One of the best reviews of any camera on RU-vid. Straight to the point, no self promotion we don't care about, it's all about the camera and more importantly, it's all about what's it like to live with the camera. It's not about how great Leica is, how compact it is, how awesome their glass is, how much better the older classic Leica M3 are. Because none of those things are solid, hard facts and while they are not presented as such in this video anyway, they are mentioned as some other points of view. Oh and there is actual photography as well.
Wow, thank you for the kind words! I always try to offer up my point of view while respecting others as well. Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it!
I have an M6/35mm from back in the day, learning manual and after a few years of moving from Yashica, Konica, Minolta, Nikkormat, Nikon, I finally had enough for an M6, a rep at Wall Street Camera, saw my growth in photography and thought I was ready for an M6... Two decades later with the advent of digital and automation photography, I kept up with the gear continuing to move with the times, experiencing new systems like Nikons D750/850, Sonys A6000, Fujifilm x100f, all great systems, so at 66, I'm slowing down to retirement and getting educated about the Leica automated cameras, so I picked up the Vario-x (always used mini zoom lens) and had to see what a zoom on a Leica felt, loved the camera, was feeling that Leica experience and move to a Q, loved it even more, and realized that I went 360 degrees in 50 years. Since slowing down and travelling more, fast action street photography is amiss, with the Leicas I have... But, am I willing to dig out my M6, or move on to the 240 or maybe M10...no matter which Leica I am using, the images are always within the Leica fashion...sharp and saturated image quality, which is what the final product should be....have to decide in automation or manual....hmmm, $10K for a manual camera (thought I would concentrate on zone focusing)....we shall see...good review of an old ckassic
My all time favorite. I know this camera inside and out and I know why it's been my go-to for the last 4 years, but still enjoyed watching this entire video. Great stuff, Mike!
My M4-P has served me well since I got it 6 months ago! I plan on getting an M6 in the future but the price point of the M4-P was good enough for me! I agree about the lenses. I am also a Voigtlander glass user and I love it. I don't see myself ever getting Leica glass. Great video, Mike!
I'm a M5 guy, but I also really like the TTL M6. I think the larger dial really helps. Build quality is also excellent with this model. Thanks for the great review!
IMO, people don't say it's more discreet because of the size. The cloth shutter is much quieter than the SLR which has a lens stopping down, a mirror slapping up and a shutter opening. My Kodak Retina is quieter than my Leica though since it only has a leaf shutter.
Great point, sound is definitely a factor--I just think Leicas are commonly mischaracterized as being small and light when they really are not, in comparison to a similarly featured mechanical SLRs.
Very nice review! Just reacted to what you said about loading film. It's actually made so that you put the film halfway in, drag the leader over into the "three-spronged claw", and then just push the film "canister" down and fit the bottom plate back on - The bottom plate is designed to line up the filmleader perfectly. All this can be done with the film and bottom plate in one hand, and the camera in the other - but it becomes extremely complex if you don't do it in just the way they intended to. Main problem is not inserting the film far enough into the sprongs, so it doesn't take. I do recommend reading those pages in the M6 manual - short and sweet, and they really thought it through :-P (They have a spread in there on the metering dot as well; It's a circle with a diameter equalling two thirds of the height of the framelines for your lens, "simple as that" haha. But yeah, they even show it with simple diagrams.) Also, the slanted rewind knob is actually really ergonomical if you hold the back of the camera with one hand, and turn it towards your other hand for rewinding. Lets your hands share the work. Way more comfortable than my old Nikkormats that has it straight up.
Nice video, and very nice Leica. I shoot my self 1961 M2 also with the 35mm F1.4 Nokton. I am happy with the lens. I bought also a Russian Jupiter 50mm lens very cheap but also good results. The film winding is a dream so smooth. Your Leica is a keeper!!!
Carla Channel ... the M2 is in my opinion the cheapest way to start with Leica M system. It has 35/50/90 frame lines. It has a brass body. Super smooth operation. The camera doesn't has a light meter. But there a easy way around it. Like phone app , sunny 16 or external light meter. Another little con is the viewfinder, if you use glasses it the might scratch them, because the viewfinder ring is out of metal like on the M3. The film loading is also a bit tricky the first couple of times but you will get use to it easy. You can find a nice one around $800. I am happy with my. Specially it's an old peace of precision.
