Why We're All Suckers for the Leica M6
Вставка
- Опубліковано 7 лют 2025
- SUPPORT DIGITAL DARKROOM: / digitaldarkroom
How does owning a Leica M6 affect your photography? Once again Anne and I are joined by Derrick (@derrickthecat) with our friend Brian's M6(@brianmliu) to find out why it's so widely used and admired.
We filmed this episode on this camera: goo.gl/WMcY3d
Ian - / sakeq
Anne - / annecberry
Derrick - / derrickthecat
Brian - / brianmliu
Updates on Facebook @
/ ianwong.digitaldarkroom
Out of all the digital rev ex employees, you are the only one I still watch. Your quality and attention is awesome.
lol dude was brutally honest about it buying it cus of it being a status symbol
i never thought i was gonna say this but i become one of those "i got all excited when the notification poped up". your narrative and storytelling is superb and you really make me wanna go out and shoot.
Lol I'm sure you have more than 10 female viewers :) We are not as vocal in the comments section maybe. Always excited for your videos!!
Hey, I'm Number Twelve!
Sorry if this has been pointed out already, but the photograph at 0:12 is actually been taken with a Nikon DSLR by Rui Palha. (www.ruipalha.com) That photo has become notoriously mis-credited. I actually used it also as an example of Cartier-Bresson's work, in one blog post, moments before receiving a very strict email about it. The photo shows up in Google image search when looking up Henri Cartier-Bresson, causing much confusion among us, but it has indeed been taken by another photographer. Hope I'm not sounding too nitpicky - super nice and well produced episode as always. Keep them coming!
I loved my M6 system. I took it around the world and it always performed 100%. The Leica lenses produced stunning images.
I love how you guys are talking in a silent chilly way it was very relaxing
This is easily the most innovative photography channel I’ve seen, I like the documentary style and the depth of each episode.
I ended up buying the M6 on ebay that was pictured in the video! How crazy lol. Great video!
Ian's video = Quality 👍
👍 I respect your usage of Android Emojis
There are so many UA-cam channels popping up about (film) photography lately. I feel like yours is one of the best I stumbled upon. Very well prodiced videos and a pleasure to watch. Thank you! I subscribed :)
hands down best film photography content on youtube! Keep it up!
I shot more with Rollei 35, just like what Ian said, M6 is completely a gear. Which I don't want to cary my gear everywhere I go. However.. Shooting with Leica is sacred - memorable journey once you have found your own M6's soulmate (lens whether it's a Cron 35mm f2, Dreamlens, Rokkor f2, voigtlander f1.5, etc., ), it's hard to compete with M6. So, my win-win solution is, I shot with Rollei for casual street photography and use the M6 for memorable street photography and objects hunting.
Your videos are always amazing. The cinematography, the story. Just top drawer stuff man
Thanks!
Can't wait for another episode of Digital Darkroom! Great job Anne Ian and Derrick!
I have an m6, I love it too. but. people keep forgetting when m6 was first released, it was considered poor quality for Leica standard. Cheap magnesium body that won't brass, cheap leather. Something like zeiss ikon feels more premium
I can assure you that there is nothing cheap about an M6.
@@lensman5762 but it is still a magnesium body instead of a brass one
@@anandhua.b4589 Does a brass body make for a better camera?
@@French_Canadian_Pea_Soup ????
Nice. Love the time and passion you put into these videos. It really shows! Looking forward for the next episode. 😉
I have an M7 and M4-2. I always choose the M4-2. Your camera doesn't need a light meter. That's why God gave us eyes.
It's funny but this Leica in front of your face just fits so perfectly, like the camera was made for you.
Thanks for the video, it reminds me on my Konica HexarRF in the cupboard - time to use this wonderful camera again.
3:46 That's it, right there. Same reason some will crave after something like a D850 or whatever else is new or currently fashionable besides being over engineered for an amateur photographer who may only upload to Flickr or Instagram (hugely compressed to about a 10% of the original image I'll add). They have no use for it or understand its potential, but as a happy little consumer, they just go for it. Somehow it establishes their self worth by dropping a few thousand on a camera they don't really know how to use.
It's good our friends are honest about it ;) haha
The legacy stuff aside. They're actually really good cameras. The more you use it you realize how thought out the design actually is. I can't really think clearly if my lenses don't have a focus scale anymore.
Absolutely. I think a lot of people gloss over this fact. Once you get used to the rangefinder design, you start to realise just how beautiful a tool for actual photography they are. I have an M7, but it's almost the same as the M6 anyway, and I greatly prefer using the Leica over any other 35mm camera I own or have tried.
Hey Ian - another great episode. Any chance you guys could do an episode on working with models? You have a great rapport with the folks you shoot and I'd love to learn more about how you do it.
