continued desire to shoot with film and develop and print and see the magic of developing the print…it’s a learning curve that took years… unless your experienced at film photography, I think if you buy the 2022 m6, you will get tired of film photography because digital processing is easier and cost effective … I still have my retro M6, but have moved through many cameras from Yashica, Nikkormat, Minolta, to settle down with my Nikon D750/D850… but, I have always been intrigued by the Leica color and quality and now, at 69 moved back to Leica through my Vario-X, Q and now M240…. My shooting habits have changed solely through travel photography and wanted a lighter equipment load to carry and Leica is the way to go for quality photography…
I had a M6TTL which I traded for a new MP a few month's ago before the release of the M6 2022. I am very happy with the MP which is essentially an M6 anyway. I had issues with my M6.The light meter was draining batteries and the rewind crank was seizing up after about 20 exposures apparently a common fault.It is well documented that if the M6TTL light meter goes faulty it cannot be repaired. Ergonomically the M6 rewind crank has a lot of extra stresses on it because of the angle. I bought a crank adaptor for the MP because it was too slow to rewind and that works perfectly. Getting a new 3 year warranty : 2 years plus one extra year for registering with Leica was a total deal changer. The second hand market for the M6 is so expensive and with a full CLA nearly the price of a new M6 .At least with my brand new MP and with the new M6 I am guaranteed trouble free usage and having parts and service available for years to come.
As always, great video, great content! The best reviews are mathphotographer and reddotforum. You’re taking the time to go deep into the details. Neutral, no fanboy talk, no hyping. Thanks!!!
Thank you for a very informative video about the 'new' or revived Leica M6 ... I've only just recently learned that there was one! I seriously toyed with the idea of buying a brand new Leica some years ago now but could not somehow justify the expense when it finally came to it, however, on considering buying a new one once again, it seems to me that Leica has probably come up with all the really practical features in this new camera that photographers - that is, proper shooters - really need and use. I'm pleased to see that the new M6 has a proper re-wind knob with a handle that facilitates quick and easy film rewinding (unlike the MP and other retro-looking Leica M cameras that only have the rather ineffectual knurled knob); and likewise, I think it makes sense for any new Leica M camera to come with the tried-and-tested Leica internal meter found in most modern Leica's - instead of doing without one like the MA for some sort of philosophical reason. As to whether the new camera should have 'this shutter speed dial' or 'that film advance lever' or perhaps more pertinently , 'a different viewfinder magnification', is something that Leica users will probably debate ad infinitum, but it's a debate that largely stems, it seems to me, from an over-abundance of options and features that Leica has offered in their cameras over the decades.
I like very much your test of the New M6. It s nice to remember That s in fact taking a photo It s very simple. The digital Cameras are not cameras but Small computer taking photos....
Powerful little computers in digital cameras ... but the old way shooting film should not be forgotten, that's why I promote from time to time film shooting on my channel!
I have a M6 very first to hit the shelves. 25 rolls so far. You told me a bunch I could care less about. I care about does it fit the leica film cassettes, has the condenser in the RF been put back in, has the meter circuit been updated, one more thing I forgot for now.
Nice comparison overall. One thing I felt was missing in your discussion was to show how the metering indication works ... On the classic M6, it was a two-LED system; I think on the new M6, it is a three LED system like the M6TTL has. Is this true? (I prefer the three LED system, pioneered in the Nikon FM way back in the middle 1970s. It has always been my favorite metering indicator system for a manual, match-needle metering camera because it is visible in day or night, easy to see yet does not occlude much if any of the viewfinder area, and the three-LED system nets a clearer indication of nominal and half stop indication from -1 to +1 EV... )
Thanks Godfrey. If you look into the instructions for the new Leica M6 (here: leica-camera.com/en-US/photography/cameras/m/m6/technical-specs ) and download the manual you find on page 16 that "The triangular LEDs give the direction of rotation of the aperture ring and shutter-speed dial to adjust the exposure" so directionally from an operations perspective that is what you want to have.
Well , I think the M6 is the most versatile M body worth remaining in the production. Though I prefer M3 for street photography, nothing beats M3's quiet shutter and buttery mechanism.
Why does your new M6 have an old style frame line selector? Was this by special request? All the promotional material for the new M6 shows it to have the same selector as the classic one.
Spot-on, I actually don't know and did not get yet an answer from Leica. Clearly all marketing material of the M6 shows the larger selector but my smaller one is what I found when opening the box live as you saw. I need to find out.
@@mathphotographer I've seen a few of the new M6 cameras on social media and a local store in my city also got one and all of them have the bigger frame line selector. Yours is definitely uncommon!
I use an Epson V850 scanner. It comes with lots of cardridges for placing film, negatives, prints, etc. in optimal way into the scanner so you get really good results. Resolution on the Epson is also very high in terms of dpi.
Wunderbar wie immer. Sollte ich nochmal ins Kleinbild wollen, wird die M6 die erste (und einzige) Wahl sein. Im Moment ist aber Rollfilm und Großformat. Zum Ende hin möchte ich ein klein wenig widersprechen: Leica erreicht mit dieser Neuauflage ganz gewiss gerade die vielen alten Knochen, die sich vor langer Zeit von Film ver abschiedet haben, und nun doch wieder zum Essentiellen der Fotografie zurückkehren wollen. Ist ja auch eine Geldfrage :) Und ich denke, diese Zielgruppe hatten die Vertreibsleute besonders im Blick. Aber wie auch immer: Es ist so toll, dass die Filmfotografie neue Impulse erfährt und auch Firmen wie Leica das unterstützen. Bin gespannt auf die Bilder, die du uns zeigen wirst. Nochmals - vielen Dank!
Ha! Danke Maximilan. Ich hoffe wirklich, dass auch einige der "rich young kids" auf den Zug aufspringen und dabei lernen, wie man richtig fotografiert :)
@@mathphotographer Glaubst Du doch selbst nicht - die hängen die sich um und machen Selfies mit ihrem iPhone Supi-Dupi-Max- für Social Gedöns. Belichtungs-Dreieck raffen und das auch noch auf Film? Da springen die vorher im Kreis. SO sieht es aus. Maximilian B. liegt absolut richtig. Aber die ganze Wahrheit ist noch viel Schlimmer. Siehe meinen Beitrag in English. Echt - Leica ist so dumm das es weh tut. Rate mal welches Bajonet die meistverkauften Objektive mit Leica Schriftzug haben? Und WO ist die passende Kamera von Leica?? Angesichts des aktuellen Angebotes von Panasonic und Olympus MFT sowie keiner MFT Kamera von Leica - da fällt es echt schwer sich zu entscheiden welche Firma von denen die unfähigste ist.
Genauso ist es - PR geblubber. Fakt ist: TL/CL weg und keine Ahnung wie man gegen die Smartphones mit was neuen ankommen kann. Muss man sich mal auf der Zunge zergehen lassen - die FIrma die portable Fotografie mit der M erfunden hat fällt NICHTS besseres mehr ein als eine analoge M wieder zu beleben. Wobei die M Puristen die zurecht als ein Frankenstein-Geschöpf ansehen. Aber sei jedem seine neue alte M6 gegönnt - sollte jeder zuschlagen solange er kann, am besten gleich eine zweite Kaufen als Ersatzteilspender. Wer weis wie lange es Leica noch gibt wenn es so trost- und ideenlos weitergeht. Denn die Kiddies von heute - die werden sich wenn sie es sich leisten können garantiert eines NICHT kaufen: eine Leica M die sie sich als jung & arm nicht kaufen konnten... DEN "Nachwuchs" - den muss Leica sich diesmal anders heranzüchten. Und sie haben keine Ahnung wie... PS: Moon-Swatch? Genie-Streich! Die Schweizer Uhrenindustrie hatte nach dem Quartz-Schock - und hat noch - den simplen Vorteil das Männer halt wenig Auswahl an Schmuck und somit Luxus-Sachen zum tragen haben. Und wenn DIE nach dem Apple-Watch Schock eine Moon-Swatch "nötig" haben - dann kann man sich die kommende Krise bei Leica vorstellen.
