Leica M6 TTL vs non TTL

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I keep on finding a mechanical Leica and I found a new Leica M6 non TTL. I
was wondering if it is that important the TTL feature, or you can survive
without it. The camera is not going to be used with flash most of the time,
so I guess it should not be a problem.

 

A really good manually set flash, and a bit of knowledge in properly using it,
can be just as good as TTL flash. However, TTL flash is set it and forget it
(mostly, but not always). It is a nice feature, and can be really handy.

What I find is a bigger difference between the M6 and later M6 TTL, is the
shutter speed selection dial. On the later M6 TTL, this is larger diameter, and
much easier to use. The convenience of that alone could be worth the purchase.

One other thing is that if you want to get the .85 or .58 finder version, these
are more common in the M6 TTL. The earlier M6 did offer a .85 high
magnification finder, but it is a bit rare.

Check on Camera Quest for some more information. There are a few other
differences:

<http://www.cameraquest.com/mguide.htm#M6>

<http://www.cameraquest.com/mguide.htm#New 1998 M6 TTL Flash!>

You can save some money on initial purchase by going for an early M6, since
that version is older. The TTL version came out just over five years ago, so
those are newer. Both are fairly good relative bargain purchases currently.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
Alliance Graphique Studio
<http://www.allgstudio.com>

 

Besides the TTL, the TTL version's shutter dial turns the opposite of the
non-TTL version, which is the "correct" direction if you follow the arrows on
the builtin meter display, or the wrong direction if you are used to the older
cameras. Note that M7 turns the same way as the M6TTL but the new MP turns the
old way again

Other than these two items, I doubt there are any practical differences between
the TTL and non-TTL version.

 

There is also a difference in the exposure meter display between that in
the M6 and the M6 TTL. In the case of the TTL (I own one) there are the
two triangles for over and under exposure, and a round dot between the
two that lights up for correct exposure. I'm trying to remember what
the manual says for the non-TTL. I think that the two triangles just
light up simultaneously when the exposure is correct. A minor
difference, but I seem to remember people saying that the TTL version is
noticeably easier to use.

Herb

 

I found a new Leica M6, forgotten in a dealer, so I bought it yesterday. It
is completely new, with 3 years warranty, and it is exactly the model my
father was looking for: Leica M6 Chrome "Classic". I saw his papers and I
finally discover exactly what he wanted.

By the way, I gave it to him yesterday, just a little bit earlier than
Christmas, in order to be able to buy an objective (probably Summicrom 2/50
mm) as soon as possible and start taking pictures

Thanks to all of you that gave me such a good information!

 

I think he would be really happy with the Summicron.

Sounds like a great Christmas present . . . wish I was getting one.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
Alliance Graphique Studio
<http://www.allgstudio.com>

 

This is my Leica model of choice, a Leitz Leica M6, manuf. 1985. So it's
coming up on being a 20 year old camera. Non the less, this is my favorite
model of the recent vintage (M6, M6TTL, M7, MP). Lately they've (M6 Classic)
been going up in value on the used camera market. One sold recently on E-Bay
for $1900. Your Father is a lucky man, and I'm sure he'll cherish this
wonderful gift as much today, as he will in twenty years, when you've spent
thousands on lesser equipment, and his M6 will be worth @$4000 (and you and
your friends will still be arguing over the death of film). Again
congradulations on a worthy investment and Happy Holidays.

 

Thank you very much for your help!

 

Thank you very much for your help!

 

Great! Why can't I ever find these kind of camera shops?

There's also the collapsable 50/2.8, which costs about 40% less than the
50/2, and makes for a more compact package, provided you can go without
the extra stop. The Summicron is a great lens though, he won't be
disappointed with either.