Let me preface by saying all Leica M film bodies are fantastic! Personally I much prefer the M2. I have owned them all and mostly shot my M2 for the last 8 years. I like it more than the MP I owned for a year and half and sold. Heads up, that M6 rewind knob is easily bent. I did it on my M6 and thankfully YYE Camera had another. My M4 is bent as well but functions. The M3, M2, MP design is much stronger. And if you need to rewind faster get a Leica SOOM rewind lever. I would say I like my M4 more than my M6. It has the M2 view finder that is uncluttered unlike the M6 that shows double sets. But if you need a meter and the MP price point is too high than an M6 is a good choice. If you dont need a meter then look at a M3, M2, or M4.
I modded my M2 and 3d printed a quick load. Trick with the m2 exposure counter, when it reaches 36, you wind your film. then put in new film, wind it to 37 while back is open to ensure catch, then close, blank fire 38 and 39, and then it's "automatically" at zero, ready for you to shoot. lastly, the m6 is what the m5 was, in an M3 body, with M4 modifications. It's clearly the lesser of the cameras :D
It’s got a zinc top and plastic bits under the eyelets that become brittle and break. ->probably the worst engineered Leicas. At least they corrected most of those M6 classic mistakes win the re-released version.
M4 is my personal fav. Has all the features of the M6 you love (quick load, rewind knob and updated frame counter, which were introduced on the M4). M6 is basically just an M4 with a light meter. Can’t go wrong with any M camera though
The M3 has a similar, if not the same glass window frame counter as the m4 and M6 and pre-dated the M2. M4 if to me is the best of the options but I still love my M3 and how it looks.
The M6 has a zinc top plate that goes Fugly and blisters when oxidizes. At least the M2 and M4 are all brass and have lovely brassing. The plastic bits on the M6 are also features that break and go brittle. The only good M6’s are the all brass special editions and the current re-released version that’s all brass. The M2 had a rapid load version, the M2R.
I totally agree as a M4 owner myself.. I've never shot the M6, but more recently got an M7. It's a pure joy to shoot when i wanna move a bit faster on the streets. But once you get used to the M4 with no built-in meter it's almost second nature! But the FEEL of the M4 is in some ways better even than my M7. I've heard that the M4 is the best built of all the film Leicas..
@@kennethgray5447Agreed, I was about to sell my Leica M4 up until I went to a photo fest in New Orleans, every person that shot with an M6 has told me the M4 was so much better than the m6 and to never give it up. I think I’m gonna let it stay in my family forever
Yo JP! The M4 is much more like the M6 than the M2 or M3. Then there's the odd, but loveable M5. The M5 was the first Leica with an internal meter and the shutter speed dial actually is large and is placed so it slightly extends over the edge of the front of the camera making it extremely easy to change shutter speeds. If you want a Leica with internal light metering and don't mind the different body shape, you can pick up a M5 for probably even less than an M4 these days.
It’s all a matter of personal preference. I bought my first Leica M2 used in about 1970 after wanting one from around 1960 but got a Nikon F from an uncle who was in the USAF so it was far cheaper than the Leica. What I prefer about the M2 and M3 is there are only one frame line and not two for each setting. For 28 mm lenses I use the M2 and use the whole frame as a guide which works fine. Never felt I needed the speed loading system but there are modifications available. If you think the M2/M3 loading is bad then look at the older LTM Leica’s. I recently started using my Leica IIIa from 1936 which I really love.
Love my m3. If I could wish for one thing it would be 35mm frame lens, but you can get. The m3 is the first m series camera. Think they did a pretty amazing job for the 1950s and 60s!
Congrats on the M6! Like you, I had been coveting one for years (still might eventually get one) but recently got an absurdly good deal on an M4 with a 50mm Summicron. The M4 is pretty much a 1:1 match with the M6, just no built-in light meter. A lot of the innovation to the M line came with the M4 (tilted rewind knob, auto-resetting film counter, easier film loading system) so if anyone like me has been saving up for an M6, you might find the M4 or the M4-p a lot more friendly on your wallet! It's nearly identical, just no light meter.
The M3 has an auto reset film counter. The M2 was a cheaper alternative to the M3 with a new view/range finder .72 magnification as opposed to the .91 M3. If I remember the price difference between the M2 and M3 in 1960’s was around $75. The M4’s have essentially an M2 finder with more frame lines and I believe they deleted the depth of field notches found on the M3 and M2.
Downside to that speed rewind crank is it protrudes off the side of the body enough that if the camera is dropped onto that side it will hit the ground first and bend the shaft and permanently jam it. I love the look of the M4 rewind crank. It's almost iconic. But bent rewind shafts is one of the reasons why Leica went back to the M2/M3 design on the modern MA and MP.