Totally agree with you. With aperture priority and 10 times less expensive -this is an entry-level ticket. I used to have fm3a with voitlander 40mm - brilliant set.
Nice comparision. The original M6 was my first rangefinder camera. I never really liked the small fiddly exposure time dial. That's a dealbreaker for me. I prefer the M6 TTL or M7.
Fair point ... most of us prefer the TTL although I really believe newcomers to film photography will not even note the difference and will appreciate Leica being now promoters for good old film roll days :)
@@mathphotographer I think the number of film newcomers buying this camera will be zero (let's not count collectors). In our local film community people try film with cameras around 100 or 200 EUR. To get more people into film we needed new cameras for a 1/10th of the cost.
Yes it does and mine also has the frameline switch from the MP. When speaking to Leica, they told me that some very few new M6 got accidentally some MP elements ... strange of course but makes my M6 very special :) I like it that way!
Tolles Video! Ich habe gar nichts mit analoger Fotografie am Hut. Bin sehr happy mit meiner M10. Aber wenn ich Lust hätte es mal zu probieren, was wäre der Nachteil eine alte M6 gebraucht zu kaufen ggü der Neuen? Man bekommt ja so ziemlich dasselbe Produkt, nur eben für die Hälfte oder so. Oder was übersehe ich? Danke für die tollen Videos und liebe Grüße
Herzlichen Dank, Sebastian. Es spricht überhaupt nichts dagegen, eine gebrauchte M6 zu kaufen. Und wenn Du sogar eine M6 TTL findest, umso besser :) LG & danke für das nette Feedback.
@@j.k.9776 rewind wheel, top plate and coating of the new M6 is from M11. New M6 has Lightmeter of MP, view finder of the MP… differences between new M6 and MP are only the looks.
Love the video, just not understanding. If i were trying to get into film photography, I would not be able to spend the $5,000. I started shooting film photography and I went with a well maintained CanonAE-1 and love it, plus I spent $200. I am yet to understand the reason why Leica has priced the M6 similar to professional digital camera like an Canon R3. Please help me understand that. TY!
Love the new / old packaging… it’s all a good move for Leica… I still prefer my Mp … it’s my one keeper camera and has been by me side since 2003 …people are complaining that this camera is aimed at a younger more HIP generation… well why not … I bought my first Leica (r4s) when I was 23… worked and saved hard for it.. and loved it …all way back in about 84.. Why complain about how the younger generation are inspired and influenced by there methods of communication… …it just didn’t exist back in the 80’s Maybe it’s time for us old fossils to except it or keep out of it.. To any of you awful 😂hipsters who truly want this camera… then go for it.. just work .. work .. work .. and save …it’s the only way and good luck to you ..
This is a great comparison. Perhaps you would consider doing a comparison of the Leica M11 with the 35 f/2 vs the Hasselblad X2D with the 55 f2.5? I would so much like to get your opinion on image quality, usability, etc. I am really torn! The autofocus, flip up LCD and larger sensor of the X2D are very tempting. My sense is the use cases of the two cameras is similar. I value your opinion and would love a thorough comparison of the two. I am have seen multiple reviewers say the M11 is as close to medium format as a full frame can get. I have to wonder if that is still correct. Thanks.
Looking at marketing materials and other unboxing videos (e.g. Camera West TV’s), it appears that they installed the wrong frame line selector lever on your 2022 M6.
What I’d like to see now is Nikon reviving its S-series rangefinders, in a nice compact version, with Z-mount lenses, the sensor from the Z9, and an adaptor to fit old S-series lenses. Especially the little golf-ball size 50mm f1.4, complete with tons of spherical aberration wide open. Also that same-size Nikon optical viewfinder, so you could look at your subject with both eyes open at the same time. And an adaptor for M-series lenses. Would the market be able to support two quality rangefinder system cameras? Probably not. But a guy can dream, eh?
Haha lol - that must be the magic of Leica getting into your thinking and making you believe you need one :) Having said that, maybe it brings you closer to photography and that‘s a good thing isn‘t it?
So you think the M6 TTL original is better than the new M6? Why? The M6 TTL has a bad top plate it gets corroded after time as it is not made from brass right?
Aside from the finish, with MP in glossy black and the M6 in matte black, and the markings, the only other difference is the rewind mechanism. The MP has a rewind knob, while the M6 has a rewind crank. Some are saying that the 2022 M6 is basically an MP in M6 skin, with the exception of the rewind crank (which by the way was an option the now discontinued a la carte MP).
It confuses me what Leica did in releasing a new M6 when they have a current MP. What you fail to realise about the larger shutter speed dial of the TTL is an essential upgrade. The direction of the shutter speeds were reversed so that it matched the exposure arrows in the viewfinder which the M6 classic didn’t.
Thanks Calvin, if you look into the instructions for the new Leica M6 (here: leica-camera.com/en-US/photography/cameras/m/m6/technical-specs ) and download the manual you find on page 16 that "The triangular LEDs give the direction of rotation of the aperture ring and shutter-speed dial to adjust the exposure" so directionally from an operations perspective what you want to have, or do I miss your point?
@@mathphotographer From the Ken Rockwell recent article: “The M6 has a tiny shutter dial that is hard to turn while you're looking through the camera, and it turns in the wrong direction with respect to the meter arrows.” “The shutter speed dial is correct on the M6 TTL as shown. It's full-sized, easy to turn with your finger as you look through the camera, and turns in the correct direction as suggested by the meter LEDs.”
@@calvinchann1996 Hmm ... interesting. Ken Rockwell on his website is not encouraging to look into the 2022 Leica M6 and I understand his arguments but also think he underestimates the influence this new Leica M6 might have on younger photographers who have not yet experience in shooting film and will likely follow the new Leica trend to support 35mm film shooting.
Spot on observation, I asked myself and did not find an answer. Maybe the M6 we saw when Leica announced it were pre-production? It is eye-catching that the live version (M6 camera) I unboxed and own has a smaller frameline switch than the product photos we saw from Leica.
To be honest, when i was reading news into red dot forum, there would be a "cheaper" Leica for around 2500, i thought fine, perhaps one day....but a price for >5K EUR for just a reintroduced M6 is really extremely hard to swallow. You can buy any other 35mm Film gear into the world, which is literally cheaper. And virtually no new R&D for the M6 2022 edition was being made. Especially with the ever raising film prices, i do find this really over the top...nowadays. No social insecurities, but sadly, it's way uber expensive, for what it is. And i've found the red dot too poser, if i'd ever own a M series rangefinder someday into my life, i'd go for a stealth all black version, one day.
Comment on loading... You need to make sure the film sprockets are aligned with the teeth of the alignment sprocket of the camera otherwise there's a chance the camera will bind
The 2022 Leica M6 also does not have the camera top plate strap lug protectors of your silver pre-2022 M6, the same as my original 1984 M6 does not them have either. A bit of black electrical tape will take care of that though.
...sorry to be pedantic, but your title should read "New 2022 Leica M6 vs 1998 Leica M6". The older M6 here is a 1998 TTL M6 and not a 1984 M6. It matters because there were significant design and operational differences between the classic 1984 M6 and the 1998 TTL M6.
@@mathphotographer A whole bunch of the new M6 cameras scratch film. Leica released a statement blaming it on a bad batch of pressure plates. My new M6 scratched film.
That’s because Leica made a proper brass top plate for the new M6. The old M6 had a stamped zinc top plate and those side protectors were made out of plastic
The M6 is only slightly cheaper than either the M-A or the MP. But, I think it's better value, because of one reason: the rewind lever. But, let's be real: the M6 is not an entry level camera. It's only US$400 cheaper than the other two. Having said that, there is nothing wrong with it. I hope that Leica updates its film cameras with the shutter mechanism first seen in the M10-P. It is much more silent than the horizontal cloth shutter. And the flash sync speed is higher.