I loved my voigt 35mm f1.4. But when my wife gave me a zeiss biogon 35mm f2 as a gift, it blew me away. The contrast are just better. the voigt also has a bit of distortion. Although I wouldn't know the difference if i had not taken 2 of the same photo.
Whatever you do, don't try the Zeiss Distagon 35mm f1.4. If you're okay with the slight increase in weight and size, the lens performance is amazing. Super sharp wide open at f1.4.
Great Video. I really enjoyed the time you took and your honest opinions. I just bought my m6ttl and thinking about getting the VLander at least to get started. Thanks bro Sincerely Patrick
way to go, Mike! Welcome to the world of red dots!!! I was a bit weary of shooting non Leica glass, but of course for budget reasons I also ended up shooting with the same Voigtlander 35 nokton and the lens is amazing. I follow you on IG and feel free to check out some of my pics @ileica_alot! much love ✌️
If money were no issue, the only deciding factor left (for me personally) is if having a light meter is important. If it is important, I'd advise the MP over the M6. The only reason for this is because IF the meter in the M6 were to break, Leica no longer produces that chip--so the only way to repair it would be to find a parts body M6. The MP, on the other hand, is still in production. As for the M-A, I personally enjoy having a meter in-camera, so that's not an option for me.
Hey man, thanks for the really helpful video! Where do you recommend buying an M6 from, and in what sort of price range? I'm looking for a black 0.72 finder one in mint condition but eBay prices seem to be all over the place. Thanks!
First place I'd recommended are the various Facebook groups, most notably "Film Photo Gear" and "Leica Classifieds". Do a search for what you're looking for and if you don't find it, set up a search notification so you get alerted. If you're patient, you can get a Classic for just under $1000 USD and a TTL for around $1300
great review, thank you. the thing with leica glass is that if none buys it leica goes bankrupt. I think if people can afford a new leica they can afford a new leica lens. if you cannot afford a new leica and get a used one you can afford a new zeiss or voigtlander lens (same cosina made glass). If people only buy used stuff when there still is stuff on the market that is being produced, the manufacturers inevitably will struggle and we don't want leica to stop creating great stuff or producing parts to repair our equipment when it needs servicing right?
You bring up good points--all points that I've thought about at length. The first I'd like to address is that "if you can afford a new Leica, you can afford a new Leica lens." There's several issues with this: the first is that you assume it's a matter of affordability. Yes, I was able to "afford" a USED Leica after saving up for a while, but I'm not wealthy--this was not a purchase on a whim "because I could afford it", it was a considered purchase that happened after a long period of thought and savings for an item that I deemed to have enough value for me to purchase. The truth is, it's not a matter of affordability--it's a matter of the value an item presents and whether I deem it is important enough to spend money on, vs. other things like rent, food for my kids, and electricity. At this moment in time, A Leica lens does not present enough value for me, as I know it will not improve my photos or my personal experience. The next is that this is not a "new" Leica. It is used. The M6 has been out of production for years, and even if I buy all the used M6s in the world today, Leica will still have ceased production of this camera in 2002. Finally, your idea that if people only buy used things while new things are in the market will cause manufacturers to struggle: while in spirit you are correct and I do not disagree, but I don't live in an ideal utopia where I can freely purchase a brand new 35mm Summicron for $3300 just for the sake of supporting Leica. Used gear will still be bought and sold on the 2nd hand market, and to a mere mortal like me, a perfectly functional used $300 lens vs. a new $3300 lens is the difference between having a place to live or causing my family to be homeless. Thanks for your thoughts!
Great review Mike. I know on IG you mentioned the video being a bit long, but hey, we're film shooters right? We choose to take our time. Your M6 review felt the perfect length for a film camera nerd video. This isn't CNET reviewing the latest Sony digital camera. 10 minutes for a Leica M6 review wouldn't do it justice. Good job. Give Leica glass a try, even if you just rent it or borrow it for a week. It's not just about resolving power or sharpness. The rendering is different. Maybe you can borrow one of Juan's lenses in San Diego in July? I'll probably be visiting them :-)
I've been shooting seriously for 25 years, the magic is real with Leica glass. However price-performance, you're right, it's not worth triple the price (or more) for most mortals with budgets. MS Optical from Japan and some rare screw mount lenses from Nikon, Canon and Ricoh also have unique rendering too. Even the Minolta M-Rokkor 40mm f/2 is a great option, and also around $300-400. The world of M and LSM lenses is a lot of fun, and there's a price range for everyone. Again, good job, look forward to more long-format vids. I want a video to last me my entire breakfast or lunch!