I have a M2 and never felt the urge to get an M6. Of course it's a superb camera but maybe it's the simplicity of the M2, the brass hand built quality. My m2 is super smooth so not sure I recognise your rugged description. Still , I've never used an m6 so maybe it's even better.
I don't see anything wrong with a "basic" camera. IF it takes photos you find to be pleasing then b y all means its a great camera. Hell, I havent even used a quarter of the features the Fuji XT3 has and Im in love with it. I just love seeing photography lol maybe one day I'll get the Leica that only does B&W photos!
Thans for the video. When I was shopping for a rangefinder, I knew I wanted a manual/mechanical camera that handled 35mm lenses well. I finally decided to a Leica M2, M6, or MP. I also decided that I would buy the first one I could find at a reasonable price. I found an M6 first.
Congrats on the M6. I hope it serves your purpose. I do the same w/ mine. It has gone everywhere with me since 2014. Between my M2, M4, M5, and M6, there's something about the M2 and M4 that can't be compared to the M6. Perhaps the built, the shutter sound, the advanced level...It just feels different. If I were to keep one, it would be the M4. Regardless, a camera is just a tool. Happy shooting 📷
Nice comparison and congrats on the M6. Just a few notes: All of the 'new features' that you mentioned were on the M4 first. The M6 is basically an M4 with a meter. The comment about the M2 having a difficult shutter speed dial sounds like yours needs repair. I have both an M2 and an M6 and mine are the opposite of yours. My M6 is more difficult (but can still be moved with one finger), while my M2 is super easy to turn. It barely takes any effort. The frame counter comments, the M2 is the only Leica with a diy frame counter. The M3 had a 'normal' one, like all the other Leicas, so it's not really a new feature in this case. It was one of the things that made the M2 cheaper compared to the M3 at the time.
I'm the opposite. I love everything about the M2 because of what you pointed out. The only thing I don't like about the M2 is the film loading. It was a bit of work. The lack of lightmeter I thought was also a minus until I saw NY streetphotgraphers who have M6s still use handheld lightmeters made me feel better about the M2 so I stick with the M@. Gonna have mine custom painted as a M2 panda with intentional brassing. My ultimate cool camera.
Sometimes the rapid load system fails to load the film on the take up spool.actually many times. At least with the M2/3 load system guarantees the film loaded-100% of the time.
I have the M6 TTL and I like that it the bigger shutter speed dial that you turn in direction of which arrow shows? And being out to the front edge of camera easy to turn while keeping the camera to the eye. I also like it has the round dot to signal correct exposure vs lightning both arrows. And I appreciate having TTL to use with the SF-20 flash.
Regarding the "hard to turn shutter speed dial with one finger" of the M2 I would disagree. Despite the M6's big style dial that obviously makes it easier to spin, I would say resistance in the dial of old M's mostly depends on the use, cla or ajustment that has been put throught it. I have been using many old M's from M3DS, M1, M4 to M4P, they all have a slight difference in resistance but it has always been easy to set the speed with the tip of one finger.
I prefer the classic look of the M2/3 (e.g. advance lever). I don't need the hot shoe. An external light meter is indeed a little bit annoying but I like the vintage feeling and look. You can buy a rapid loading system for the M2 and it should be pretty similar to the M6. I guess the M-P is perfect for me, but at 3x the price of a M2. Oh you forgot to mention that the M2 has individual frame lines instead of dual frame lines. So less cluttered view.
This. I leave my light meter off unless I'm shooting slide. Sunny 16 for BnW and color is more than adequate unless you're clueless to photography like most influencers and youtubers generally are.
I had four M6’s back in the day but went down to one digital M10 more recently. I still have my Noctilux and a 90 Summicron. Not sure if I will buy a new M6 but definitely not an old M6.
like the classic design from M2, and better function from M6. Therefore I go for MP as my first film Leica camera. Bought a brand new half years ago, really enjoy it.
I can only dream about shooting a Leica. Way out of my league budget-wise. Still love to watch your reviews of that line of cameras, so thank you. I do enjoy my Minolta a7, a lot. A detailed review would be appreciated. Cheers!
I personally want a black paint MP, maybe one day I’ll pull the trigger on a mint condition MP. Especially knowing now that film is here to stay and Leica along with Pentax are making film cameras again.
honestly, there isn't that much of a diffference between the film leicas. M6 is just a m4 with a lightmeter. The main difference between the m2 and m6 is the built in metering and the rewind. I prefer the aethtetics of the m2.
