Leica M Used Buying Guide: A Not So Objective Guide
Few, if any, cameras provoke such heartfelt discussions as the Leica M's. For every opinion expressed here, you can undoubtedly find someone who has the opposite view.
I hope this guide helps you find YOUR OWN best answers, not mine.
M3 M2 M4 M5 CL M4-2 CLE M4-P M6 M6 TTL M7 MP 2003 M Motors
Best Buys Used M Marketplace Buyer's Checklist Protecting Your M Shooting Tips Meters
Point of View
I am not going to reinvent the wheel here by going through all the various M models and their variations. There are a LOT of books which do that quite well. My favorites include Leica Pocket Book, Identifying Leica Cameras by Ghester Sartorius, Leica Collector's Guide by Dennis Laney, Leica An Illustrated History by James Lager, Leica, A History Illustrating every Model and Accessory by Paul-Henry van Hasbroeck, Leica M: The advanced school of photography by Gunter Osterloh, and the 15 plus editions of Leica Manual published from the mid 30's to the early 80's. The Leica Manual is a must, since it covers ALL aspects of the RF system. Collect all of them, they are great. OK, so I am assuming you know which are which. If you don't, get the books. NOT covered in this buyer's guide are the rangefinderless M cameras primarily intended for scientific use on a microscope: the M1, MD, and MDa.
M3 1954-1966
The M3 of 1953 wasn't just a new camera, it was an entire rethinking of what 35 mm cameras should be. It signaled an entirely new level of excellence, not only for Leica, but for the entire camera industry. The M3 was so far advanced for its time that it took other camera companies about FOUR years to offer any real competition - - the Nikon SP. It was kind of like introducing a sports car when the competition was a four door sedan ! Sales took off like no other pro rangefinder, before or since.
This beautiful ugly camera works great, takes great pics, and qualifies for beautiful because it was bought at the bargain price of $250. The M3 established the shape and layout of all the M's to follow, except for the renegade M5. It's a good idea to wipe down the vulcanite body covering at least one a year or so with some kind of preservative, to avoid the brittle chipped vulcanite seen on this camera. Personally, I use Neatsfoot Oil or Lexol.
The M3's list of firsts include:
New Leica M bayonet mount. Previous Leicas were screw mount. The bayonet offered much faster lens changing, a well as complete backward compatibly with the older lenses by using the Leica screw mount to bayonet adapters -- see Profile.
A MUCH improved viewfinder with a host of new features:
Much larger Viewfinder
Much longer and therefore more accurate rangefinder
Built in bright framelines for 50, 90, and 135 lenses - - a first!
Frameline change was automatic when lenses changed - - a first!
Parallax corrected framelines -- a first!
A MUCH brighter rangefinder image for easier and faster focusing
A new kind of RF image which combined split image and coincidence rangefinders, thereby increasing accuracy by up to 25% - - a first in 35!
Much easier film loading with the M3's backdoor. Previous screw mounts offered only bottom loading, which at times can be a pain. Yet, the M3 has much slower film loading than the M4 and later cameras. The film advance spool must be removed each film loading to reset the film counter.
A single non-rotating shutter speed dial for both high and low speeds, a first for Leica.
A lever film advance, a first for Leica.
Shutter speeds from 1 to 1/1000th plus B. The red lighting symbol on the shutter dial indicates 1/50th flash sync for electronic flash. Intermediate speeds can be set on most shutter speeds. On the later M3's with standard shutter speed markings, these intermediate settings are from 1 to 1/8th, 1/15th to 1/30th, and 1/60th to 1/1000th.
Focus Indicator: Some electronic manual focus SLRs in the 1980's made a big deal out of having a "focus indicator" in the viewfinder to tell you which way to turn the lens to get the correct focus. Guess what? The M3 (and all later RF M's) have had a focus indicator since 1954! The right or left image displacement inside the M rangefinder patch tells the photog which way to turn the lens to focus. Let me explain. Focus your lens -- a vertical subject will be easier for this illustration. Notice how image is lined up inside as well as outside the rangefinder patch. Now turn the lens out of focus and look again. Compare the image line outside the rangefinder patch with the image inside the rangefinder patch. To focus the lens, turn the lens barrel in the direction necessary to line up the image line inside the rangefinder patch with its image outside the patch.
Four of the most important new M3 features were 1) a combined rangefinder / viewfinder window 2) a single non-rotating shutter dial 3) a bayonet lens mount 4) easier film loading. Strangely enough, all of these features were already present in Leica's main pre-war competitor, the Zeiss Contax II of 1936 only 17 years before. Hmm.
Over 225,000 M3's were made, making it FAR the best selling Leica, and the best selling pro interchangeable lens RF of all time.
The M3 has a round film counter set into the top plate. The middle frameline illumination window is smooth on the M3, with raised borders around both viewfinder windows.
Unlike later M's, the M3 has a lens release button with a guard around it. Likewise the M3/M2 have metal self timers, which would become plastic tipped by the M4. The frameline preview lever is missing from earlier M3's, though it could be added later. The missing vulcanite body covering on this worn M3 can be repaired, but new vulcanite coverings are no longer available from Leica.
The M3 back door and removable baseplate is basically the same design as used on all later M's, though the M5 was slightly different with its rewind lever built into the baseplate.
Per Laney's Collector's Guide, significant M3 changes occurred at:
700,000 Starting Point (1953
785,801 (1955) added Viewfinder Frame Selector Lever (very convenient)
844,001 (1957) glass film pressure plate changed to metal
919,251 (1958) Lever advance changed from two to single stroke. In use "single strokes" are generally much preferred, but some old timers are adamant that the "double strokes" are smoother and even last longer because each stroke puts less stress on the gearing.
919,251 (1958) Depth of field indicators placed in the Rangefinder. Notice the little cutouts on the upper and lower edges of the RF image. The cutouts indicate Depth of Field for 50mm lenses at f/5.6(larger lower cutout) and f/16(larger upper cutout). If the double rangefinder image is within the cutout, either in front of or behind the focused object, both objects will be sharp.
M3's with serial numbers over 1,000,000 have a premium placed on them, providing they are in collectible Mint- or better condition. Many people believe, rightly or wrongly, that these cameras are the highpoint of Leitz craftsmanship. It was the end of production with a very experienced work crew of craftsman. The serial #'s over 1.1 million are even more highly regarded, for the exact same reasons. Most of the very last M3's (aprox 1,000) had the later and in some people's mind less desirable M2 type lens release. Whether the later M3's really are better made by a small amount is not that important in practical terms, that they sell for more is.