Nice video Mike! I just got a M6 same with yours, prefect camera, I used a ZEISS ZM C Biogon 35mm F2.8, excellent lens and price is similar to your Voigtlander. This camera give me a great experience and joyfulness when I shoot, including those mistakes I made, misloading the film, forgot to turn the Rewinding switch. Buy the way, what film scanner did you use for your film?
Great review! I got an M6 Classic two months ago and I really like shooting with it. I also got an awfully expensive but beautiful Summicron 35 because I wanted to try the complete Leica experience. As soon as I buy a screw mount adapter, I'm going to try also a couple of cheaper Russian 50mm lens that I have used on a Leica IIIc (and which will probably perform as well as the Leica lens for my photos ... )
You aren't kidding, a replacement bottom plate is around 400 bones! And you can replace the wind lever with the mp/m3 style metal one, some folks do. I really like how in depth you go, explaining the operation and details. Very nice.
Great review, I've had my M6 for a few months (I came from using a Mamiya 7 ii) I'm growing more and more attached to the M6 each time a shoot with it - I totally agree with you regarding the film loading. I did exactly the same thing as you described in your video. Anyway, thanks for posting, great stuff! - Liked and subscribed, I look forward to watching more of your videos.... :)
Did you mention if this is a 0.72 finder or .58, .85? Am so confused how to choose in between these. Am like you, wear glasses, shooting with 35mm or 50mm
This is a GREAT question, and I don't remember if I addressed it in the video or not. The one I currently have has a .58 finder. I chose this one because I shoot with a 35mm lens, and I like to be able to see outside the framelines. The .72 finder does not have enough eye relief to be able to see outside the 35mm framelines for me because I wear glasses.
You should try some old leitz screwmount lens. they're relatively cheap and abundant - gives me an old school flavor-look that I absolutely love. Their only downside is that they don't have modern coatings. I've tried modern Zeiss and Leica glass and they are very contrasty. So I just use the old leitz glass - wonderful, sharp and super compact.
Excellent video man well done. I tossed up between an M3 and an M6 for a long time but recently pulled the trigger on an M4 with a Zeiss Biogon 35mm f2. I hope to own an M6 one day though. Did you go .72 or .85 magnification viewfinder?
Ok.....the 2 ......THINGS......you say, are 1 bottom base plate....and 2 the film rewind knob.....Oscar Barnack would be mad at you for saying.....THIS THING. Yes i owe leica m s.
I’m lucky enough to own two M6 and 6 Leica lenses. Voigtländer lenses are excellent, nothing wrong to put a third part lens on a Leica IMO. Great review Mike
I got a friend of mine who want to sale his LEICA M6 none TTL model to me and is a black body for £500.00 and is not Been used for a long time and I shoot fashion and celebrities photography in London
The biggest reason is that they (along with their staff) are constantly engaged in conversation with a lot of people in the same social channels where I'm active. The prices are fair and their quality is great, as I'm sure so are The Darkroom's, but over time Old School's crew have grown to be friends quite organically--I could name most of their staff and they're across the country. It's just habit for me to send my stuff to them now. To be fair I've heard nothing but good stuff about The Darkroom, I guess the needle just tipped that way and stayed there.
Very enjoyable and informative. I have just ordered the Voigtlander Nokton 50mm F/1.5 Lens and now I just need to find a nice M6 to compliment it. Thank you
I personally feel that it is easier to focus in low light, but I feel that, in general, rangefinders are easier and faster to focus. I have friends that prefer an SLR in lower light conditions--I think it all comes down to your preference.
Before my M6, I shot with a Contax G1 rangefinder. Loved the Zeiss glass. Loved it so much that I bought two Zeiss lenses for my Nikon SLR and one for my Fuji digital mirrorless. When I bought my M6, the first lens I bought for it was a Zeiss 35mm f/1.4. Love that lens. Later, I flanked the 35 with a 21mm f/1.4 wide-angle and a 90mm f/2 telephoto. Both are Leitz lenses.
you crack me up!! awesome video. I also have a 35mm voigtlander on my m6 and I am bloody proud of it :)) and yes, it feels that the m6 it is some how reliable. good stuff matey!