Always getting so inspired from your videos, cheers Ian!
This was so well made and somewhat calming. Really enjoyed it!
All Leica galore aside, if someone wants to do film photograph in this day & age, and wants a camera with interchangeable lenses, a $50 Olympus OM1 or OM2 with basic lens for a start will do the job quite well, just saying...
I fully agree. It was 'game over for Leica' way back in 1972 with the release of the OM system.
This was a great, relaxing video to watch. Gained yourself a new subscriber.
Nice video! I am my self a proud owner of a Leica Mini II, M2 & M8 love all of them. My biggest argument for the Leica is the size and the quality you get out of it. It’s more interactive and very compact to use as a tool. The feeling is good , it’s fun to use , you are in full control. It makes me happy to use it. You can get for a good price a M2 , it’s my first Leica. The M8 is very limited in ISO but nevertheless awesome fist Leica digital camera. Beautiful colors, not much post is required. Poor mans monochrome:-) . Please continue with this channel, you do a wonderful job!
Yay! Finally an episode. The wait was killing
Nice vid. Very chilled.
What a beautiful episode!
I've got an M6 and I love it.
Always love your stuff man! Can't wait for the next episode!
Coming up ;)
I should download your intro music and just play that shit on repeat while I'm out shooting I get so pumped (yet so serene) every time
I've never used a Leica or even held one. But I can tell you, I truly love shooting with my Contax T2 and G1. They just feel good in the hand. Even pressing the shutter button has a quality feel to it. And I love the sound of the motor on the G1. It sounds like a Porsche. However, the G1 viewfinder sucks! I prefer the viewfinder of the T2 but the heft of the G1. With that said, I also love shooting with my Nikon FE2. Advancing the film manually and the solid feel of moving the shutter speed dial is a different experience, but still feels good in the hand. Maybe it's the nostalgia that comes with it. After all, it was my first SLR and I purchased it back in 1988 and the camera I used when starting my wedding photo biz.
5:48 he just doesn't use the camera that much and isn't used to loading it. I usually get more than 36 frames out of a roll on my M6
I have an M6 with a 35mm Summilux (bot both well used), and the main thing I like about the combo is, the very high image quality you get in such a tiny yet functional camera. It is pretty heavy, though, so the small size isn't really a weight issue, but more of a handling issue. I can get it in and out of my bag like no other camera I've ever owned, can fully operate and adjust it for shooting with one hand (there are times I need to hang onto something with my other hand), and it's very quiet. It does have its quirks and annoyances though (like that ISO wheel with not enough increments), and does need repair from time to time, but at least Leica repairs are possible. Obviously a small digital camera can do all those things, too, but for 135 film, the M6 is my favorite (I do prefer to shoot MF film when I can, though).
For me the shutter speed dial was quite troublesome, but it's definitely a well built camera
Great video! 👍🏼
Great video! Anne's #1 fan here btw!
Love your thinking process!
Thank you!
Amazing Video, love the dudes chill attitude.
Just supported you guys on Patreon, love the show! Keep it up :)
Thank you!
Great episode. Thanks Ian, keep them coming. M6, Contax RTS2, Pentax 6*7 owner here... I like clunky :)
Can't argue with that 67!
Good quality video as always!
Back when I studied photography, it was basically assumed you had a Leica with a 35mm Summicron. The only Leica I could afford at the time was the M 4-2 with the even then outdated 50mm collapsible Summicron. Well, it still works, it still delivers and thus I still use it for the majority of my photography. It's really as simple as that. Obviously, I have a few more lenses now, but for some odd reason I still prefer the old collapsible over all other lenses I have. Sometimes I feel mildly tempted to get an M10, because it's almost as good as film and the shots are instantly available to view. But then, digital is such a drag to shoot, distracting me from shooting with too many technical considerations, requires me to spend too much time in front of my computer and every shot is expensive whereas shooting film costs close to nothing and still has the edge in what I consider overall image quality. So I shoot Leica for purely practical reasons: I already have it, it delivers, it's efficient, it's pocketable and it's cheap. Is it any better than anything else? Not likely.
Love to see others’ Leica videos. Great one man loved the concept and execution was perfect 👌🏽
Thanks!
Subscribed as well! Can’t wait for more! ☺️
Absolutely agree with the points that Derek said how theres so much history from the Leica brand but I do use it as my M6 as main camera now :)
I loled at the Indiana Jones camera swap) Bravo, good episode!
While I can't afford a Leica, I am enjoying the heck out of my Minolta CLE! Thanks for the video!