Later M3's probably have a more dependable shutter than earlier ones, although I do not know the serial # cut off. In any case, my own favorite is the later M3's with all the features over serial # 919,251. NOTE that earlier cameras could be converted to later features by Leitz or authorized repair stations.
If you like to shoot the 50/1 Noctilux or the 75/1.4 Summilux, M3's focus them more accurately than any other M with the longest effective rangefinder base length and focusing accuracy in the M series. M3's can focus 25% MORE ACCURATELY than the M4/M5/M4-2/M4-P and M6 due to longer effective baselength rangefinder. See my Profile on Rangefinder Viewfinders. If your main lenses are the 50 or longer, the M3 has the largest and therefore the best viewfinder for you.
M3 Bargains: Ugly, dented, well used, or Social Security engraved M3's often sell in the $500-700 range even if they are the late Single Stroke type. As long as the body works properly, these M's can make very attractive shooters from a dollars to performance standpoint. The best user M3's are the late ones with single instead of double stroke film advance, a frame preview lever, and depth of field indicators built into the finder. Made primarily in chrome, black paint M3's are very rare.
Mint or near Mint M3's are better off kept on the shelf as a collectible. A few dings, dents or scratches will lower its value 30-50%.
M3 Lens Choices: An interesting strategy is to have the 3 lenses the M3 is framed for (50,90,135), and then skip to the super wides, your choices of the 12, 15, 21, 24/25. Do you really need a 28 or 35 with your M3? Maybe, maybe not, depending upon what you shoot.
M3/M2/M1 Upgrades
Remember the youngest M3, M2, M1 is over 40 years old now. If you use it regularly, spend the bucks to have it overhauled, cleaned, lubricated, adjusted.
The M3, M2, M1 share a weird sync post that are NOT compatible with the standard PC cord. Use an adapter and you can use the standard PC cord. You can also have your repairman install a standard PC outlet.
The M3, M2, M1 left the factory with a slow film loading system. You can improve it with the now discontinued Leica Quickload kit, making your film loading much quicker and easier. Even after the Quickload kit, they are much slower to load than the M4 and later cameras. The M3 is slower to load than the M2 because you must remove the film spool to reset the film counter, the M2 has a manually set film counter. Another option is installing the easier M4 type loading, but the conversion is not cheap.
The M3, M2, M1 share a slow film rewind knob. There are a number of after market lever rewind attachments which can improve on this. The new Leica MP 2003 rewind lever attachment is very well made, the most expensive, but unfortunately not well designed.
Finders: Some dedicated Leica nuts are just sure their Leica will be better if it has another finder in it. Upgrading the M2 finder to the .72 M6 finder is easy. I have also heard of some people paying the extra dough to have a M4 finder in the M3. It can be done, but it's a custom job and expensive. Likewise a M3 can be put in a M4 if you are willing to pay the bill, but this makes little sense today with the .85 M6 being easily available.
Scratched Glasses: The M3, M2, M1 finders have a metal eyepiece which is hell on glasses. Cure the problem with tape or a rubberized cutout, or M donuts.
The M3, M2, M1 do not have a built in meter, and short of Bill Gate's money, are not likely to. Remember the add on Leica MR-4 CDS meter does an excellent job while increasing your M's size a minimum amount. Be very careful about mounting the meter. I have seen hundreds of M's with scratched top plates from the various MR meters -- costing the camera owner's hundreds of dollars or more in lower resale value. Before even trying to mount the meter, it would be a good idea to use a tough vinyl tape on the underneath side to make sure you can't f-- up. I remember one mint M2. The owner couldn't remember how to take off the meter. He not only scratched the top plate removing it, he actually BENT the top plate too. Unfortunately I witnessed the event. It made me sick. I had to shoot Nikons for a week to get over it.
Rapidwinders: Tom Abrahamsson of Rapidwinder.com produced a small number of limited edition M2 trigger winder Rapidwinders. They are difficult to find, but well worth looking for -- much less expensive as well as more reliable than the original MP Leicavit. The M3 uses a different advance system, though if you are willing to throw enough money at it, I have seen a M3 adapted by an independent repair man to take the MP Leicavit or Rapidwinder. Likewise, if you are fanatic enough and can find the repairman who will tolerate your fantasies, either can be adapted to the M6 winder if your pockets are deep enough.
M2 1958-1967
The M2 is a modified single stroke M3. With its .72 finder magnification instead of the M3's .91 magnification, the M2 can show the wider 35mm frameline with the 50 and 90 frames -- though the 135 frame is missing on the M2. Unlike the M3's automatic film counter, the M3 has a manual film counter rotating around the shutter release. M2's have the frameline preview lever. At a quick glance, the M3 and M2 can easily be mistaken for each other. Shown mounted is the M2's most popular contemporary lens, the chrome 35/2 Summicron.
Notice the M2's manual set film counter rotating around the shutter release. This one has as rewind lever, earlier ones had a button. Starting with the M2, the frameline illumination window had fresnel cover to it to gather more light. Unlike the M3, the M2 has no raised borders around the viewfinder windows.
M2's have a Depth of Field indicators built into the RF cutout. Notice the little cutouts on the upper and lower edges of the RF image. The cutouts indicate Depth of Field for 50mm lenses at f/5.6(larger lower cutout) and f/16(larger upper cutout). If the double image is within the cutout, either in front of or behind the focused object, both objects will be sharp. Unfortunately, this feature was not continued with later M's.
Like the M3, shutter speeds are 1 to 1/1000th plus B. Intermediate speeds can be set from 1 to 1/8th, 1/15th to 1/30th, and 1/60th to 1/1000th. The red lighting symbol on the shutter dial indicates 1/50th flash sync for electronic flash.
Though promoted at the time as the M3's less expensive little brother, the M2 has an elegance all its own. I find myself preferring its simple non cluttered 35/50/90 finder over the jumbled feeling I get looking through the M6. Comments about the M3's sync posts and loading also apply to the M2. The M2 and M3 were Leica's last ALL METAL cameras. Made primarily in chrome, black M2's are rare.
The M2 and M3 lack hot shoes and affordable motors, if that is your need. The M2/M4/M4-2/M5 finders can be updated to the 28/35/50/75/90/135 finder system of the M6 as a standard Leica upgrade.