Can’t help but laugh at all the alpha photographers who’ve never messed up an exposure without a light meter because using one is a sin. Man, people really need to feel superior any way they can, imagine wnjoying photography for photography’s sake
My first Leica camera was the Leica MP. Looks like the M2 with the same rewind knob and advance lever but also has the quick load system and lightmeter. Best of both worlds. Never regreted the investment (bought it new 3 years ago).
same as you. Bought MP as the first Leica camera. MP and MA are the perfect form of Leica film camera. MA probably could last longer than MP since it does not have a light meter.
The M6 was not revolutionary or more popular than the M3. The M6 was a return to the M3 philosophy and design after the M5 and was simply produced for a longer period. A rewind knob and light meter are not revolutionary features. The M3 was way more popular in its day than the the M6 which were never as popular as Japanese SLRs. The only reason why the M6 is so popular today is because of social media.
CLA is $250 at most and only necessary if you're banging your camera around. Some people just don't take care of their gear, you can see it when they load film just cranking that lever like it owes them money!
LOL using a ligtmeter when you use a leica So you use a ferrari without know how to drive...how about sunny sixteen? Seriourlsy? Sorry but it really basic thing before start shooting...but i know, that money can not buy
@@Adrian-wd4rn Slide have less latitude, indeed, but if you fail one stop isn't a problem, at all. Using the rule properly it will be not a problem, at all.
Let me preface by saying all Leica M film bodies are fantastic!
Personally I much prefer the M2. I have owned them all and mostly shot my M2 for the last 8 years. I like it more than the MP I owned for a year and half and sold. Heads up, that M6 rewind knob is easily bent. I did it on my M6 and thankfully YYE Camera had another. My M4 is bent as well but functions. The M3, M2, MP design is much stronger. And if you need to rewind faster get a Leica SOOM rewind lever. I would say I like my M4 more than my M6. It has the M2 view finder that is uncluttered unlike the M6 that shows double sets. But if you need a meter and the MP price point is too high than an M6 is a good choice. If you dont need a meter then look at a M3, M2, or M4.
I modded my M2 and 3d printed a quick load.
Trick with the m2 exposure counter, when it reaches 36, you wind your film. then put in new film, wind it to 37 while back is open to ensure catch, then close, blank fire 38 and 39, and then it's "automatically" at zero, ready for you to shoot.
lastly, the m6 is what the m5 was, in an M3 body, with M4 modifications. It's clearly the lesser of the cameras :D
It’s got a zinc top and plastic bits under the eyelets that become brittle and break.
->probably the worst engineered Leicas. At least they corrected most of those M6 classic mistakes win the re-released version.
M4 is my personal fav. Has all the features of the M6 you love (quick load, rewind knob and updated frame counter, which were introduced on the M4). M6 is basically just an M4 with a light meter. Can’t go wrong with any M camera though
And there it is
The M3 has a similar, if not the same glass window frame counter as the m4 and M6 and pre-dated the M2. M4 if to me is the best of the options but I still love my M3 and how it looks.
The M6 has a zinc top plate that goes Fugly and blisters when oxidizes. At least the M2 and M4 are all brass and have lovely brassing. The plastic bits on the M6 are also features that break and go brittle. The only good M6’s are the all brass special editions and the current re-released version that’s all brass. The M2 had a rapid load version, the M2R.
I totally agree as a M4 owner myself.. I've never shot the M6, but more recently got an M7. It's a pure joy to shoot when i wanna move a bit faster on the streets. But once you get used to the M4 with no built-in meter it's almost second nature! But the FEEL of the M4 is in some ways better even than my M7. I've heard that the M4 is the best built of all the film Leicas..
@@kennethgray5447Agreed, I was about to sell my Leica M4 up until I went to a photo fest in New Orleans, every person that shot with an M6 has told me the M4 was so much better than the m6 and to never give it up. I think I’m gonna let it stay in my family forever
Yo JP! The M4 is much more like the M6 than the M2 or M3. Then there's the odd, but loveable M5. The M5 was the first Leica with an internal meter and the shutter speed dial actually is large and is placed so it slightly extends over the edge of the front of the camera making it extremely easy to change shutter speeds. If you want a Leica with internal light metering and don't mind the different body shape, you can pick up a M5 for probably even less than an M4 these days.
It’s all a matter of personal preference. I bought my first Leica M2 used in about 1970 after wanting one from around 1960 but got a Nikon F from an uncle who was in the USAF so it was far cheaper than the Leica.
What I prefer about the M2 and M3 is there are only one frame line and not two for each setting. For 28 mm lenses I use the M2 and use the whole frame as a guide which works fine.