This is 100% not true about the Leica M6 TTL. This camera's maximum sync speed is 1/50th of a second. TTL is a function of metering, not of sync speed.
Suggest anyone who owns a Leica film camera to read the manual. What was presented is questionable and dangerous to your shutter if you press to hard. The bottom plate has a self adjusting ring to help the film load.
You're absolutely correct in your suggestion that people should read the manual! In fact, I would say that my video is NOT to be watched in lieu of official documentation from an actual camera manufacturer. In fairness, though--I didn't say to press on the shutter, but I concede that some people may not know better. As for the self-adjusting ring on the bottom plate--my point stands: it doesn't always work as intended. I appreciate you watching and thank you for your comment!
I don't own a Leica. Never even held one, but this is one of the top 3 or 4 reviews I have ever seen on RU-vid (for any product). It's the perfect length, you are very articulate, thoughtful, intelligent, and most of all, you do not have music blasting in the background. Unless someone is reviewing speakers, I find that 8 times out of 5, the music is highly distracting. However, I digress. Mike, keep up the great work. Hope that you do more RU-vid reviews on some of your other camera equipment and/or other products that you use and enjoy (watches, laptops, etc.)
I've been wanting to take a trip to Monterey ever since you posted about it on IG. Sweet video, dude. Maybe one day I'll get an M. Still too infatuated with the Xpan as of now.
I'm contemplating with selling my M6 and get a cheaper Voigtlander R2A for that aperture priority advantage but every time I see my Leica, god it's beautiful. I can already feel its gona hurt when I let it go. hahaha
I started my photo life with an old rangefinder, a Contax. Really, those that decide to have a rangefinder is more a matter of personal choice than being better than. I have both systems, and rotate through them.
Great video Mike! I recently picked up a M3 that came with a 50mm Summicron & 35mm Summaron lenses. I don't consider myself a lens snob at all, but dang, there's something really special shooting those old Leica lenses on film. My Leica 50mm F2 Summicron (made in 1957), has easily become my favorite lens to shoot Tri-X 400. The Summicron is still expensive at ~$700, but it won't lose value. But, you can pick up a 35mm Leica Summaron lens for ~$300. Maybe worth a try?
Definitely would like to try a Leica lens, no doubt about it! However I don't think I've ever seen a Summaron at the $300--but then again I haven't really been on the lookout. Maybe one day as an experiment? Thanks for checking out the video!
Mike Padua Leica 35mm F3.5 Summaron lenses tend to be $300 to $500. The more expensive F2.8 version goes for $500 to $800+. But, dang, oem Leica hoods can be between $100-$200+. LoL If we ever meet at a Bay Area photo meetup, you should def try out my 50mm / 35mm Leica lenses! ... Happy New Year!
Leica M3 is super quiet and people tend not to take rangefinders seriously or they're more intrigued by them. They are more discreet, because they're quieter and the lenses usually do protrude very far.
I LOVE that the shutter is quiet and that's a big plus for sure, and you're right about the lens not protruding so much. Big part of what I love about the rangefinder form factor. However, to any person unfamiliar with cameras, they don't know the difference between a rangefinder or an SLR or a digital mirrorless--it's a black box up to your face. My wife, for example has no idea if I'm shooting a Leica or a Nikon or a Canon or a Pentax--she just knows it's a camera that I put up to my eye. I think that if one believes that a Leica is more discreet, they're going to shoot with a little more confidence and relaxed body language than if they're shooting with something that they believe isn't discreet. What people perceive when you are shooting pictures is you--your demeanor, your body language, temperament, and your behavior in general--not the black box up to your eye. I think that counts for a lot--and if a Leica helps you feel you are being more discreet, I think that's what matters.