M4 1967-1975
A lot of people, myself included, consider the M4 to be the last classic standard production M. The M4 generally maintains the finish and feel of the M3/M2's craftsmanship while still having significant new improvements: finder brightlines for 35/50/90/135 lenses, much faster film loading, much faster rewinding with a new rewind lever, and a self resetting film counter which resets every time you remove the bottom plate. The M4 finder was basically a M2 finder, with the 135 paired with 35 frame. The M4 has ALWAYS BEEN one of the best and most popular M's. Only 58,000 M4's were made, compared to 225,000 M3's and 83,000 M2's. This helps keep the M4 prices up. While made primarily in chrome, both black paint and black chrome versions were produced. The M4 became the basis of the later M4-2, M4-P, M6, M6 .85, and M6 TTL. The M4 finder can be changed to the later 28/35/50/75/90/135 finder system of the M6 as a standard Leica upgrade. Personally, I prefer the M4 finder as it is, less cluttered. If you love your M4, about the only change to it I would recommend is to add a hot shoe next time you give it a CLA (clean, lubricate, adjust).
It seems like a small thing to any sane person, but in Leica terms, the transition from the M3/M2's slow knob rewind to the M4's quick rewind was a biggy.
.
Take a good look at the engraved top plate of the M4, a luxury sadly missing from standard production M's until the MP 2003. What's the use of buying an expensive camera if it doesn't have an expensive look about it? Don't under estimate the value of Leica as jewelry to the well heeled photog.
Unfortunately later black M4's had the black chrome finish of the concurrently produced M5, instead of the earlier black enamel finish. Black Enamel VS Black Chrome is a game collectors like to play. There is little doubt the enamel is much more beautiful when new. Each finish shows wear very differently. I prefer the brassing of the black enamel to the discoloration of the black chrome -- but it's in the eye of the beholder. I believe Leica would have at least a short term best seller on its hands if black enamel were re-introduced on the M6.
M5 1971-1975
The M5 was Leica's first TTL (thru the lens metering) body. The M5 is also noticeably larger than the other M's. Some love the M5's larger size, some hate it. See Separate Profile. While it size may take some getting used to, it does have some nice features which include:
Shutter speeds visible in the finder
A very large and convenient shutter speed dial. The shutter speed dial over hangs the top plate, so it can easily be turned by the right index finder while selecting the shutter speed in the finder.
Large RATCHETED film rewind on the baseplate
Vertical as well as horizontal straps--I much prefer the vertical. I think it's a mistake the M6 doesn't have this type of strap lugs.
A smaller more precise metering area than the M6 thanks to the metering cell in front of the shutter curtain, which snapped down just before the exposure.
The M5 was the last hand assembled Leica, made the "old fashioned" way.
Alas, poor M5 sales almost killed the M system, literally. That's right, M5 sales were so bad that Leitz decided to end M production and bet its future on the R system (not a good idea sales wise). Only persistent efforts of M lovers managed to get M production going again in Canada at Leitz Midland.
The M5 has been discovered by collectors. Clean examples command high prices. This is very ironic since it was no sales success. New M5's sat unclaimed on dealer's shelves years after they were discontinued. The great majority of M5's are black chrome finish. Black chromium was introduced on the M5. Unfortunately black chrome cameras have a tendency to look down right UGLY with a lot of wear, unlike black paint cameras that tend to have "personality" with the same amount of wear. Chrome was also a standard finish option. The rarest production M5 is the Leica 50th Anniversary model. I suspect a M5 stripped repainted black or grey hammertone would look marvelous.
Well used M5 bodies, however, can be bargain priced satisfying users. The M5 was made for the outlawed in the US mercury 625 battery. If you can't get them, the M5 can be adjusted to the alkaline battery replacement. The easiest solution is to buy them out of the country where they are still easily available.
The M2/M4/M4-2/M5 finders can be updated to the 28/35/50/75/90/135 finder system of the M6 as a standard Leica upgrade.
1973-1976
If you want a lightweight carry all day sophisticated camera with great lenses and TTL metering, it's difficult to make a better choice than the CL.
Sometimes disparaged because of its made in Japan heritage, the CL occupies a unique and important spot in the Leica M world. Introduced in 1973 and discontinued only three years later, the Minolta made Leica CL is Leica's smallest and lightest interchangeable rangefinder ever. So far, it is also the only Leica M camera made by another manufacturer.
In one package the CL is 1) the smallest Leica rangefinder camera 2) the smallest M mount camera and 3) the smallest TTL metering interchangeable lens rangefinder camera. See details in Profile Real world, they have a reputation as charming cameras, but not as reliable as their Leica M big brothers.
M4-2 1978-1980
The M4-2 deserves credit for something not generally acknowledged: fame as the camera that saved Leica. With poor M5 sales, the decision was made to stop making M's and concentrate on the R series. With 2020 hindsight that decision would most likely have killed Leica, as R sales were always less than anticipated. Luckily, the head of Leitz Canada managed to convince Leitz Germany to produce a new lower cost to manufacture M4, called the M4-2. This was a critical event for the Leica M, and for the Leica camera company. Without his intervention, the M camera would have likely died with the shut down of the M5 production line. Leitz management wrongly believed the future of the camera company was the Leica R system. HA HA HA. Unfortunately all Leica SLRs have always been outdated body designs from their day of introduction, albeit with great lenses, and very poor sales. The M line stayed in production to become Leica's best selling interchangeable lens camera. The M4-2 amounts to a cheapened M4 with the added features of a hot shoe and out of the box motor capability. With production moving to Midland Canada, some believe the M4-2 suffered teething problems and quality control compared to either its M ancestors or M descendents, yet many owners report they are quite happy with their M4-2.
The bad part of the M4-2 (and the standard production M's that followed), is the lower quality of exterior finish compared to the M's that went before it. It's the story of the plain sister who could never quite compare to her older beautiful sister. The wonderful Leitz engraved script on M2/M3/M4 top plates was replaced by cheaper stampings. The vulcanite was replaced by a cheaper plastic material which in my experience does not wear as well. The old chrome finish is replaced by what seems be a thinner finish with less luster. The magnificent old black enamel was replaced by less expensive black chrome (which looks very ugly when it wears). The great majority of M4-2's are black chrome, they were unfortunately not produced in black paint. Chrome examples are rare and expensive. There was also a gold M4-2 commemorating Oskar Barnack, the inventor of the Leica camera. The most desirable M4-2's were made in Wetzlar at the start of M4-2 production, numbering only 100 or so. While a half frame M4-2 was planned, only a hand full were actually produced before the project was dropped. Fake half frame M4-2's probably outnumber the real ones about 1000 to one.
