Leica M6

35mm MF film rangefinder camera • Discontinued

  • Announced:
  • · 1984
  • Production status:
  • ● Discontinued
  • Country of design:
  • · FRG (Federal Republic of Germany)
  • Order No.:
  • · 10404 - 0.72, black chrome
  • · 10414 - 0.72, silver chrome
  • · 10413 - 0.85, black chrome
  • System:
  • · Leica M (1954)

Specification

Format:
35mm full frame
Film type:
135 cartridge-loaded film
Leica M [27.8mm]
Shutter:
Type:
Focal-plane
Model:
Mechanical
Speeds:
1 - 1/1000 + B
Exposure:
Exposure metering:
Through-the-lens (TTL), stop-down
Exposure modes:
Manual
Rangefinder and Viewfinder:
Rangefinder:
Built-in, combined with viewfinder
Viewfinder:
Built-in, combined with rangefinder
Finder magnification:
0.72x
0.85x
Actual rangefinder base:
69.25mm
Effective rangefinder base:
49.86mm - with 0.72x
58.86mm - with 0.85x
Bright-line frames:
28mm & 90mm, 35mm & 135mm, 50mm & 75mm - with 0.72x
35mm & 135mm, 50mm & 75mm, 90mm - with 0.85x
Parallax compensation:
Yes
Physical characteristics:
Weight:
585g
Dimensions:
138x77x33.5mm

Manufacturer description #1

On the Rangefinder System

There is no alternative worldwide to the classical LEICA M6, since only Leica offers a compact mechanical 35 mm rangefinder system camera. It is complemented by a range of high-speed lenses from 21 to 135 mm and a radiantly bright viewfinder. Highest optical performance to the limits of technical feasibility; precise, spot-accurate focusing even in the poorest light conditions, a silky smooth, practically inaudible shutter. Selective through-the-lens light metering. Durable mechanical precision.

The photographer looks through the LEICA wide-base rangefinder - an exclusive, optical and precision-engineered masterpiece that guarantees split-second, accurate focusing.

Close to the Center of Action

The sleek, elegant form that so perfectly and ergonomically fits the hand makes the LEICA M6 a particularly handy camera set of highest quality and an ideal constant companion. The photographer working with the LEICA M6 stays at the hub of what is going on, unobtrusively bridges the gap between himself and his subject. The whispering, precision mechanical shutter release without mirror movement, typical of SLR-cameras, allows him to remain unnoticed, to become part of the event and take dynamic, spontaneous photographs in the center of action.

On the High-Contrast Viewfinder

The viewfinder remains radiantly bright, irrespective of the lens used, while high contrast, bright-line frames indicate the image area, enabling perfect picture composition. A clearly visible field around these bright-line frames facilitates quick-action photography of moving subjects, allowing the photographer to better assess the final composition of the picture within his frame.

On the Highest Optical Performance

13 LEICA M Lenses from 21 to 135 mm, with light speeds of up to f/1, are distinguished by brilliant imaging performance of world-wide acclaim: high contrast and resolving power, exemplary freedom from reflexes and neutral color rendition - even at full lens aperture.

Selective Exposure Metering

Even the most difficult light conditions can be mastered by the LEICA M6 and its selective, through-the-lens exposure metering. The photographer is empowered to express his creativity through the refined composition with light, to master a range of colors, backlighting as well as variations of brightness and contrast. With the exposure meter's sensitivity of up to 0.125 cd/m the LEICA M6 can captivate the special atmosphere of low-light scenes all the way down to a candle-light dinner.

A light touch on the shutter release switches on the exposure meter. The exposure time and aperture are adjusted manually until the viewfinder's balancing scale shows that the subject is correctly lit. Fine adjustment even at a professional level and intentional over- or underexposure are also possible.

***

Technical data

Camera type: 35 mm rangefinder camera.

Lens attachment: LEICA M bayonet.

Viewfinder: Bright-line frames for 6 focal lengths. Rangefinding scale. Exposure meter on: shutter/aperture balance.

Parallax compensation: Automatic compensation of viewfinder/lens parallax.

Wide-base rangefinder: Bright-field split-image and double-image rangefinder.

Exposure metering method: Selective through-the-lens metering at working aperture.

Photocell: Silicon photodiode.

Switch on exposure meter by light touch on shutter release, for about 10 s.

Aperture settings by ring at front of lens, click-stops at full and half-stop settings.

Shutter settings: Setting knob on top cover of camera. Click-stop settings, read from above: B, 1 s to 1/1000 s (1/50 s for ↯).

Film-speed range: ISO 6/9° to ISO 6400/39°.