Beautiful video and beautiful big “M6” M6!
jeol ostrim
The ninja video on the background is what I like the most of my M6 LMAO
:)
Yes, the Leica is a coveted item but as a tool it works flawlessly. I think that's also part of the appeal, it's a serious photographic tool thats also a gorgeous piece of art. My M2 looks as good as it the day it was made in 1956 and I plan on keeping it forever.
True, many of these old film cameras can last forever - which is great.
Wonderful review and Video:)
Nice video...I personally prefer my Leica M3 DS as my preferred Leica because of it's brass construction. I know Kai made a video years ago but like to see your reaction.
I have never felt a reason to upgrade from the Leica M2. If you can judge metering by eye (you'll learn to, without a built-in meter.) I use a 35 and it has one frameline that takes up the whole Viewfinder. I know that as soon as I put my Camera to my Eye - that is my frame. Shoot. Done.
No need to deal with the complications of the M6.
I have an M3 M4 AND an M6 works of art and I still use them
My Holy Grail is Nikon F3.
Having a F2 ist like having an F3 without the disadvantage of batteries :D
I want both.
I used one for most of my PJ career, and looking back, I wish I'd had a Leica. YMMV.
I've owned six F3s, but my all time favorite film camera is the Nikon F6.
@@donconrard533 What in your opinion is so great about it? I rented a Nikon F5 for a weekend back in the late '90s. It was no doubt a smooth shooter and I got a few good shots, but with lens attached, that was one bulky/heavy rig -- and the F6 looked to be even more so! LOL
Good stuff Ian and I tend to agree with you, whilst something can be both beautiful and iconic, it's primary purpose is to take photographs not just to pose with.
at last a new video :)
really love the vibe of your videos!
an the leica m6 😍😍😍 i just have the poormans leica, the M5
Still a Leica, no? :)
Ian Wong just doesnt have the same feel :)
Great video once again! I have an M3 and it’s the smoothest camera I’ve ever owned. Despite no meter or framelines as wide as 50mm, it just feels better than an M6. But like you said it’s all about how it makes you feel when taking pictures!
The question is, what's practical about taking pictures? If you're not a professional or you're not showing your work at galleries, etc. What has practical got to do with it anyway?
What a great video. Well done.
Thank you!
I loved Analog Rev and I immediately followed your solo channel when you started it. And yet i had to discover your videos again. I blame these evil UA-cam algorithms. Anyway, great video!
Also, i am about to buy a Leica M2 or M4 soon. Not for my shelf, i actually want to shoot with it.
Nice channel and video .
I own an M10 and thinking of buying a M6 as well .
Btw wich strap u use ?
I got the Rock and Roll one , it’s super compfy but a bit bulky.
"felt a bit cluky" says the man who shot with it for one day. Do you remember the first time you had a single malt Scotch? Kinda put you back on your heels, didn't it? It take time, and in the end it's the only camera you'll ever want to use.
i love my m10 its my first Leica，and i am Chinese，so it made me “Chinese Tourist” hahaha .
Wow, I came from analogrev, love your style. Brilliant.
Man I love these episodes!!
I love this channel.
Just discovered your channel. Have you done any videos regarding Bronica cameras?
Sweet episode... congratulations.
New video!? Hell yeah!
I just love your videos, I find them inspiring and just... love them
That terrible, terrible gold edition Leica selling for $27,114 is an edition that I would imagine was gifted, or crafted specifically for the Sultan of Brunei, given the fact that it had the Brunei flag’s red emblem on the top of the camera. Would’ve certainly thought it’d sell for more than that if it’s actually the case :O
My 1986 M6 has let me down TWICE -- the Meter Circuit has gone again - it was replaced before at great COST -- now I use 'Guess' or a 1960's British Weston master meter .
Yes! Been watching old videos in anticipation ^_^
I tried upgrading an M2 to an M6 once because I wanted the meter. I sent it back after one roll. For a Leica, It just felt 'cheap', clunky and scratchy. Plus the rangefinder white-out.. wtf? Curious to hear your thoughts on the older models, M2 and M3.
Thanks again for the great videos!
Haven't had much experience with those older models yet unfortunately
Definitely the classic camera ......... but I’ll stick with my OM1n and it handles great especially for a person like me that uses the left eye to focus
you can use either eye to look through the viewfinder. I normally use my right eye with my M6 but sometimes use my left and it's easier to keep both eyes open instead of closing the left eye. It can be very comfortable to focus with the left eye.
Love your videos please keep it up 😉
it's a beautiful camera, yes i got one, but also know that it's more about the brand and social culture reference to shoot one. the fact is the most people that have one don't use that much. a nikon fm3 does the same thing or pentax etc.... it's about the design, the feel and for me, probably the one thing i enjoy most about leica is the navigation or user friendly menu that other newer cameras have lost their way with.... brand psychology / make a beautiful product like Tesla and price it high and everyone waits years for one..... superficial human nature at it's best/ guilty.