Now to be fair about it, all camera manufacturers offer cheaper products now compared to the 1960's. It's just that Leica has always been held to a higher standard than the rest by virtue of its higher prices. To Leica's great credit, Leica found a way to adapt and survive -- something that the great German made cameras by Zeiss, Voigtlander, and Rollei did not discover in those changing times. Some claim that the interior of the cameras were improved as they time went on to make more dependable cameras. Perhaps, perhaps not. In thirty years, we might have some definitive answers, but not now.
The M4-2 finder can be updated to the 28/35/50/75/90/135 finder system of the M4-P or M6 as a standard Leica upgrade. All later M motors are backwardly compatible to the earlier M4-2.
Mr. Horst Braun, Manager of Leica Repairs, has confirmed a modification of the M4-2 finder about half way into production. As I understand it, a small condenser lens was removed from the frameline masks which had the effect of increasing the brilliance of the finder image and its frames. Unfortunately, it is not possible to retrofit this into later M's.
Apparently this was done to improve Leica's profit margin. Well, I guess it worked...Leica is still around today. However, the downside is that the new improved rangefinder sometimes has ghosts or flare which makes focusing difficult. I have reports that sometimes one of the RF images are difficult to see. Others opine the newer RF image is definitely not as bright as the earlier M3/M2/M4 finder -- though frankly the brightness difference is hard for me to see.
An easier to see difference is that the new finder requires the photog's eye to be centered in the viewfinder to easily see the RF image. Off center, the RF image can disappear. The older finder had more tolerance for the off-center photog.
Guess what? This new finder made its way to the M4-P and continues today in the M6. Personally I very seldom encountered the ghosting problem, but enough people have emailed me about it, so that I have no doubt it can be bothersome in some lighting conditions. Picky picky picky. I guess Leica didn't know the trouble it would get itself in by establishing such a high standard in the 1950's and 60's. Apparently more modifications were made in the M6 to fit the LEDs in. The M with the worst reputation for patch flare out is the M6 .85 TTL. The M7 improved the problem somewhat with better finder coatings. The MP 2003 finally introduced a finder up to the old standards by adding another condenser to the finder design, a change which was also made to the M7. If you are a newbie and this is new info, you need to understand that we are splitting hairs here. Any Leica M finder in good working condition is a great picture taking machine.
Internal Construction: M4-2 and later cameras Vs M3/M2/M4
Remember that M4-2 production commenced in Canada AFTER Leitz Germany had originally decided to end M production, and while Leitz was still in deep financial woes. It was time to cut costs, make profits, and find a way to survive. This was no small achievement that Zeiss, Voigtlander, and Rollei German made cameras could not accomplish.
Starting with the M4-2, Leitz changed the
M camera design philosophy and internal construction. Originally, the
M's were all designed to be adjusted to the Nth degree in order to attain the highest
standards.
With the M4-2, Leitz started shifting to a "right or replace" construction
philosophy. Adjustments starting
disappearing. The new way was to simply replace out of tolerance part with a new one which
was within tolerance.
The claim is this makes for a stronger, more reliable camera since adjustments can no
longer go out of
whack. But of course, they neglect to mention the overwhelming consideration here is
lowering cost!
The "old construction" proponents like myself argue that individual
adjustments produce overall tighter tolerances and a better working camera.
Which is better? Each camp argues they are right. Perhaps in 30 years, we will be sure.
Of course Leica "experts" with close factory connections were usually the ones
arguing the loudest that the new cameras were not only as good, but better than
than the older designs using different construction criteria.
Alas, their spurious arguments left a lot of egg on their
face when the new Leica MP was introduced in 2003. After all, how could
the new MP be an improvement, if the intervening mechanical standards starting
with the M4-2, were not a bit lacking? The emperor has no clothes.
Minolta CLE: Only M with AE and TTL Flash 1980-85
OK, it's not a Leica, but it is a wonderful Leica M mount camera.
The Minolta CLE was introduced 1980--almost twenty years ago. Yet, father Leitz makes haste very slowly. For 22 years, until the introduction of the Leica M7, the CLE remained the most technologically advanced M camera ever produced. Most CLE owners consider it one of the best cameras they have ever owned.
Compact like the older CL, the CLE (electronic) boasts a list of impressive new features. Instead of the 40/90 combo for the CL, the CLE uses a more useful set of 28/2.8, 40/2 and 90/4 multi coated Rokkors. They use Leica's traditional parallel focusing cams for complete focusing compatibility with the rest of the M system. The CLE rangefinder is longer and with a brighter RF focusing spot than the CL. The CLE was the 1st M mount camera with TTL flash as well as AE aperture priority. Until the M7 in 2002, the CLE was the ONLY M mount camera to offer both TTL flash and AE. See the details in the CLE profile.
M4-P 1981-1987
The M4-P adds to the M4-2 features by adding a six position finder for
28/35/50/75/90/135 lenses by pairing the 35 & 135 frames, the 50 & 75
frames, and the 90 & 28 frames. Unfortunately the new finder layout
is rather cluttered visually and the 28 frame can't easily be seen by people wearing
glasses. If you are a Nikon Rangefinder fan, note that Leica took only 23 years to equal
the Nikon SP's six built in framelines. Leica makes haste slowly.
The M4-P's .72 magnification six brightline finder remains the standard Leica
M6 finder to this day.
Some veteran Leica lovers believe the M4-P to be made to a generally higher standard than the M4-2 before it, others argue the point. The great majority of M4-P's are black chrome, they were not made in black paint. Chrome was a standard finish, but was much less popular than the black chrome. Also produced were 200 M4-P Mt. Everest Expedition commemoratives and 2500 silver chrome 70th anniversary M4-P's commemorating the 1913 Ur-Leica. A few M4-P's, along with selected lenses, were specially engraved for the use by the Press at the 84 Los Angeles Olympics. Very late M4-P's have M6 style top plates. All M4-P's were produced in Canada. M production moved back to German with the M6. Eventually Leica closed the Midland Canada plant, selling Elcan (E Leitz Canada) to Hughes Aircraft (founded by Howard Hughes) in 1990. Hughes completed the sale of Elcan to Raytheon by 1999. Today Elcan still exists, see Elcan.com. While primarily a military contractor, Elcan still produced some optical lenses such as the 50/1 for Solms, and may even do so today. Leicanuts often ignore the importance the Midland plant, but without Midland and its M4-2 and M4-P, it is very doubtful if the Leica M system would still be manufactured today.