Thanks Karim. I admit the price tag is too high for an entry ticket into the Leica film photography. What I thought when I made this statement is some hope that these hipster kids out there who spend the money of their parents finally spend it on something good and learn something good, namely film photography ;)
@@mathphotographer Let's also remember that nobody makes a good film scanner these days. Cine scanners are great. But photo scanners are not. And camera scanning is stupid.
I don’t think it is the TTL that holds the true concept of photography, nor the M6 classic, nor the MP etc. Rather the M3 or MA. Get people to shoot and hav them challenge themselves w/o light meter. The size of a dial is immaterial… the skill involved is .
I agree. Had the M3 for years and also a M6 TTL but I absolutely prefer the M3, also because I only use 50 mm lenses. As a spare camera I use the Konica Hexar, unfortunaly only 35 mm.
Many many years ago i got a brand new M6, unfortunately i had technical issues with it. I got another one from Solms (Wetzlar) but still i wasn't 'lucky,' so i returned to Nikon with a fabulous F3-T and 2 brilliant F2 (S and AS) cameras. Not much later i started working with the formidable Leica M2. I'm still using both of my M2 cameras (and the old F2's as well), mainly with the excellent Summicron 5cm. To sum it up, i think most of the Leica M 35mm camera's are great, and working with a 50mm lens isn't really better with the viewfinder of the M3. You simply get used to the camera you use.
nice video again, I’m very unhappy with the new M6. First; it’s not a legendary camera, the most iconic photos are from the 50th, 60th and 70th, definitely before the M6 was born. Second; Leica announced a cheaper analog version of the MP. Maybe a ME without a frame line selection, without magnification option for the view finder, with cheaper material and painting, …. but Thirty; they made just a MP in an old dress. A M6.2? Why not, with 1/2000 shutter speed, 1/125 sync speed, with LED illuminated frame lights for bad light situations, … But just a M6 for guys who don’t know, why they are using a M6. For guys who wants to wear a M6 around there neck for posing. With ridiculous guys in the commercial who are wearing a wool cap in the summer heat. I’m very disappointed from Leica. Leica changes the philosophy from a supporter of photography to a brand who makes products for hipsters. The camera is perfect, no doubt about it, but it’s just a MP
Interesting debate and thoughts, thanks. The way I look at the M6 is what I said in the video: clearly Leica could have made this better as I mentioned in my comparison between the M6 and M6 TTL. But what they will achieve is that younger generation photographers gain interest in film photography. And the younger generation does not have your/our detailed knowhow and experience about "what Leica could have done better", they just realize "Oh ... film is back, otherweise a brand like Leica would not produce an M6 in 2022". That's what I believe will happen. And yes, the "hipster marketing" is a bit too much for me too, but also here let's not forget the target audience, namely, younger generation photographers who have no film shooting experience so far and who all want to become hipsters, lol :)
Yes for sure, younger people like the film photography more and more, this people didn’t grow up with analog cameras, so it’s an interesting way of photography. But Leica M is definitely not the right camera for everyone, this camera is very limited in use. So why this typical group of young people love Leica M? For some people a camera is more a Gucci case for posing, than a perfect camera to create images and know that. I’ve you are a young photography, interesting in film photography, why not a canon A1, a Nikon FM2 or a quick point and shoot with AF? To support the film photography is nice, but the M6 is not a new camera and this camera is very expensive for young people. Why does Leica not make a new analog CL, a new C3, a new Minilux, … The answer is pretty simple, Leica wants to make money without any engineering work. To make money is ok, but where are all the fantastic workshops, the amazing support of young talents, the photography-traveling to Iceland , … I’m disappointed
It may be a Mp in new clothes… but surely this is the camera the M6 would have become if not for the Mp ….so maybe 20 odd years late .. but so what … as for hipsters 😂… your just a jealous old man afraid of the youth of today…
Leica could not stand the secondary market being so hot! The camera was going for $700-$800 before UA-cam dudes started pumping it up!! Releasing a new one allows them to profit off the popularity of this camera and film photography.
@@Fleet42 I see and in general agree. I’m just not sure if the issues with the lightmeter might become more relevant for the older series in future: It appears that there will be no easy solution to exchange this part. Overall I highly appreciate Leica’s move here as first (?) of the larger companies to re-introduce a film camera. Nikon: What about a new film camera with Z-Mount?! Or a Fuji camera with GFX mount (might be a win-win as a film supplier)?
@@ytuberization Agreed but I have to say, like many things in the world today film and processing is too expensive! 2 rolls of portra 400 and two rolls processed and scanned was $88 dollars🥶🧐😱. I live in San Francisco.
Olympus OM-3 Ti at $700 vs Leica M6 at $5200. How can one justify to drop five grand on a 1980's tech? And an Olympus OM-3 Ti being as old (not renewed) is a better camera than Leica M6.
Vielen Dank für deinen Beitrag. Ich habe eine M6 classic von 1989. Für mich sieht es so aus, als wäre eine MP in ein M6 Gehäuse gepackt worden. Leica gab sich viel Mühe. Es gibt aber ein paar Punkte (Sucher, Filmandruckplatte und noch ein paar kleine Sachen mehr), die irgendwie nicht passen wollen. Viwlleicht liege ich ja falsch ... Ich besitze eine M2, M6, M8.2, M9-P, M240, SL601 und eine IIIf.
Ha! It was :) I know that many film shooter are used to open the backdoor of the camera and "adjust" the film until it sits straight and firmly, but on the M6 with its bottom plate that's not necessary. The instructions from the manual are clear and the bottom plate will always get it right when mounted appropriately and the film then gets advanced with the lever.
Sorry, but with all due respect, 5k dollars for entry into the film photography doesn't make much sense, especially with the prices of film getting worse and worse. Yes, I know it's Leica, it has reputation that comes with the price and all of that, but I think newcomers to the film are still more likely to pick up a used Canon AE-1 and similar cameras than to spend $5k for this Leica.
Yes Tom - Leica is commercial these days AND make great products. Nothing wrong with that, right? Many years back they were less commercial and - as we all know - almost ended in an economic catastrophe with their company. These days, they still make fantastic products AND make sure they are profitable, which in my humble opinion is a good attitude :) I hear from my Leica connections that the order book for the new M6 is packed full ... they will indeed make a lot of profit with the M6 with modest effort since your comment is spot-on that the engineering and concept of an M6 was there for many years.
Don't under-estimate how much money people are spending today on gear. Gear gets more expensive every year and nevertheless they are all over-subscribed on the order books, including Leica, Nikon Z9, etc.
OA 5000+USD camera as an entry level for young people getting their first film camera? C'mon... No, this camera is for old people with money who miss their old M6. I WISH it was priced where young folks who are interested in film could afford it but they are buying old film cameras by Nikon/Canon/Pentax, Minolta, etc which are plentiful and inexpensive.
Generally spot-on comment, many youngsters who want to be hipsters will rely on their parents to chip in :) But we have a lot of these youngsters in Switzerland, likely also in other parts of the world, and if they go for the new M6 based on parental budget and do something meaningful in photography, why should we mind? :)
to be honest at that price point i would not call that camera an entry ticket into film photography. but it truly is a nice tool to work with once you are in the film world and are sure that the money is not wasted! nice video!
Exactly, they can get a half-priced 'entry ticket' with a second-hand m6
No music underneath the talking. THANK YOU!!!!
:)
Film is not just for young photographers. I am 75 years old and love to shoot with my M6 TTL, M3, Rollieflex, etc. But I also love to shoot with my M10-P and Leica Q. Each provides different delights in photography. Great video!