I love you video so much, and I would like to see you talk about the Hasselblad Xpan.
Panrit Srisa-an yeeees we need a X-Pan video!!!
yes talk about the xpan pls, it's a very unique camera imo
+1!! It's my dream camera, and seeing how it's getting more and more expensive, it's gonna be a dream probably forever...
I too, would love to check out a Xpan! Lots in HK, so maybe I'll try to get my hands on one.
great stuff yet again....
Nice video. I still think the M2 is the perfect camera. I actually prefer the M2 spool, I always know the film is threaded properly. I know some find this annoying or too slow. I actually bought another M2 spool which I keep preloaded with film, it makes the swap much easier when you are out on the streets/etc. Yeah, there's no light meter in the M2, but I actually have learned so much more in using the Sunny 16 rule than had I relied on a camera meter. Finally, I prefer the brass construction of the M2, it ages so much better IMHO. Peace!
I'll try to find one!
Never-mind the content just keep bringing Derrick back!! Ha ha
That could be arranged
Where was the walking shot filmed? Very pretty tree lined walk. Makes me want to check out Hong Kong’s quiet spaces.
It's on the Morning Trail on Victoria Peak. Very nice place to walk.
Your videos are amazing, I don’t know why you’re not up there with William Verbeck.
These scans are awesome I'm pulling this video up on a pretty big screen and the detail is awesome. How did you scan these?
AhahahaHa 10 female viewers, u just got another one
Loved the Indiana Jones bit!
That Indian Jones scene is sick!!!!! Lol
haha still the best!
I get 39 1/2 photos every time out of my M6. People put too much thought into loading it. I put just enough through the teeth and then hold the film down by the sprocket teeth and rewind the film with the rewind lever. Put the cap on and forward the film. if the film rewind lever moves too then the film is moving forward :)
Great video! Are you considering covering the olympus OM system, specifically the om1? Given that leica sued them for originally calling it m1 and that it was used alot by travel photographers due to its small size.
Another awesome episode! :)
Sweet Jesus... the Leicaman is strong with this one.
Nice look at a great camera. I have had a few M6's amongst others including the M7, M4-P and M4-2 but for overall usability I have ended up settling with a Konica Hexar RF. It gives me a Auto exposure and easy Exposure Comp. when I need to shoot quickly with family/friends and full manual when I am out shooting for myself. 80% of the time I use it fully manually and set the shutter speed myself but really appreciate the speeds showing in the viewfinder when I want them to compare my Sunny 16 guess with what the camera says. Like the Zeiss Ikon M-Mount, it is the best of both worlds but far better made than the Zeiss. I still keep my M4-2 around just to shoot occasionally but if I am honest with myself I go for the Hexar RF every single time despite the Leica being the much nicer camera to hold.
Just tried it yesterday - it's a super nice camera.
Absolutely - and super "cheap" for some reason. The Ikon and Leica's have gone nuts but you can still get the RF for well under $1k.
The photo shown at 0:13 is a Rui Palha photo and was shot on a digital camera (a digitial Leica, I believe). I like the video otherwise. 6:30 is hilarious.
I have had a number of Leicas: the M2r (loved it), M3, M6 and the M5. They all are representative of Leica quality. My absolute favorite is the M5, anyone who has one knows why.
My Leica has some dust in the viewfinder- will it effect the outcome of photos at the end?
Not at all
I have the M6, M2 and M3. For me the best satsfying experience is with my M2. It feels like a Rolls Royce.
Love your videos bro.
Ian and Anne, thanks for another superb video! Great shots, editing, and commentary on the M6.
I think you touched on it tangentially, but some people might feel owning such camera improves their photography because of the sunk cost fallacy-they spent so much money on it that they are inclined to use it. This is probably a minority opinion though. I think a lot of people buy it for the cachet.
It was cool meeting you recently, and I can't wait for the next video!
Actually that's a pretty interesting point that I didn't get into - But maybe that feeling only lasts so long. Can't force yourself to bring the camera out all the time :b Anyway it was great to meet you in Hong Kong! Apologies again that we didn't get much of a chance to chat.
Greg Yeutter Some people feel a camera makes them a photographer and some even believe owning a cheap, beat up camera makes them cool. Even people who go out of their way to buy cheap cameras are buying cachet. If you can't afford a Leica and don't own one or shoot with one regularly, then you don't really know what you're talking about since you have zero experience with them. Most people who own a Leica, probably own other cameras as well. I'm so tired of people worrying about why people buy the things they want to buy. It's so useless of discussion. Just because someone owns a camera, doesn't mean they're any good.
Ian do a review of your Nikon f3! (if you still have it)
Daniel Wang he already did on the digitalrev channel.