M6 "Classic" 1984-1998
The M6's claim to fame is its
convenient accurate silicon TTL LED readout metering, while maintaining the classic M
shape. Imagine the M4-P with TTL metering, that's the M6.
Experienced users often believe the M4-2/M4-P/M6 do not have the smooth film advance of
the earlier M3/M2/M4. This is explained away with the use of steel gears rather than brass
due to the motor capability. While I might complain a bit when it's compared to its
predecessors, there is no doubt the M6 is still a
great camera in its own right. The M6 was introduced in 1984. From 1984
to 1998, everyone called it the M6. Most people still call it the
M6. After introduction of the M6 TTL, many began to call the
original M6 the "M6 Classic," though I have found no official use of this
term by Leica. The M6 also marked the return of M production to Wetzlar Germany from
Midland Canada, even if production soon moved to the new factory in nearby Solms.
The M6 classic was a long lived camera, with many small
variations.
Used M6 classics are great choices as Leica shooters, often selling for less than half the price of a new M7 or MP 2003. In 2003 we are seeing the lowest used prices for classic M6's ever.
M6's have been cursed by some ridiculous commemoratives under the guise of making an instant collectible to get the maximum bucks. The one which gets my loudest laughs is the "Royal Danish Wedding" M6. Who can imagine what Solm's marketing geniuses will try to make a buck on, err....commemorate next? I hoped a "Royal Charles and Diana Divorce" Leica would be sure to follow, alas not yet. I like many of Leica's special edition cameras, but when they commemorate not so important events, it makes me wonder.
Bucking this trend is the worthwhile but very expensive M6J, a M6 made to the higher standards of the M3, with a beautiful chrome finish and engraved top. Besides the $9000 price tag, perhaps its most noteworthy feature is the finder. Magnification is increased to .85, therefore also increasing focusing accuracy. See profile on Leica Finders. Framelines are 35, 50, 90 and 135 only. If you can afford it, the M6J is a special edition well worth having.
About 1996/97 plastic parts replaced metal parts in the frame counter, resulting in increased breakdowns. Unfortunately, Leica has not revealed the exact point of these changes. Apparently the problem has since been corrected.
M6 Battery Life: If your M6 non TTL does not have the shutter cocked, the meter will not go on--and so there can be no battery drain. If your M6 shutter is advanced, the LEDs will go on for a few seconds when the shutter release is slightly depressed EXCEPT if the shutter speed is "B." IF you store your M6 in your camera bag WITH shutter advanced, turn the shutter speed dial to B. This will avoid anything depressing your shutter and draining the batteries. In the long run, this is much cheaper than sending your depressed shutter to counseling and also avoids the expense of valium. Sorry, I couldn't resist that bad camera joke, Nikon made me do it. The M6 TTL cured the problem with an off switch on the shutter dial.
A weak point of the M6, M6 TTL, and M7 is the battery compartment design. The battery cap is a weird design on the front of the camera, where the self timer is located on many cameras. The screw in cap is awkward to remove or install. You would think that Leica could have found a better solution, but it hasn't happened so far.
Black or Chrome or Titanium? Long term, a worn black chrome looks downright ugly, although black may be easier to shoot without being noticed -- maybe. The chrome has a nice "retro" look about it which I like more than the black. Overall, I personally prefer the Titanium, which has the most rugged and scratch resistant finish. Unfortunately it was produced with a rather odd body covering which does not go well with the top plate -- at least in my opinion. Titanium M6 production stopped with the introduction of the M6 TTL. The Titanium M6 and its matching Titanium lenses are rather low production, and sure to be future collectibles. Yes, before you ask, the M6 classic finishes are limited to black chrome, silver chrome, and titanium. My personal favorite is the titanium M6.
Although the M6 & M4P have built in framelines for the 28, the eye relief makes them useless for people who wear glasses. So far the only M mount cameras with a visible 28 frameline for glasses' wearers are the Minolta CLE, Konica Hexar RF, and Leica M6 .58 TTL and M7 .58 TTL. Of these, the Leica .58 finder is far superior to eye glass wearers in side by side comparisons.
New "M6 .85" February 98 Update
Leica announced a new "M6 .85" with a .85 higher magnification finder in February 1998, in black chrome only. The higher magnification .85 finder with the 35/50/75/90/135 frames--means NO 28 frameline. It's identifiable by an etching of ".85" on the lower mirrored front of the M6 finder. Although VERY similar to the M6J's viewfinder, the .85 is different in having an added 75 frame, and in having a slightly higher image magnification.
The .85 finder is a good decision on Leica's part, since it complements the existing M6 very well. Unfortunately it developed a reputation for having more than its share of flare compared to the .72 finder. Perhaps the most amazing thing is that a lot of people asked for this after the intro of the M6J and Leica actually listened. See VF/RF in Profiles.
Should you buy the .85 M6 over the old one? Yes if 1) you shoot the 50/1 or 75/1.4 and therefore need the added 25% focusing accuracy 2) you don't like/need the 28 frameline--you probably can't see it anyway if you wear glasses 3) You want larger framelines for the 50 to 135.
ALAS, there are flies in the soup. Leica went a little bit too far in increasing the magnification with the .85. It is virtually impossible to see the ENTIRE 35 frameline AT ONE TIME, even if you don't wear glasses. Unfortunately if you wear glasses, you have a better chance of finding an honest politician than you have of seeing the .85 M6's 35 frameline. In this respect, the finder in the rare M6J is superior. Worse, users report that the .85 finder is the most flare prone of the three Leica M 6/7 finders: .58, .72, and .85.
The original .85 M6 (produced only in black) was replaced about six months later with the introduction of the .85 M6 TTL. Total production per Leica only 3,130 cameras. This translates to a future collectible, but only unused boxed cameras are likely to have much appreciation value over the next few years. How much? No one knows.
M6 TTL 1998-2002
Announced at Photokina in September 1998, the M6 TTL
was produced in your choice of .58, .72 or .85 magnification finders (identifiable by the
.58, .72 or .85
on the lower front right of the front viewfinder window). Changes include a
larger and easier to turn shutter speed dial with OFF position, a 3 LED meter readout
instead of the previous 2 LEDs, and most important of all, finally
TTL
flash. All of this in a near identical body which is only 2mm higher. The
non-TTL M6's are discontinued, replaced with the TTL versions.