I do think that there is a big difference between an SLR and a Rangefinder (Leica) in shooting "Street" photos Hahaha. I will argue that point based on my last five years of shooting photos and probably near 500 rolls of film. The FM2 or F2 will often cause someone to turn their head when they hear the mirror slap. So while you can get the first shot with both cameras, I have found that the SLR will disrupt the moment that you were shooting, so you can't get follow-on shots of the sequence naturally unfolding. With the soft noise of my range finder, I can often take the photo and a follow-on shot(s) if there is something happening, or if not, I can often just keep on walking without often having been noticed. I shoot with chrome cameras and don't buy into a black camera making you more stealthy. I think chrome ones are more people-friendly and as I largely photograph strangers that is important. If I am noticed, I have found that a kind smile is the best response. The biggest thing about photographing without being noticed is the way that you act though. Moving quickly or aggressively is going to be what gives you away, especially the movement of moving the camera to your face.
Thanks for making this video! Are you still enjoying the M6?! Some people have said they experienced binding with the 45 degree rewinder, has that happened to you at all?
Sorry I never replied to this--just started going back on unanswered comments! I still have this camera, use it every day, have shot at least a couple hundred rolls through it since your comment, and have experienced no binding with the 45 degree rewind crank! I did have it CLA'd by DAG because the inside of the viewfinder was dusty, and since he had it opened up, I went ahead and had the MP finder upgrade done. Worth every penny!
Does anyone know if I have the 50mm summicron R (from my Leica r8) if I use the R to M adapter, will the Leica M6 ‘know’ it’s a 50mm for the guidelines?
The shallow DOF view that an SLR gives is distracting, I like the view that a RF gives. A RF has no blackout, you can see outside the frame and focusing with the patch (it's so much easier for me for some reason)
Great question! And my honest answer is this: absolutely nothing. I shoot with a rangefinder because of the way it handles. In fact, the only reason I include photographs is because people ask to see photographs. Otherwise, my opinion is that my camera reviews are reviews of the camera, NOT reviews of my photos. But regardless, people ask for, and want to see, photos. Thank you for watching!
@@nickfanzo I agree with this, however, this doesn't take into account the user's experience with the gear they're using. I think an important part of the process of photography is not only the resulting photographs, but also your experience in how you created that photograph. As I mentioned above, I shoot with this camera because I find it enjoyable--not because it somehow creates better photographs than another camera.
Leica makes you a ninja in street photography. You don’t get an aggressive shutter snap making everyone shook and aware they might be your next victim.
Hi, sorry for the convoluted question... I don't know if you can help me. I recently bought a used M6 TTL. I inserted a Duracell 1/3N lithium battery (also recommended by Leica specifications), but when I look in the viewfinder I don't see the red arrows and the exposure dot... I don't have a lens to try it. I tried without lens ... is it normal or should they see each other even without mounting the lens? Thank you.
It will still meter even if there’s no lens attached; however the shutter has to be cocked for it to meter, so if you have not done so, you need to crank the advance lever as if you’re going to take a photo. If that doesn’t work, (if you haven’t already done so), just make sure the battery is fresh, and also make sure the contacts in the battery compartment are clean and free of any debris or corrosion.
@@themikepadua Hello and thanks for your directions. I realized that the battery was old and therefore flat... I have Put a new one and now works perfectly! Thanks again!
@@themikepadua Sure! I've been dreaming of having an analog Leica for many years and I finally found this M6 TTL, hardly used (among other things, the shop where I bought it got me a 1-year warranty). Going back to analog is a priceless sensation for me.
My first Leica was an M1. My first Nikon was an F. Both loaded from the bottom. I did not realize how much I did not like bottom loading cameras until I was taking photos on a ferris wheel at night and ran out of film. I dropped the bottom plate but thank goodness it did not fall out of the gondola.
Nice overview. The one thing that I hate about the M6 (besides the cost of the camera), is the way film is loaded into the camera. Having the bottom plate come completely off is a crappy design. The rest of the camera is completely over engineered. The M6 is a fun and reliable camera!
John Kraemer that was my single biggest issue, probably. I’ve learned to tolerate it but I still fear dropping it and losing it down a drain or something
Great review Mike. I've had a Leica M6 for about five years or so and it's a keeper. I recently bought an M3 and it's even more incredible (if you can believe that). Oh, check out my YT Channel where I review film and film cameras. Thanks!
josh vick the TTL offers TTL metering for compatible flashes. The shutter speed dial is larger and spins the opposite direction than the non-TTL, and it’s also a little taller.