Thanks Jules, and congratulations on your continued passion for photography although I think 75 years is still not really "old" my friend :) Clearly, you have seen much more in film photography than I have seen, Respect! What I hope is that younger photographers now finally find interest and pleasure in film photography when a respected brand like Leica produces film cameras newly besides their digital offers. Take care and thanks for your nice comment.
Hey, it's not only for young people - it is also for veterans who sold their film equipment and want to go back! Like me....
Loved the monologue about film photography in the end. Happy to hear the film love from you. I went all in with film… Digital felt more and more like work, and I still shoot digital but film just captured my heart. Btw, I just came back from Japan… where a roll of Portra is around 25€… still trying to recover from that trauma, lol
Haha - good luck with recovery from trauma :) Thanks for your nice feedback, Marc.
That’s horrifying ! Was Tri X cheaper ?
Thanks for posting this comparison. I have an M6 that I purchased new in 1989. I guess that this is essentially the same camera, just built today. I preferred the M7 with its auto ISO. More than once, I changed film and didn't set the new ISO on the M6. I took the M6 on a six month trip around the world. It functioned flawlessly. It is built like a tank.
One minor correction. The correct frame line pair is selected not by the optical coding on the lens but by a cam. This is necessary on the M mount because the optical frame must work even without a battery especially in the case of M bodies that don't have any electronics. It's also why older M mount lenses can select the correct frame line pair.
Just wanted to give the same feedback.
It is the metal Bajonetring…
Thanks Boris, appreciate the correction! You are absolutely right, my mistake.
@@mathphotographer Thank you.
What I would find interesting would be an explanation of the differences between the new Leica M6 and the existing MP 0.72 and Leica M-A (Typ 127) for shooting rather than just collecting. The M6 vs M4 basis, meter vs non-meter and viewfinder magnification seem obvious but, honestly, for shooting I don't see the justification for three cameras which are essentially continuation models rather than just one.
@@borisgalos6967 Thanks for the suggestions, good points to look into.
Thanks for creating and sharing this video. It is the first close-up, detailed look at the new M6 (as opposed to the videos some lucky people created at Wetzlar) that I have seen. I previously had several film M bodies and, like many, even sold them when I switched to digital. I think this is a brilliant move by Leica, both as an entry for young photographers (with money :)) and for us older folks who fondly remember the simple pleasures of selecting and loading film, choosing a lens, practicing our focusing technique, and waiting for the resulting slides or negatives. Of course, Leica has continued to produce the MP and M-A, but this is a a bold step and a serious statement in support of analog photography. I have no idea how far down I am on the waiting list, but am very much looking forward to receiving this beautiful camera.
Great comment, many thanks Ben. I fully agree, Leica made a brilliant move with the M6!
@@mathphotographer Does the new Leica M6 have the upgraded viewfinder like the M7 and the MP?
Today, i sold and shipped my M6 1986 to Nepal. A young photographer will continue to do the job. He is happy as can be. Nice to know. Very nice video by the way
Thanks! That lucky young photographer will be very happy :)
Additional difference to the m6 and m6 TTL is the shutterdial (turns the other way), and the two versus three led indicators for lightmetering. The M6TTL led makes it easier to measure light correctly, as it has a dot for the right measurement, and the led arrow gives the correct dial rotation. The m6 dial has to be turned in the opposite direction.
Yet another difference, previously unmentioned, between the M6 and the M6 TTL is that the latter camera (like all subsequent design Leica M cameras) is taller. 🙂
What a surprise to find you mentioned in my newspaper here in London. Congratulations and thank you for all the great content.
Well that was interesting. I had no idea that Leica has made a re-issue of the original M6.
I had two back in the 1990s. Sold my first one when I was short of money. I have managed to hang onto my second one. I think I bought it new but it was a demonstration version or for some reason semi discounted. As I recall it was about $1800 in 1998 or 99.
Mine has the smaller dial but it also has the higher .85 magnification. I think those only came in a black anodized finish. I still have the original box (it’s white) and instructions/paperwork.
I used that and my two lenses for years, a small 35mm Summilux (1970s) and a 85mm Summarex (1950s) taking pictures of everything from weddings to birthdays in the park to a lot of bands playing in clubs. That camera has been kicked and dropped, bang around. I would sometimes cling to the stage edge trying to get a shot, while the melee of the mosh pit swirled around. Good Times!
Still works fine.
I have had it cleaned and tuned up a few times but I wouldn’t expect delicate electronics or motors in a modern camera to survive what it’s been through.
Maybe I should make a video about my M6 too?
Cheers.
I must admit that in general I am not a fan of unboxing videos but this is the first one I do like.
Especially since you have the older version complete in box to compare.
That "vintage" M6 looks in mint condition, beautiful.
Now I am following a couple of young street photographers on YT shooting in the streets of New York with almost all M6's and shooting daily (Portra 800 mainly).
Very interesting (Paulie B.) both fun and interesting to watch cause it is street photography 'avant la lettre' .
They asked themselves if they would buy a new 2022 M6 but for that price they rather have 2 good older M6's, just for the price not the dials etc., IMO interesting to know.
(Swiss) Quality video, as we are used to get from you, totally agree with your points at the end, thanks for sharing and a wonderful weekend.
Success with the new M6.
Many thanks, RS, for your nice feedback and the comments on street photography, will look into it at YT. Have a nice weekend too!
I have a Midland made M4 purchased new in 1974. I still use it almost daily. I’ve also just ordered the 2022 M6. The people at the store say that it’ll be a year before I see it. It’ll be fun to use a new ‘old’ camera..
Yes - the waiting lists are long these days … crossing fingers that you get it sooner!
Well, the new M6 showed up today. It looks as nice as I’d hoped. I’ll shoot the first roll tomorrow..
Just when I was considering selling my M6, Leica comes out with a new one. I’ll be holding on to my original M6 for awhile, I sure it will increase in value.
Thanks Rick, its safe to keep your old M6, wonderful camera with great history!
Thank you for a simple yet clear and concise explanation, this clears up my curiosity when Leica reincarnates this Leica M6. I am from the old generation, and lucky enough to own a Leica M4, which is totally manual.
Thanks Ris, the M4 is a wonderful camera, I have two of them! Still love shooting them, great iconic cameras.
Bravo, bellissima comparazione. Un video realizzato da un grandissimo appassionato Leica! Ho avuto la M6 ttl e l’ho poi cambiata con una M7 che mi tiene ancora compagnia ❤👋
Mille Grazie :)
01:33 Als ehemaliger Verpackungsdrucker bin ich sehr stolz, dass die Verpackungen auch nach Jahren noch Farn-identisch aussieht. Gruss an die Druckerei 😅
PS: natürlich auch toll von Leica die gleiche Kamera zu bauen 🙌🏻
Thanks for the review. It's worth mentioning though that, aside from the bigger shutter speed dial which turns the opposite direction, the M6TTL is 2mm taller than the Classic M6 and the 2022 M6. When you look at it from the front view, the range finder window of the M6 TTL has a little space before the top of the top plate, whereas those of the Classic/2022 M6s have none.
Thanks for pointing out, Paul.
Patiently waiting for my pre-ordered M6. Whether Leica intended it or not, guys like me who sold their Leitz M6 and wish they hadn't will appreciate the opportunity to acquire the Leitz M6 with newer board, and other improvements.
Fully agree.
Thanks for your great run down on the new 2022 M6 and an original classic version of the M6.
I have been lucky to have owned two M6’s at different times in my life and have always regretted having to sell my last one!
I’m trying to work out how and when I can replace my M6’s with a new M6 or MP again.
I still have my original GMP M handgrip, tripod and camera bag from my last M6 to reuse again.
Great gear, thanks for sharing. For the new M6 currently the waiting lists are long but towards Xmas I hope Leica has produced enough units to satisfy the demand.
Thank you for such a thorough explanation of this new M6. I have a couple of M10-P's which I love and I have never used a film Leica but I've considered getting into film for some time and I find it inspiring that this new film camera is being produced. What holds me back is the process of getting film developed and scanned. I would want to do it myself and that would entail the whole process of learning how to develop and scan, not to mention all the supplies that would have to be purchased. Not a deal breaker but an all encompassing process that one would have to be passionate about to pursue.