Leica will tell you much more about it than I ever could, visit the new M6 TTL Page. Also
announced with the M6 TTL were the new 90/2 APO ASPH and 135/3.4 APO. It's great to
see Leica making a substantial effort in improving the M line. In
practical terms the new larger shutter speed dial is easier and faster to change speeds.
This allows the TTL shutter dial movement to correspond to
direction of the plus or minus finder LEDs, which in turn correspond to the direction of
the lens f/stops. Unfortunately the TTL shutter
speed dial rotates in the opposite direction of earlier M's, which many
experienced M users find quite distracting.
As introduced, the .72 M6 TTL was available in both black and chrome,
while the .85 M6 TTL was available in black only. By September 1999, the
decision was made to add a chrome .85 M6 TTL to the lineup. Over time various
special edition M6 TTL models debuted, as well as the .58 TTL. Be sure
to carry extra batteries, the new TTL flash and metering circuit has the reputation of
much heavier and quicker battery drain than the M6 "classic." The
M6 TTL was discontinued in 2002, amid the popularity of the M7, and heavy M6 TTL
rebates to bargain hunters. A quick
way to recognize the M6 TTL from the M6 classic is the MUCH larger shutter speed
dial.
Personally I am not too impressed with the limited Leica SF20 flash, which does not even have a rotating head for bounce flash. While the SF20 lithium batteries are said to last a very long time, there is little doubt lithiums will also be hard to find in many locals. Other AA powered flashes with bounce flash capability such as Metz and Sunpak, are better choices for your TTL as far as I am concerned. The TTL flash circuit is run off the battery. This prevents the flash from being used at higher than the 1/50th flash sync speed -- something that is possible with non-TTL M's which can result in no pics if your shutter is inadvertently set at too high a speed to sync with your flash. Unfortunately, this new TTL flash circuit also means if your battery is dead, your flash is effectively dead too. I also have reports that some old flashes may not work with the TTL flash circuit, but I don't see why you would buy a M6 TTL and then not use a modern TTL flash. Another reason not to get too excited about the TTL flash is that it is so basic, just 1970's style centerweighted off the film plane flash. You will find no modern multi-segment matrix flash metering or multi TTL flash capability here.
.58, .72, or .85 Finder? Alas, choices are not always simple, this is one of those times. The .72 magnification finder has been the standard finder, and for many years the only finder, since the introduction of the M4 in 1967. It is the standard by which all other rangefinder finders are judged. Listening to users, Leica introduce the higher magnification .85 finder in 1998 for increased focusing accuracy with fast lenses such as the 50/1.1 and 75/1.4. Sacrificed was the 28mm frameline. Going in the other direction, the wide angle .58 finder was introduced in 2000, sacrificing the 135 frameline. In practice the .85 finders proved to be more flare prone than their lower magnification counterparts, while most 28 and 35 lovers just fell in love with the .58 finder for its clarity and easy to see even with glasses 28 and 35 framelines. Then choices got complicated in 2002 with the introduction of the 1.25x M Eyepiece Magnifier which turns the .58 into a .72, the .72 into a .9, and the .85 into a 1.06. Damn. If you are going with only one M body, a good case can be made that you only need a .58 with a 1.25x Eyepiece Magnifier, or a .72 with a 1.25x Eyepiece Magnifier. How to tell which finder magnification is which? The finder magnification is etched in the bottom right front of the M6 TTL finder -- .58, .72, or .85. The .58 finder has only been used in the M6TTL and M7, though a good repairman could probably install it any M series camera. The .85 finder has only been used in the very late M6 "classic," the M6 TTL, M7, and MP 2003. Again, a good repairman could probably install it in any M.
Black or Silver Chrome? Side by side, the current Leica silver chrome does match the chrome on the M4 and earlier cameras, but is it still nicely done. Even so, I greatly prefer the silver chrome finish to the black chrome finish, because the silver chrome wears much better over time. With age and wear, the black chrome M finish takes on a tattered ugly look - at least as far as I am concerned. Look at a well used black chrome M4-2 or later M to see what I mean. Better by far than the standard black chrome or silver chrome finishes in my opinion is black paint.
Millennium Black Paint M6 TTL Based on the .72 TTL M6, it has the traditional Leica engraved script top plate (like the M3/M2/M4), black paint finish, and a M3 style rewind knob. For a traditional Leica nut like me, this retro black paint finish is wonderful news indeed. The initial production run is 2000 cameras for the Year 2000. This camera is obviously aimed at collectors. I dearly hope Leica offers the black paint finish and engraved script top plate as a regular option on the M6 TTL with a standard M6 rewind lever. Of course, malcontents like myself will complain that the Millennium does not start until the year 2001. Indeed this camera quickly sold out, and is now fetching high premiums over the initial price. See Profile
Millennium Green Paint M6 TTL: The Hong Kong Leica importer ordered what amounts to 300 Green Paint Millenniums with a .85 finder, though they are not called Millennium cameras. It is just like the black paint version, only a better quality green paint with chrome top plate fittings. See Profile
LHSA Black Paint M6 TTL Special Edition Black Paint M6 made for the Leica Historical Society of America. This is the 2nd black paint M6, though planning on this one started before the Millennium. It is a better shooter than the Millenium since it has the M6 type rewind. Orders were stopped June 30, 2000. It is now heading for collector status. Personally I think it is the prettiest of ALL the various black paint M6. It is the only M6 with a factory BLACK "red" dot. See Profile Initially only .72 and .85 magnifications were offered. In 2002 60 .58 LHSA cameras were produced. 2003 saw the continuation of the LHSA series with the introduction of a grey hammertone LHSA MP set, complete with body, 35/2, and MP Leicavit.
M6 TTL .58 for Photokina Sept 2000: Leica introduced a new version of its M6 TTL body with the lower magnification .58 finder with 28, 35, 50, 75, 90 framelines. It's for eyeglass wearers who can not see the edges of the wide angle framelines with the .72 finder. Unfortunately, nothing more substantial in Leica M body improvements was introduced at Photokina 2000, though the new compact M motor and 28/2 M Aspherical look like real winners. This Leica equivalent of Nikon's "High Eyepoint" finder for glasses wearers only come out 47 years after the M3's introduction, and only one year after the Konica Hexar RF's introduction with its practically identical .6 finder with one more frameline.