Never felt I needed the speed loading system but there are modifications available.
If you think the M2/M3 loading is bad then look at the older LTM Leica’s. I recently started using my Leica IIIa from 1936 which I really love.
Love my m3. If I could wish for one thing it would be 35mm frame lens, but you can get. The m3 is the first m series camera. Think they did a pretty amazing job for the 1950s and 60s!
Congrats on the M6! Like you, I had been coveting one for years (still might eventually get one) but recently got an absurdly good deal on an M4 with a 50mm Summicron. The M4 is pretty much a 1:1 match with the M6, just no built-in light meter. A lot of the innovation to the M line came with the M4 (tilted rewind knob, auto-resetting film counter, easier film loading system) so if anyone like me has been saving up for an M6, you might find the M4 or the M4-p a lot more friendly on your wallet! It's nearly identical, just no light meter.
agree i got the m4p love it
The M3 has an auto reset film counter. The M2 was a cheaper alternative to the M3 with a new view/range finder .72 magnification as opposed to the .91 M3. If I remember the price difference between the M2 and M3 in 1960’s was around $75.
The M4’s have essentially an M2 finder with more frame lines and I believe they deleted the depth of field notches found on the M3 and M2.
M2 = camera. M6 = medallion 😂
Downside to that speed rewind crank is it protrudes off the side of the body enough that if the camera is dropped onto that side it will hit the ground first and bend the shaft and permanently jam it. I love the look of the M4 rewind crank. It's almost iconic. But bent rewind shafts is one of the reasons why Leica went back to the M2/M3 design on the modern MA and MP.
Bent the rewind lever on my M4, so now I place in my bag with the lever up.
You should do a video comparing it to the Bessa r2
I have a M2 and never felt the urge to get an M6. Of course it's a superb camera but maybe it's the simplicity of the M2, the brass hand built quality. My m2 is super smooth so not sure I recognise your rugged description. Still , I've never used an m6 so maybe it's even better.
I love my M2
I don't see anything wrong with a "basic" camera. IF it takes photos you find to be pleasing then b y all means its a great camera. Hell, I havent even used a quarter of the features the Fuji XT3 has and Im in love with it. I just love seeing photography lol maybe one day I'll get the Leica that only does B&W photos!
Thans for the video.
When I was shopping for a rangefinder, I knew I wanted a manual/mechanical camera that handled 35mm lenses well. I finally decided to a Leica M2, M6, or MP. I also decided that I would buy the first one I could find at a reasonable price. I found an M6 first.
Congrats on the M6. I hope it serves your purpose. I do the same w/ mine. It has gone everywhere with me since 2014. Between my M2, M4, M5, and M6, there's something about the M2 and M4 that can't be compared to the M6. Perhaps the built, the shutter sound, the advanced level...It just feels different. If I were to keep one, it would be the M4. Regardless, a camera is just a tool. Happy shooting 📷
Not to forget the new 28mm viewfinder frame on the M6.
Nice comparison and congrats on the M6. Just a few notes:
All of the 'new features' that you mentioned were on the M4 first. The M6 is basically an M4 with a meter.
The comment about the M2 having a difficult shutter speed dial sounds like yours needs repair. I have both an M2 and an M6 and mine are the opposite of yours. My M6 is more difficult (but can still be moved with one finger), while my M2 is super easy to turn. It barely takes any effort.
The frame counter comments, the M2 is the only Leica with a diy frame counter. The M3 had a 'normal' one, like all the other Leicas, so it's not really a new feature in this case. It was one of the things that made the M2 cheaper compared to the M3 at the time.
I'm the opposite. I love everything about the M2 because of what you pointed out. The only thing I don't like about the M2 is the film loading. It was a bit of work. The lack of lightmeter I thought was also a minus until I saw NY streetphotgraphers who have M6s still use handheld lightmeters made me feel better about the M2 so I stick with the M@. Gonna have mine custom painted as a M2 panda with intentional brassing. My ultimate cool camera.
How much faster is the m6 v m2 with external light meter?
Sometimes the rapid load system fails to load the film on the take up spool.actually many times. At least with the M2/3 load system guarantees the film loaded-100% of the time.
I have the M6 TTL and I like that it the bigger shutter speed dial that you turn in direction of which arrow shows? And being out to the front edge of camera easy to turn while keeping the camera to the eye. I also like it has the round dot to signal correct exposure vs lightning both arrows. And I appreciate having TTL to use with the SF-20 flash.