Thanks Catherine, and you are right: the development process for film and the corresponding waiting time is holding back many people from film photography. I know and use here in Zurich a lab which delivers the developed film over night, so one day to wait - which is acceptable for me. I also think that the excitement to wait for the development of film is something enjoyable, and it slows down your photography which I also appreciate. Developing film yourself is an option of course but involves a lot of chemicals so not everyones taste :)
I’ll get my 1994 M6 Classic serviced next week and look forward to shooting it B/W with my Summicron f2.0 35mm, 50mm & 90mm lenses. Haven’t used it for over 10 years and actually only because I couldn’t lay my hands on my Billingham bag. Thanks for the comparison review.
Thanks!
Very informative and a must see for Leica M6 owners. Always so helpful and educational. Thank you Math.
Thank you very much, Lucy. Appreciate your kind words. God bless you.
God bless you.
Brilliant! Thank you for making this video. I still enjoy shooting film on my Nikon F3 and FM3A. I actually have a few used M-mount lenses that I enjoy using on my Leica SL and Lumix S1R. Now my conundrum is MP or M6!
Great - thanks for the kind feedback. I also shoot a Nikon F3, mint condition, and enjoy film photography besides my digital cameras and digital workflow :)
When I started my photography journey, I was exposed to a HS course in photography and learned how to develop and print my own film… this would be the same process if you choose to shoot with the new 2022 M6, if you want to learn about film photography then you must jump into the darkroom techniques and equipment… the film processing and printing ensures your continued desire to shoot with film and develop and print and see the magic of developing the print…it’s a learning curve that took years… unless your experienced at film photography, I think if you buy the 2022 m6, you will get tired of film photography because digital processing is easier and cost effective … I still have my retro M6, but have moved through many cameras from Yashica, Nikkormat, Minolta, to settle down with my Nikon D750/D850… but, I have always been intrigued by the Leica color and quality and now, at 69 moved back to Leica through my Vario-X, Q and now M240…. My shooting habits have changed solely through travel photography and wanted a lighter equipment load to carry and Leica is the way to go for quality photography…
Thanks for your comment and sharing your experience.
I had a M6TTL which I traded for a new MP a few month's ago before the release of the M6 2022. I am very happy with the MP which is essentially an M6 anyway. I had issues with my M6.The light meter was draining batteries and the rewind crank was seizing up after about 20 exposures apparently a common fault.It is well documented that if the M6TTL light meter goes faulty it cannot be repaired. Ergonomically the M6 rewind crank has a lot of extra stresses on it because of the angle. I bought a crank adaptor for the MP because it was too slow to rewind and that works perfectly. Getting a new 3 year warranty : 2 years plus one extra year for registering with Leica was a total deal changer. The second hand market for the M6 is so expensive and with a full CLA nearly the price of a new M6 .At least with my brand new MP and with the new M6 I am guaranteed trouble free usage and having parts and service available for years to come.
Thanks for sharing, Bernard.
What are the differences between the new MP and this new M6? Is there a functional difference or just basically cosmetic?
@@chrisbynum4940 The rewind knobs are different and the paint is supposedly more durable on the M6. I think that is it.
Personally, I prefer my M3 with its 1:1 viewfinder, the best ever on a rangefinder camera. If only it had TTL metering.
Me too, most beautifull view ever, like looking into an old television from the 60ties.
As always, great video, great content!
The best reviews are mathphotographer and reddotforum.
You’re taking the time to go deep into the details. Neutral, no fanboy talk, no hyping.
Thanks!!!
Many thanks for your kind words, much appreciated.
Thank you for a very informative video about the 'new' or revived Leica M6 ... I've only just recently learned that there was one! I seriously toyed with the idea of buying a brand new Leica some years ago now but could not somehow justify the expense when it finally came to it, however, on considering buying a new one once again, it seems to me that Leica has probably come up with all the really practical features in this new camera that photographers - that is, proper shooters - really need and use. I'm pleased to see that the new M6 has a proper re-wind knob with a handle that facilitates quick and easy film rewinding (unlike the MP and other retro-looking Leica M cameras that only have the rather ineffectual knurled knob); and likewise, I think it makes sense for any new Leica M camera to come with the tried-and-tested Leica internal meter found in most modern Leica's - instead of doing without one like the MA for some sort of philosophical reason.
As to whether the new camera should have 'this shutter speed dial' or 'that film advance lever' or perhaps more pertinently , 'a different viewfinder magnification', is something that Leica users will probably debate ad infinitum, but it's a debate that largely stems, it seems to me, from an over-abundance of options and features that Leica has offered in their cameras over the decades.
Great comment, thanks for sharing, Nigel.
I like very much your test of the
New M6. It s nice to remember
That s in fact taking a photo
It s very simple. The digital
Cameras are not cameras but
Small computer taking photos....
Powerful little computers in digital cameras ... but the old way shooting film should not be forgotten, that's why I promote from time to time film shooting on my channel!
Thanks for a great review and the philosophical editorial opinion at the end.
Pleasure, thanks!
I have a M6 very first to hit the shelves. 25 rolls so far. You told me a bunch I could care less about. I care about does it fit the leica film cassettes, has the condenser in the RF been put back in, has the meter circuit been updated, one more thing I forgot for now.
Nice comparison overall.
One thing I felt was missing in your discussion was to show how the metering indication works ... On the classic M6, it was a two-LED system; I think on the new M6, it is a three LED system like the M6TTL has. Is this true? (I prefer the three LED system, pioneered in the Nikon FM way back in the middle 1970s. It has always been my favorite metering indicator system for a manual, match-needle metering camera because it is visible in day or night, easy to see yet does not occlude much if any of the viewfinder area, and the three-LED system nets a clearer indication of nominal and half stop indication from -1 to +1 EV... )
Thanks Godfrey. If you look into the instructions for the new Leica M6 (here: leica-camera.com/en-US/photography/cameras/m/m6/technical-specs ) and download the manual you find on page 16 that "The triangular LEDs give the direction of rotation of the aperture ring and shutter-speed dial to adjust the exposure" so directionally from an operations perspective that is what you want to have.
Well , I think the M6 is the most versatile M body worth remaining in the production. Though I prefer M3 for street photography, nothing beats M3's quiet shutter and buttery mechanism.
Why does your new M6 have an old style frame line selector? Was this by special request? All the promotional material for the new M6 shows it to have the same selector as the classic one.
Spot-on, I actually don't know and did not get yet an answer from Leica. Clearly all marketing material of the M6 shows the larger selector but my smaller one is what I found when opening the box live as you saw. I need to find out.
@@mathphotographer looks like the MP/ M2/M3/M-A selector
@@mathphotographer I've seen a few of the new M6 cameras on social media and a local store in my city also got one and all of them have the bigger frame line selector. Yours is definitely uncommon!
@@Jamie12375 I asked Leica Switzerland about it, will get an answer next days.
It seems that they attach selectors of both styles, just depends on the craftsman who does the assemble
What device do you recommend for scanning the negatives? Thanks for the detailed explanation. :)
I use an Epson V850 scanner. It comes with lots of cardridges for placing film, negatives, prints, etc. in optimal way into the scanner so you get really good results. Resolution on the Epson is also very high in terms of dpi.
Wunderbar wie immer. Sollte ich nochmal ins Kleinbild wollen, wird die M6 die erste (und einzige) Wahl sein. Im Moment ist aber Rollfilm und Großformat. Zum Ende hin möchte ich ein klein wenig widersprechen: Leica erreicht mit dieser Neuauflage ganz gewiss gerade die vielen alten Knochen, die sich vor langer Zeit von Film ver abschiedet haben, und nun doch wieder zum Essentiellen der Fotografie zurückkehren wollen. Ist ja auch eine Geldfrage :) Und ich denke, diese Zielgruppe hatten die Vertreibsleute besonders im Blick. Aber wie auch immer: Es ist so toll, dass die Filmfotografie neue Impulse erfährt und auch Firmen wie Leica das unterstützen. Bin gespannt auf die Bilder, die du uns zeigen wirst. Nochmals - vielen Dank!