M6 TTL Titanium November 2001. Leica re-introduced the tough Titanium finish for 1000 new limited edition Titanium .72 M6 TTL cameras. Thankfully the new Titanium cameras will not have the Emu simulated body covering of the previous Titanium M6. Happily the simulated red Buffalo leather pattern be more aesthetic than its big bird ancestor, but I still don't think Leica has got it right. When is Solms going to finally introduce the Titanium with a STANDARD body covering? Also available will be 500 each 35/2 ASPH, 50/2, and 90/2 ASPH special Titanium finish lenses. This is a very nice camera, much better looking than any of the other M6 TTL except the LHSA version.
M6 TTL 999: In December 2002 Leica announced the official end of M6TTL production. The last 999 cameras, divided up into 333 .58 finders and 666 .85 finders, are specially engraved. These likely will become collectible. The .58 versions offer higher collector potential, with lower production and a more popular finder. The box and documentation looks beautiful. Unfortunately the Leica script and special 999 numbers are PAINTED on instead of engraved. ugh. Sorry folks, personally I would not invest in this one.
BEST M6 TTL? In my opinion far and away the best choice as M6 TTL shooters are the 3 versions of the black paint LHSA M6. They are Leicas done right. My second M6 TTL choice is the M6 TTL Titanium.
After years of speculation, the Leica M7 was finally introduced in February 2002. The big news is the arrival of aperture priority AE in Leica's M flagship -- something the Minolta CLE had in 1980. hmm. The M7 is very similar to the M6 TTL, no big advances here, but a lot of small nice improvements. Don't get me wrong, this is a very nice M and I would like an M7 in my personal camera bag, but its arrival does seem about 15 years overdue. The M7 is the first AE Leica M camera ever, and the 3rd AE M mount, following the 1980 Minolta CLE and the 1999 Konica Hexar RF. Each are VERY different cameras.
Look for the M7 to become Leica's best seller, at least over the next year or so as the pent up demand for an AE Leica M is satisfied. I suspect the flood of M6 trade ins to push down used M6 prices. My advice? If you shoot with two Leica M cameras in your kit, choose the M7 with a M6 classic or earlier M (or even a Voigtlander Bessa T). Why? each offers features the other does not. Comparing the M6 classic to the M6 TTL, the classic is MUCH better on batteries, and the you don't lose flash if the M6 classic's easy to find batteries die. In 2003 the MP was introduced, with an improved finder designed to prevent finder flare. Unofficially, M7's from 2885000 are said to have the improved MP type finder. Leica has also offered the MP finder upgrade for M6 and early M7 cameras, at about $275 US.
Black Chrome or Silver Chrome? Side by side, the current Leica silver chrome does not match the chrome on the M4 and earlier cameras, but is it still nicely done. Even so, I greatly prefer the silver chrome finish to the black chrome finish, as it wears much better over time. With age and wear the black chrome M finish takes on a tattered ugly look - at least as far as I am concerned. Look at a well used black chrome M4-2 or later M to see what I mean. Hopefully Leica will make black paint a standard finish option, not something just reserved for special extra cost cameras. Better than any of the standard finishes in my opinion is black paint or titanium. To me it's a bit odd the M7 is not yet offered in black paint, especially since the MP 2003 is.
.58, .72, or .85 Finder? Alas, choices are not always simple, this is one of those times. The .72 magnification finder has been the standard finder, and for many years the only finder, since the introduction of the M4 in 1967. It is the standard by which the other finders are judged. Listening to users, Leica introduce the higher magnification .85 finder in 1998 for increased focusing accuracy with fast lenses such as the 50/1.1 and 75/1.4. Sacrificed was the 28mm frameline. Going in the other direction, the wide angle .58 finder was introduced in 2000, sacrificing the 135 frameline. In practice the .85 finders proved to be more flare prone than their lower magnification counterparts, while most 28 and 35 lovers just fell in love with the .58 finder for its clarity and easy to see even with glasses 28 and 35 framelines. Then choices got complicated in 2002 with the introduction of the 1.25x M Eyepiece Magnifier which turns the .58 into a .72, the .72 into a .9, and the .85 into a 1.06. Damn. If you are going with only one M body, a good case can be made that you only need a .58 with a 1.25x Eyepiece Magnifier, or a .72 with a 1.25x Eyepiece Magnifier. How to tell which finder magnification is which? The finder magnification is etched in the bottom right front of the M6 TTL finder -- .58, .72, or .85. The .58 finder has only been used in the M6TTL and M7, though a good repairman could probably install it any M series camera. The .85 finder has only been used in the very late M6 "classic," the M6 TTL, M7, and MP 2003. Again, a good repairman could probably install it in any M.
M7 FLAG: Alas, in November 2002 Leica announced a not so memorable "Flag" M7, showing the flag of various countries on the top plate. For the US, 100 were announced with the US flag painted on the top plate. I am not sure what other flag versions will look like, but the US version looks downright tacky to these eyes with a painted instead of an engraved Old Glory. The paint will wear off much sooner than the chrome finish. In my opinion these will be among the "undesirable" Leica collectibles.
MP 2003 & MP6 2003-
March 1st 2003 at PMA in Las Vegas, Leica officially announced the new MP, with a MAP for the body of only $2595. There are two versions so far, a special edition 400 camera run MP6 for the Asian market, and a regular production MP. See MP Page Imagine the classic M6 w/o TTL flash metering, the M6 Classic style shutter speed dial which turns in the opposite direction of the M6 TTL and M7, an old fashioned M3 style rewind knob which you can upgrade to the pleasures of a rewind lever for the small sum of only $175 with the new Leica M-Rewind Crank, all metal M3 style advance lever, real brass top and bottom plates with real engraved Leica script style lettering -- that's pretty much the new MP. Initially it will be offered in a beautiful black paint finish for the .72 finder, with silver chrome available with your choice of .58, .72, and .85 finder magnifications. Serial numbers start with "MP." The black paint .72 will likely become the most popular new MP. Real world, the MP has proven very popular, perhaps the result of pent up demand for higher quality mechanical fit and finish.
Why call it the MP? Leica originally made the now rare classic Leica MP (M Professional) in 1956. I for one will call this camera the "MP 2003" to avoid confusion with the original MP. The new MP stands for "Mechanical Perfection" according to Leica. Leica also re-introduced the bottom trigger operated Leicavit M (in either black paint or silver chrome) after an absence of only almost half a century. The new Leicavit M has a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of only $995 -- or twice that of the superbly reliable Abrahamsson Rapidwinder (which works in the same way). Contrary to hopes of the Rapidwinder fans, the new Leicavit M is a new Leica design not made by Tom Abrahamsson.