Shutter: Rubberized-cloth horizontal focal-plane shutter. Mechanically controlled speeds. Practically inaudible.

Flash synchronization: Standard X contact socket for bulb and electronic flash units. Central X hotshoe contact.

Shutter release: Release button with standard thread for cable release. Two-stage, switches on exposure meter and releases shutter.

Film transport: Quick-wind lever with movable handle. Interval movement possible. Motorized film transport with add-on LEICA M Winder.

Exposure counter with magnifying display, resets automatically on removal of base panel.

Rewind lever: Release lever, sloped hinge-out rewind lever.

Film-plane mark on top panel.

Camera body: Closed camera body of die-cast aluminium, hinged back. Top panel 0.8 mm die-cast zinc, bottom panel 0.8 mm brass. Eyelets at sides for carrying strap. 1/4" A thread for tripod screw. Mechanical contact for LEICA M Winder. Black or silver chromium finish.

Dimensions / weight (excl. lens): 77 mm (3") / 138 mm (5 1/2") / 38 mm (1 1/2") / weight 560 g (1 1b 4 oz).

***

Concentration on Essentials

The classical LEICA M6 has its origin in the so-called "Ur-LEICA" of 1914, with which today's world standard 35 mm-format (24x36 mm) was created. It's fascination is built on the experience of original creativity and the expression of Leica philosophy in its purest form: concentration on essentials.

Photography with the LEICA M6 puts human skill foremost. Indeed, the idea behind the development of the LEICA was based on the conviction that above all it is human creativity, the human capacity of feeling and expression, the ability to compose with form, light and color, that can invest a photograph with outstanding qualities.

This dimension of creativity must of course be matched by the highest criteria of technical performance, and these are met in an exemplary way by the world-famous LEICA M6, which excels in absolute reliability, long-lasting durability, perfect functioning, mechanical precision and highest optical performance.

Manufacturer description #2

Small, quiet, and discreet: The Leica M6 is the ideal camera for photojournalism, travel and available-light photography.

The LEICA M6 at a glance:

  • Combination of ergonomic design and classic, timeless elegance.
  • Extremely quiet shutter release facilitates unobtrusive photography in sensitive situations.
  • Unsurpassed precision focusing even under poor light conditions and low motif contrast by means of a wide-base rangefinder with a constant measuring base of 49.9 mm.
  • Small size and weight of camera and lenses.
  • Compact and fast LEICA M high-performance lenses ranging from 21 mm to 135 mm.
  • Bright-line viewfinder that retains its luminosity.
  • Exact exposure metering even when light conditions are extremely poor.
  • "Just-in-time" photography, thanks to minimum shutter-release delay (10 - 12 ms) - almost 10 times shorter than with standard reflex cameras.
  • High-quality optical components and rugged precision mechanics provide greatest possible reliability and long-lasting value.
  • Top-notch, practical accessories

Technical data:

Camera type: Rangefinder camera with interchangeable lenses

Lens attachment: LEICA M-Bayonet

Rangefinder: Split-image and double image rangefinder

Exposure metering method: Selective through-the-lens (TTL) metering

Shutter: Practically inaudible rubberised-cloth horizontal focal plane shutter. Mechanically controlled speeds from 1s to 1/1000 s, B

Working range: At ISO 100/21° exposure values from EV-1 to EV 20, i.e. 2s at f/1 to 1/1000 at f/32

Exposure meter display: Through shutter/aperture balance in viewfinder. When shutter and aperture match the exposure meter reading, two red triangular LED's are illuminated simultaneously and with equal brightness

Film-speed range: ISO 6/9° to ISO 6400/39°

Camera body: Closed camera body of die-cast aluminium, top panel 0.8 mm die-cast zinc (LEICA M 6 titanium finish: 0.8 mm brass), bottom panel 0.8 mm brass.

Dimensions and weight: Height 77 mm (3"), Length 138 mm (5 1/2"), Depth 38 mm (1 1/2"), Weight 560 g (1 lb. 4 oz)

The LEICA M6 is available in black or silver chrome and titanium finish.

Manufacturer description #3

As LEICA M4-P, but with selective exposure measurement through the lens (TTL). Exposure meter display as light balance in the viewfinder.

Serial No. from 1657251.

From the editor

An elegant camera with fully electronic TTL exposure metering. Was manufactured in Germany: until 1988 - in Wetzlar, from 1988 - at Solms. Originally in black chrome, but silver chrome finish became available in 1986. A black chrome version with 0.85x viewfinder magnification was introduced in January 1998. A LARGE number of special limited LEICA M6 (and M6 TTL) cameras were also released.

Leica M6 special editions (29)

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Leica CL
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