Ha! Danke Maximilan. Ich hoffe wirklich, dass auch einige der "rich young kids" auf den Zug aufspringen und dabei lernen, wie man richtig fotografiert :)
@@mathphotographer Glaubst Du doch selbst nicht - die hängen die sich um und machen Selfies mit ihrem iPhone Supi-Dupi-Max- für Social Gedöns. Belichtungs-Dreieck raffen und das auch noch auf Film? Da springen die vorher im Kreis. SO sieht es aus. Maximilian B. liegt absolut richtig. Aber die ganze Wahrheit ist noch viel Schlimmer. Siehe meinen Beitrag in English. Echt - Leica ist so dumm das es weh tut. Rate mal welches Bajonet die meistverkauften Objektive mit Leica Schriftzug haben? Und WO ist die passende Kamera von Leica?? Angesichts des aktuellen Angebotes von Panasonic und Olympus MFT sowie keiner MFT Kamera von Leica - da fällt es echt schwer sich zu entscheiden welche Firma von denen die unfähigste ist.
Genauso ist es - PR geblubber. Fakt ist: TL/CL weg und keine Ahnung wie man gegen die Smartphones mit was neuen ankommen kann. Muss man sich mal auf der Zunge zergehen lassen - die FIrma die portable Fotografie mit der M erfunden hat fällt NICHTS besseres mehr ein als eine analoge M wieder zu beleben. Wobei die M Puristen die zurecht als ein Frankenstein-Geschöpf ansehen. Aber sei jedem seine neue alte M6 gegönnt - sollte jeder zuschlagen solange er kann, am besten gleich eine zweite Kaufen als Ersatzteilspender. Wer weis wie lange es Leica noch gibt wenn es so trost- und ideenlos weitergeht. Denn die Kiddies von heute - die werden sich wenn sie es sich leisten können garantiert eines NICHT kaufen: eine Leica M die sie sich als jung & arm nicht kaufen konnten... DEN "Nachwuchs" - den muss Leica sich diesmal anders heranzüchten. Und sie haben keine Ahnung wie... PS: Moon-Swatch? Genie-Streich! Die Schweizer Uhrenindustrie hatte nach dem Quartz-Schock - und hat noch - den simplen Vorteil das Männer halt wenig Auswahl an Schmuck und somit Luxus-Sachen zum tragen haben. Und wenn DIE nach dem Apple-Watch Schock eine Moon-Swatch "nötig" haben - dann kann man sich die kommende Krise bei Leica vorstellen.
This camera is for experienced shooters who know what they want. Beginners should look at the Nikon Fm2 if they want to learn to shoot film.
Totally agree with you. With aperture priority and 10 times less expensive -this is an entry-level ticket. I used to have fm3a with voitlander 40mm - brilliant set.
Like I did some 35 years ago. Became a very happy Leica M user after having learned to shoot with Nikon FM2 and F2.
I don't agree, nikon fm2 is a diferent photographic expirience, you don't compare a reflex to a rangefinder camera
@@visualkeysk7392 That is an interesting point - what is more important to learn first - film, or rangefinder use, or does it matter?
@@j.k.9776 no aperture priority on FM2. All manual as is the M6.
I wish they had put TTL flash sync and the newer one. I don’t stoped adding it after 2002.
Nice comparision. The original M6 was my first rangefinder camera. I never really liked the small fiddly exposure time dial. That's a dealbreaker for me. I prefer the M6 TTL or M7.
Fair point ... most of us prefer the TTL although I really believe newcomers to film photography will not even note the difference and will appreciate Leica being now promoters for good old film roll days :)
@@mathphotographer I think the number of film newcomers buying this camera will be zero (let's not count collectors). In our local film community people try film with cameras around 100 or 200 EUR. To get more people into film we needed new cameras for a 1/10th of the cost.
Nice video. Curious though, my 2022 M6 has the original style frameline preview lever, and yours has the MP style.
Yes it does and mine also has the frameline switch from the MP. When speaking to Leica, they told me that some very few new M6 got accidentally some MP elements ... strange of course but makes my M6 very special :) I like it that way!
Tolles Video! Ich habe gar nichts mit analoger Fotografie am Hut. Bin sehr happy mit meiner M10. Aber wenn ich Lust hätte es mal zu probieren, was wäre der Nachteil eine alte M6 gebraucht zu kaufen ggü der Neuen? Man bekommt ja so ziemlich dasselbe Produkt, nur eben für die Hälfte oder so. Oder was übersehe ich?
Danke für die tollen Videos und liebe Grüße
Herzlichen Dank, Sebastian. Es spricht überhaupt nichts dagegen, eine gebrauchte M6 zu kaufen. Und wenn Du sogar eine M6 TTL findest, umso besser :) LG & danke für das nette Feedback.
hi, if you chose the best Leica portrait and landscape lenses for this camera what would they be? thank you.
I have and M6 TTL and I would buy this camera in a heartbeat because if my TTL board fails I have an M4-P.
Agree :)
Would you prefer a new Leica MP black paint or the new Leica M6, and why?
MP or real M6 🤪
I think I am happy with the Leica M6 I have now :)
I'm really interested, what the main difference between them? Prices almost the same
@@j.k.9776 rewind wheel, top plate and coating of the new M6 is from M11.
New M6 has Lightmeter of MP, view finder of the MP… differences between new M6 and MP are only the looks.
Love the video, just not understanding. If i were trying to get into film photography, I would not be able to spend the $5,000. I started shooting film photography and I went with a well maintained CanonAE-1 and love it, plus I spent $200. I am yet to understand the reason why Leica has priced the M6 similar to professional digital camera like an Canon R3. Please help me understand that. TY!
Any speculation on when the Q3 will come out ?
beautiful camera and detailed introduction
Thanks!
I agree with every word. Appreciated!
Love the new / old packaging… it’s all a good move for Leica… I still prefer my Mp … it’s my one keeper camera and has been by me side since 2003 …people are complaining that this camera is aimed at a younger more HIP generation… well why not … I bought my first Leica (r4s) when I was 23… worked and saved hard for it.. and loved it …all way back in about 84..
Why complain about how the younger generation are inspired and influenced by there methods of communication… …it just didn’t exist back in the 80’s
Maybe it’s time for us old fossils to except it or keep out of it..
To any of you awful 😂hipsters who truly want this camera… then go for it.. just work .. work .. work .. and save …it’s the only way and good luck to you ..
Lol - thanks Dean. Yes to all the "want to be hipsters out there" ... grab this camera and learn how to shoot film photography! :)
This is a great comparison. Perhaps you would consider doing a comparison of the Leica M11 with the 35 f/2 vs the Hasselblad X2D with the 55 f2.5? I would so much like to get your opinion on image quality, usability, etc. I am really torn! The autofocus, flip up LCD and larger sensor of the X2D are very tempting. My sense is the use cases of the two cameras is similar. I value your opinion and would love a thorough comparison of the two. I am have seen multiple reviewers say the M11 is as close to medium format as a full frame can get. I have to wonder if that is still correct. Thanks.
Great suggestion, thanks Rudiger. I will consider.
@@mathphotographer danke!
@@rudigerwolf9626 Thank you too.
Is frame selector The original one? It’s different from website version
Looking at marketing materials and other unboxing videos (e.g. Camera West TV’s), it appears that they installed the wrong frame line selector lever on your 2022 M6.
Yes - its the MP lever. Leica has built both levers into the new M6, the one you see in the marketing and the smaller MP lever.
@@mathphotographer Do you know if this is random or an option the buyer specifies?
