The Leica M6 Story
The more experience we gain, the better we become at knowing our brand's personality, goals, and strengths.
This applies just as much to a single camera's life cycle as it does for an entire product family - especially one as legendary as the Leica M.
Still, after almost 70 years, the Leica M-System preserves its ability to adapt to our times without compromising its core values.
Like no other Leica M camera, the analogue Leica M6 is a tool that keeps evoking admiration from photographers around the world.
Not only did its production mark a milestone in Leica Camera AG's corporate history, but it went on to be modelled in many different versions between 1984 to 2002.
Today, the Leica M6 continues to captivate new generations of passionate photographers.
Intuitive, compact, discreet: the M6 gets you closer.
- Close to the action and genuine emotion.
- For pictures that are impactful and personal.
No wonder photojournalists have used this camera to capture unique images since the 1980s.
And as the preferred tool for the world's best photographers, the Leica M6 is behind
countless iconic images immersing the observer in contemporary history.
The conscious rejection of the "would be possible" in favour of the "what is necessary"
- that turns a passive photographer into a proactive agent
- is a philosophy that resides within the Leica M6.
It symbolizes quintessential photography.
Demanding that its owner make conscious decisions regarding the subject in front of
them, using their own creative process to not only take pictures but make images
bursting with a unique ethos.
In a world that is moving faster than ever, analogue photography is experiencing a renaissance.
Today's owners crave products synonymous with enduring value.
Products that force them to slow down, break the cycle of endless consumption and
embrace traditional values such as reliability, trust and quality.
Quality that can be seen and touched.
Enabled by premium materials and rock-solid mechanics.
Products that have a soul.
The Leica M6 is the physical embodiment of all this.
Who, if not Leica, could better understand this desire for real, pure photography and
the creative journey that comes with it?
It's therefore natural that what's probably the most popular legendary camera ever
should come back.
Leica M6 - Write your story.
Specifications:
Viewfinder Large, bright-line rangefinder with automatic parallax compensation
Parallax compensation:
The horizontal and vertical difference between viewfinder and lens is compensated
automatically in line with the relevant focus setting.
Congruence of viewfinder and actual image.
The size of the bright-line frame matches the distance:
- at 2m: the exact sensor size of approx. 23.9 x 35.8 mm
- at infinity: (depending on focal length) approx. 7.3% (28 mm) to 18% (135 mm)
- less than 2m: less than film size
Viewfinder magnification: x0.73 (all lenses)
Wide - base rangefinde: Split and superimposed image rangefinder shown as a bright
field in the center of the viewfinder image.
Shutter
Shutter type: Focal plane shutter with rubber liner, mechanically controlled
Shutter speeds: Mech. shutter: 1s - 1/1000s
Flash Synch: to 1/50s
Shutter release: Two-stage: Power up (activation of exposure meter) - Release.
Integrated standard cable release thread.
Film winding
Loading: Manual with quick wind lever or LEICAVIT M,
Motorized with LEICA MOTOR-M, LEICA WINDER-M, LEICA WINDER
Rewinding: Manual with telescopic rewind knob
Frame counter: On top of camera. Automatic reset after removal of bottom cover.
Focusing
Working range: 70cm to 8
Focus mode: Manual
Exposure
Exposure metering: TTL (exposure metering through the lens), with working aperture.
Metering cell: Silicon photo diode with convex lens to the top left behind the camera bayonet.
Film speed range: Manual setting from ISO 6/9° to ISO 6400/39°.
Metering principle:
- The light reflected by a metering spot in the center of the 1st shutter curtain is metered.
- The metering spot has a diameter of 12mm and therefore corresponds to approx.
- 13% of the full negative format or around 2/3 of the short side of the corresponding frame in the viewfinder.
Exposure control mode: Manual shutter speed and aperture setting, adjustment using LED light balance.
Flash
Flash unit connection: Via accessory shoe
Synchronisation: On the 1st shutter curtain
Flash sync speed: 1/50s; slower shutter speeds possible.
Flash exposure control: Via computer control of flash unit or via guide number calculation and manual setting for the required aperture.
Power Supply:
2 Silver oxide button cells (PX76/SR44) or 1 Lithium battery (DL1/3N)