Regarding the "hard to turn shutter speed dial with one finger" of the M2 I would disagree. Despite the M6's big style dial that obviously makes it easier to spin, I would say resistance in the dial of old M's mostly depends on the use, cla or ajustment that has been put throught it. I have been using many old M's from M3DS, M1, M4 to M4P, they all have a slight difference in resistance but it has always been easy to set the speed with the tip of one finger.
I prefer the classic look of the M2/3 (e.g. advance lever). I don't need the hot shoe. An external light meter is indeed a little bit annoying but I like the vintage feeling and look. You can buy a rapid loading system for the M2 and it should be pretty similar to the M6. I guess the M-P is perfect for me, but at 3x the price of a M2. Oh you forgot to mention that the M2 has individual frame lines instead of dual frame lines. So less cluttered view.
This. I leave my light meter off unless I'm shooting slide. Sunny 16 for BnW and color is more than adequate unless you're clueless to photography like most influencers and youtubers generally are.
I had four M6’s back in the day but went down to one digital M10 more recently. I still have my Noctilux and a 90 Summicron. Not sure if I will buy a new M6 but definitely not an old M6.
like the classic design from M2, and better function from M6. Therefore I go for MP as my first film Leica camera. Bought a brand new half years ago, really enjoy it.
I can only dream about shooting a Leica. Way out of my league budget-wise. Still love to watch your reviews of that line of cameras, so thank you. I do enjoy my Minolta a7, a lot. A detailed review would be appreciated. Cheers!
I’m considering a Leica and I’m interested in what lens you are using??
as someone who's new to photography and wants to get into getting a film camera what will be a good beginner film camera to grab ?
Pentax k1000
I personally want a black paint MP, maybe one day I’ll pull the trigger on a mint condition MP. Especially knowing now that film is here to stay and Leica along with Pentax are making film cameras again.
I’ve been a chrome M4 owner for a few years but yeah, black paint MP is still my dream camera.
honestly, there isn't that much of a diffference between the film leicas. M6 is just a m4 with a lightmeter. The main difference between the m2 and m6 is the built in metering and the rewind. I prefer the aethtetics of the m2.
Can’t help but laugh at all the alpha photographers who’ve never messed up an exposure without a light meter because using one is a sin. Man, people really need to feel superior any way they can, imagine wnjoying photography for photography’s sake
But it's true tho. Unless you're shooting slide, a light meter is about as useful as a hammer doing a root canal.
My first Leica camera was the Leica MP. Looks like the M2 with the same rewind knob and advance lever but also has the quick load system and lightmeter. Best of both worlds. Never regreted the investment (bought it new 3 years ago).
same as you. Bought MP as the first Leica camera. MP and MA are the perfect form of Leica film camera. MA probably could last longer than MP since it does not have a light meter.
Congrats brother. Did you end up selling the bessa as well ?
Love that shirt brudda!
The M6 was not revolutionary or more popular than the M3. The M6 was a return to the M3 philosophy and design after the M5 and was simply produced for a longer period. A rewind knob and light meter are not revolutionary features. The M3 was way more popular in its day than the the M6 which were never as popular as Japanese SLRs. The only reason why the M6 is so popular today is because of social media.
I still love my old Leica M3 .
Yoooooo we need a link to that shirt!!
I love your stuff king
I think the fact that the M2 forces you to use your own imagination is already a good start to making good photos, just a personal opinion.
Second hand the M6 is a £1,000 more, there's a reason to buy the M2.
Who does a CLA'd every couple of years at $500 ??
CLA is $250 at most and only necessary if you're banging your camera around. Some people just don't take care of their gear, you can see it when they load film just cranking that lever like it owes them money!
@@Caballeroshot I'd like to know where it is 250 for a CLA; her in Montreal you are looking at more like 500$.
You should have just skipped the M6 and go for the M-A instead. No need for meters when you’re good at reading light.
my fav is the minolta X700 Leicas are too expensive for me 😢😂
haha same
Bro, thats a nice camera and all, but dayyyum dude thats a nice shirt you're wearing.
Congratulations!
do you feel like this content is relatable to a lot of your subs?
Sheeesssss!!!!!
LOL using a ligtmeter when you use a leica So you use a ferrari without know how to drive...how about sunny sixteen? Seriourlsy? Sorry but it really basic thing before start shooting...but i know, that money can not buy
r/AnalogCircleJerk
🥱🥱
I mean, I think light meters are useless for BnW, but for slide? They come in handy.
@@Adrian-wd4rn Slide have less latitude, indeed, but if you fail one stop isn't a problem, at all. Using the rule properly it will be not a problem, at all.
@@unpoulet6859 don't need to insult the others mate! ;) cheers!