What I’d like to see now is Nikon reviving its S-series rangefinders, in a nice compact version, with Z-mount lenses, the sensor from the Z9, and an adaptor to fit old S-series lenses. Especially the little golf-ball size 50mm f1.4, complete with tons of spherical aberration wide open. Also that same-size Nikon optical viewfinder, so you could look at your subject with both eyes open at the same time. And an adaptor for M-series lenses.
Would the market be able to support two quality rangefinder system cameras? Probably not. But a guy can dream, eh?
Dreaming is always allowed, Stephen :) I would love to see coming to market what you wish for!
Play Lotto and buy Nikon like Mr. Kaufmann bought Leica. Don't know where his money came from. But this dream might be the most realistic version...
I’m not a photographer but I do want for reasons I cannot explain.
Haha lol - that must be the magic of Leica getting into your thinking and making you believe you need one :) Having said that, maybe it brings you closer to photography and that‘s a good thing isn‘t it?
Awesome Video and Thank you so much Sir 🙏🕊 I seem to have forgotten, Can we change lens when we have a fresh stock of film in the chamber ?
So you think the M6 TTL original is better than the new M6? Why? The M6 TTL has a bad top plate it gets corroded after time as it is not made from brass right?
Not "better", slightly different. Some prefer to have the TTL flash capability as well as the different viewfinder magnification.
New Leica M6 VS MP?
Exactly.
Aside from the finish, with MP in glossy black and the M6 in matte black, and the markings, the only other difference is the rewind mechanism. The MP has a rewind knob, while the M6 has a rewind crank. Some are saying that the 2022 M6 is basically an MP in M6 skin, with the exception of the rewind crank (which by the way was an option the now discontinued a la carte MP).
I like your English voice.
What is your microphone?
What is your country?
I am from Vietnam, UA-camr.
Thanks Nick. I use a simple RODE clip-on microphone, for me this does the trick :) Best regards to Vietnam from Switzerland, which is my home country.
So, it is appropriate to buy a Leica M&6 TTL in second-hand?
Absolutely, if you get a mint condition M6 TTL then go for it, you will love it!
great comparison!
Thanks!
It confuses me what Leica did in releasing a new M6 when they have a current MP.
What you fail to realise about the larger shutter speed dial of the TTL is an essential upgrade. The direction of the shutter speeds were reversed so that it matched the exposure arrows in the viewfinder which the M6 classic didn’t.
True that.
Thanks Calvin, if you look into the instructions for the new Leica M6 (here: leica-camera.com/en-US/photography/cameras/m/m6/technical-specs ) and download the manual you find on page 16 that "The triangular LEDs give the direction of rotation of the aperture ring and shutter-speed dial to adjust the exposure" so directionally from an operations perspective what you want to have, or do I miss your point?
@@mathphotographer From the Ken Rockwell recent article:
“The M6 has a tiny shutter dial that is hard to turn while you're looking through the camera, and it turns in the wrong direction with respect to the meter arrows.”
“The shutter speed dial is correct on the M6 TTL as shown. It's full-sized, easy to turn with your finger as you look through the camera, and turns in the correct direction as suggested by the meter LEDs.”
@@calvinchann1996 Hmm ... interesting. Ken Rockwell on his website is not encouraging to look into the 2022 Leica M6 and I understand his arguments but also think he underestimates the influence this new Leica M6 might have on younger photographers who have not yet experience in shooting film and will likely follow the new Leica trend to support 35mm film shooting.
@@mathphotographer not sure how many younger photographers have this level of budget to buy this plus a lens.
Interesting: The framline switch from your 2022 model is different from the advertised 2022 model. You know the reason for that?
Spot on observation, I asked myself and did not find an answer. Maybe the M6 we saw when Leica announced it were pre-production? It is eye-catching that the live version (M6 camera) I unboxed and own has a smaller frameline switch than the product photos we saw from Leica.
@@mathphotographer From the MP parts bin like the viewfinder, dials and rangefinder
Is the light meter led lights the same as the classic or the TTL M6?
Yes, kind of. It also shows you the direction you need to turn parameters.
To be honest, when i was reading news into red dot forum, there would be a "cheaper" Leica for around 2500, i thought fine, perhaps one day....but a price for >5K EUR for just a reintroduced M6 is really extremely hard to swallow. You can buy any other 35mm Film gear into the world, which is literally cheaper. And virtually no new R&D for the M6 2022 edition was being made. Especially with the ever raising film prices, i do find this really over the top...nowadays. No social insecurities, but sadly, it's way uber expensive, for what it is. And i've found the red dot too poser, if i'd ever own a M series rangefinder someday into my life, i'd go for a stealth all black version, one day.
Fair comment and points, thanks Marc.
Comment on loading... You need to make sure the film sprockets are aligned with the teeth of the alignment sprocket of the camera otherwise there's a chance the camera will bind
Thanks for sharing, appreciated.
Nice walkthrough of a nice camera. I must say I am still happier with my M-A. Hope you’ll get hold of the Lux Steel Rim to review as well :).
Thanks!
The 2022 Leica M6 also does not have the camera top plate strap lug protectors of your silver pre-2022 M6, the same as my original 1984 M6 does not them have either. A bit of black electrical tape will take care of that though.
Thanks for sharing!
8:03 What is that black rectangular in the new one?
How did you get access to owning the new M6 already?
Excellent relationship and cooperation with Leica Switzerland :)
Is the Leica MP better than the M6 (2022)?
They are actually very similar.
Thank you. Very clear.
Thank you!
...sorry to be pedantic, but your title should read "New 2022 Leica M6 vs 1998 Leica M6". The older M6 here is a 1998 TTL M6 and not a 1984 M6. It matters because there were significant design and operational differences between the classic 1984 M6 and the 1998 TTL M6.
The new M6 is scratching film. Old M6 TTL is best?
I did not scratch film so far with the new M6 ... where did you get this info from?
@@mathphotographer there is production fault with batch of M6 cameras the back plate scratching film . If you google it it comes up .
@@mathphotographer A whole bunch of the new M6 cameras scratch film. Leica released a statement blaming it on a bad batch of pressure plates. My new M6 scratched film.
Thanks for your sharing
Pleasure!
Great review thank you. My question is though why do you put a cheap bit of glass over a very expensive lens?
Hi, is this a new Leica film camera? What is the date of release? thank you.
The new Leica M6 does not have the strap protectors on the top plate
That’s because Leica made a proper brass top plate for the new M6. The old M6 had a stamped zinc top plate and those side protectors were made out of plastic
@@ofeykalakar1 not stamped zinc, zinc druckguss: casted zinc.
@@ofeykalakar1 Correct, thanks Fabrizio.
The M6 is only slightly cheaper than either the M-A or the MP. But, I think it's better value, because of one reason: the rewind lever.
But, let's be real: the M6 is not an entry level camera. It's only US$400 cheaper than the other two. Having said that, there is nothing wrong with it.
I hope that Leica updates its film cameras with the shutter mechanism first seen in the M10-P. It is much more silent than the horizontal cloth shutter. And the flash sync speed is higher.
Thanks Karim. I admit the price tag is too high for an entry ticket into the Leica film photography. What I thought when I made this statement is some hope that these hipster kids out there who spend the money of their parents finally spend it on something good and learn something good, namely film photography ;)
@@mathphotographer Let's also remember that nobody makes a good film scanner these days. Cine scanners are great. But photo scanners are not. And camera scanning is stupid.
I think they brought it because they noticed the prices of the old M6's have reached the prices of digital Leicas...
I don’t think it is the TTL that holds the true concept of photography, nor the M6 classic, nor the MP etc. Rather the M3 or MA. Get people to shoot and hav them challenge themselves w/o light meter. The size of a dial is immaterial… the skill involved is .
I agree. Had the M3 for years and also a M6 TTL but I absolutely prefer the M3, also because I only
use 50 mm lenses.
As a spare camera I use the Konica Hexar, unfortunaly only 35 mm.
Many many years ago i got a brand new M6, unfortunately i had technical issues with it. I got another one from Solms (Wetzlar) but still i wasn't 'lucky,' so i returned to Nikon with a fabulous F3-T and 2 brilliant F2 (S and AS) cameras. Not much later i started working with the formidable Leica M2. I'm still using both of my M2 cameras (and the old F2's as well), mainly with the excellent Summicron 5cm. To sum it up, i think most of the Leica M 35mm camera's are great, and working with a 50mm lens isn't really better with the viewfinder of the M3. You simply get used to the camera you use.
Grey color look 10 times better than black version!!!
:) We take what we get :)
I would have put a piece of cloth on the table for the Leicas to rest on.
:)
wow they didnt even change the frame lines lever thats the one from the MP! this is a MP in m6 clothing!
Yes - Leica built two lever versions into the new M6: the smaller MP one which I got, and a larger one which you see in the marketing material.
to be honest thats the same MP but with other film rewinding crank
how much
nice video again,
I’m very unhappy with the new M6.
First; it’s not a legendary camera, the most iconic photos are from the 50th, 60th and 70th, definitely before the M6 was born.
Second; Leica announced a cheaper analog version of the MP. Maybe a ME without a frame line selection, without magnification option for the view finder, with cheaper material and painting, …. but
Thirty; they made just a MP in an old dress.
A M6.2? Why not, with 1/2000 shutter speed, 1/125 sync speed, with LED illuminated frame lights for bad light situations, …
But just a M6 for guys who don’t know, why they are using a M6. For guys who wants to wear a M6 around there neck for posing.
With ridiculous guys in the commercial who are wearing a wool cap in the summer heat.
I’m very disappointed from Leica. Leica changes the philosophy from a supporter of photography to a brand who makes products for hipsters.
The camera is perfect, no doubt about it, but it’s just a MP
100% agree
Even the chosen ambassador for Germany is a joke, just a hipster…
Interesting debate and thoughts, thanks. The way I look at the M6 is what I said in the video: clearly Leica could have made this better as I mentioned in my comparison between the M6 and M6 TTL. But what they will achieve is that younger generation photographers gain interest in film photography. And the younger generation does not have your/our detailed knowhow and experience about "what Leica could have done better", they just realize "Oh ... film is back, otherweise a brand like Leica would not produce an M6 in 2022". That's what I believe will happen. And yes, the "hipster marketing" is a bit too much for me too, but also here let's not forget the target audience, namely, younger generation photographers who have no film shooting experience so far and who all want to become hipsters, lol :)
Yes for sure, younger people like the film photography more and more, this people didn’t grow up with analog cameras, so it’s an interesting way of photography. But Leica M is definitely not the right camera for everyone, this camera is very limited in use. So why this typical group of young people love Leica M? For some people a camera is more a Gucci case for posing, than a perfect camera to create images and know that.
I’ve you are a young photography, interesting in film photography, why not a canon A1, a Nikon FM2 or a quick point and shoot with AF?
To support the film photography is nice, but the M6 is not a new camera and this camera is very expensive for young people. Why does Leica not make a new analog CL, a new C3, a new Minilux, …
The answer is pretty simple, Leica wants to make money without any engineering work. To make money is ok, but where are all the fantastic workshops, the amazing support of young talents, the photography-traveling to Iceland , …
I’m disappointed
It may be a Mp in new clothes… but surely this is the camera the M6 would have become if not for the Mp ….so maybe 20 odd years late .. but so what … as for hipsters 😂… your just a jealous old man afraid of the youth of today…
@@deantaylor1512 maybe 😉
it hurt my soul to see the original manual being opened after almost 40 years
:)
Leica could not stand the secondary market being so hot! The camera was going for $700-$800 before UA-cam dudes started pumping it up!! Releasing a new one allows them to profit off the popularity of this camera and film photography.
Do you see this as a problem?
@@ytuberization No sir! I think it’s a smart move on their part but I think now buying the older one may make more sense.
@@Fleet42 I see and in general agree. I’m just not sure if the issues with the lightmeter might become more relevant for the older series in future: It appears that there will be no easy solution to exchange this part. Overall I highly appreciate Leica’s move here as first (?) of the larger companies to re-introduce a film camera. Nikon: What about a new film camera with Z-Mount?! Or a Fuji camera with GFX mount (might be a win-win as a film supplier)?
@@ytuberization Agreed but I have to say, like many things in the world today film and processing is too expensive! 2 rolls of portra 400 and two rolls processed and scanned was $88 dollars🥶🧐😱. I live in San Francisco.
@@Fleet42 Will not make it better on your end, but it is not much different here in Germany 😅😉 Costs are meanwhile incredible.
Olympus OM-3 Ti at $700 vs Leica M6 at $5200. How can one justify to drop five grand on a 1980's tech? And an Olympus OM-3 Ti being as old (not renewed) is a better camera than Leica M6.
Good point - guess that people consider Leica to be "magic" which kind of is true to some extent :)
6000€ for this lens used. Leica is really expensive for what it delivers. If money is nothing for you to take into account, go for it.
Vielen Dank für deinen Beitrag. Ich habe eine M6 classic von 1989. Für mich sieht es so aus, als wäre eine MP in ein M6 Gehäuse gepackt worden. Leica gab sich viel Mühe. Es gibt aber ein paar Punkte (Sucher, Filmandruckplatte und noch ein paar kleine Sachen mehr), die irgendwie nicht passen wollen. Viwlleicht liege ich ja falsch ...
Ich besitze eine M2, M6, M8.2, M9-P, M240, SL601 und eine IIIf.
Wow ... beeindruckende Sammlung, Respekt!
I don’t think the film was properly engaged …
Ha! It was :) I know that many film shooter are used to open the backdoor of the camera and "adjust" the film until it sits straight and firmly, but on the M6 with its bottom plate that's not necessary. The instructions from the manual are clear and the bottom plate will always get it right when mounted appropriately and the film then gets advanced with the lever.
Sorry, but with all due respect, 5k dollars for entry into the film photography doesn't make much sense, especially with the prices of film getting worse and worse. Yes, I know it's Leica, it has reputation that comes with the price and all of that, but I think newcomers to the film are still more likely to pick up a used Canon AE-1 and similar cameras than to spend $5k for this Leica.
Nothing like reselling a product where all the engineering is already done. Easy money.
Yes Tom - Leica is commercial these days AND make great products. Nothing wrong with that, right? Many years back they were less commercial and - as we all know - almost ended in an economic catastrophe with their company. These days, they still make fantastic products AND make sure they are profitable, which in my humble opinion is a good attitude :) I hear from my Leica connections that the order book for the new M6 is packed full ... they will indeed make a lot of profit with the M6 with modest effort since your comment is spot-on that the engineering and concept of an M6 was there for many years.
Hi, we sent you an email, could you please take a look?
Will do, thanks!
$6000 camera and $1 to $5000 for a lens is MUCH to much for new/young photographers,
.
“Entry” level? Not at that price.
The "rich kids" will order that camera. I hear from Leica that order lists are packed full and waiting lists are long ... :)
Don't under-estimate how much money people are spending today on gear. Gear gets more expensive every year and nevertheless they are all over-subscribed on the order books, including Leica, Nikon Z9, etc.
OA 5000+USD camera as an entry level for young people getting their first film camera? C'mon...
No, this camera is for old people with money who miss their old M6. I WISH it was priced where young folks who are interested in film could afford it but they are buying old film cameras by Nikon/Canon/Pentax, Minolta, etc which are plentiful and inexpensive.
Generally spot-on comment, many youngsters who want to be hipsters will rely on their parents to chip in :) But we have a lot of these youngsters in Switzerland, likely also in other parts of the world, and if they go for the new M6 based on parental budget and do something meaningful in photography, why should we mind? :)