Despite the higher cost of the MP over the M6 TTL, I believe it's remarkable Leica finally upgraded the fit and finish of the mechanical M camera to approximate M4 levels. The better finish, brass top and bottom plates, black paint finish, "classically correct" turning shutter speed dial, and engraved Leica script are simply wonderful in the context of the Leica finally returning to the high finished camera standard Leica cameras of old. As a shooter, Leica really blew it with the slow old fashioned M3 style rewind knob, even if the problem is partially cured with the badly designed $175 rewind crank accessory. On the other hand, as a limited production camera it would readily fill collector's shelves. The Fix? A new version with M4 rewind lever. Time will tell. Nevertheless, it is a damn good thing the new Leica M turned has the traditional mechanical shutter, instead of a stripped down M6 shutter with no AE, as was strongly rumored. The mechanical shutter Leica rangefinder stays in production after the announced end of the M6, I am very happy about that. The traditional back to classic MP is proving very popular. Some sales areas are even having difficulty supplying demand.
October 2003. A new LHSA MP made in grey hammertone, with matching Leicavit MP and 35/2 is confirmed. Predicted production 1000, commemorating LHSA 1968-2003. Available January 2004. The hammertone is a particularly handsome finish and should be very popular with collectors. I think this camera will be one of the best looking Leicas ever.
October 2003. A new chrome Hermes MP with chrome 35/2 and red leather became available. Production 500 units. If I am reading the press release right, this may be the first of a yearly Hermes Leica, as the French luxury company is Leica's largest stock holder. I hope they do a better job on next year's Hermes Leica. This one is badly over priced, and rather plain without the traditional Leitz style top engraving, NO Hermes engraving on the back of the top plate (what were they thinking?), and rather garish reddish body leather. What is right is 1) a bound book style instruction book 2) a magnificent thick chrome body cap 3) a very well done heavily chrome lens shade. Still, if you are looking for good Leica investments, look elsewhere. This one is overpriced and not that well thought out.
Leica Rumors of our Discontent
One of the favorite Leica past times is rumors of new products. Towards the last quarter of 1996, rumors of a new M6 or M7 were rampant. The M6 rebate helped feed these beliefs since it made sense to clear shelves of old stock before bringing out the new model (s). I believe Leica was definitely planning to introduce new M models, but just as their museum is full of things they almost made, they changed their mind on the last moment.
About the time the Leica M6 rebates started, an Italian Leica dealer announced the impending introduction of these new M versions and started quite a ruckus:
1) A M6E with electronic shutter 2) a M6W with a viewfinder for the 21-50 and 3) a M6T with a viewfinder for the 50-135
In this scenario, the expectation was that the M6E would have an M6J finder with higher magnification for the 35-135 range.
A friend of mine, an American Leica dealer, got an informal confirmation of versions 1-3 above from a Leica bigwig. It was one of those yes, but don't quote me things. I know this person well, and he knows Leica. If he says he got the confirmation, he did--regardless of Leica's public denials.
January 98: With the uncertainty of today's worldwide economies, Leica apparently opted for a minor M6 revision with a modified M6J finder, rather than a major update with loads of investment capital.
Things were looking up for M lovers, but world economies intervened. Since that time, the M6 rebate has been extended three (or 4?) times, Leica has sold a slew of M6's, the Japanese stock market has gone down further, the Thailand and Indonesia stock markets did their version of our 1929 crash, and the dollar remains strong against the yen and mark. Add to that Leica's embarrassment and problems in getting a production R8 motor on the shelves. It's not like motors are a secret technology--everyone else has them after all. Finally in Feb 98, something like a year after introduction, the hunchback of Solms AKA the R8 will have a motor. It makes me wonder what Leica is using for a design and product development department.
In the same time frameline, another Japanese acquaintance told me about the field testing of two different Japanese made M cameras by Ricoh and Minolta. Ricoh and Konica, among others, have recently marketed M mount lenses. I am told that Minolta will soon (1999) be marketing a 20 and 28 M mount lens. While Konica made several prototype M cameras, I have it on good authority that Konica will not market it. And of course, there is the new Yasuhara screw mount camera scheduled for delivery for March 1999 and the new Cosina made Voigtlander BL LTM camera with its much appreciated 15 and 25 LTM lenses. There is speculation Cosina may introduce a new model with rangefinder/viewfinder and M mount later in 1999. We will see. The M bayonet patent expired in November of 1998, opening the door of opportunity for M copies.
July 99 Update: I have informal confirmation from a Japanese industry insider who wishes to remain anonymous that two new noteworthy Japanese Leica mount cameras will be introduced this fall:
Konica M mount camera, called the "Hexar RF." Ricoh is said to be contributing to the design. It has the traditional Leica M-mount, manual focus w/range finder, electronically controlled vertical running shutter, and aperture-priority AE feature. Konica might announce their HEXAR 35mm F2.0 and 50mm F2.0 lenses at the same time. (Konica did introduce the RF, the Ricoh camera, if it was more than a rumor, never made it to production)
Ricoh is said to be helping Konica with the Hexar M. Cash rich in other areas, cameras are more of a hobby with Konica than a serious endeavor. I wonder if the Konica Hexar M will actually make it to market as the Ricoh M. Ricoh has shown some interest in the RF market by selling a 28mm LTM lens. (9/2000) it might have been a prototype, but Ricoh left the 35mm camera business to go all digital
Voigtlander Leica Screw Mount Rangefinder camera, built on the Bessa L body.
October 1999
I previously reported that the M7 had been announced for introduction at the next Photokina in September 2000, based upon what I was told appeared in a German newspaper's interview with Leica's CEO Cohn.
I now have a copy of what I believe is that article, dated May 29th 1999 which appeared in the Frankfurter Allgemeine (a large newspaper with national distribution). A new M is talked about, but this article does not specifically call it a M7.
The article does quote Mr. Cohn as announcing a new M for Photokina 2000. It is vaguely described as an improved version of the present M6, without giving features or an official designation. This might be the M7 or a M6E (the designation on a prototype top plate sold at Christies) or M ?? The article does say the regular M6 will stay in production. It remains to be seen what Leica brings to Photokina in September 2000.
Konica has just introduced a "Hexar RF," which seems to be a modified Konica Hexar with Leica M mount and M6 similar viewfinder. See Separate profile. It will be interesting to see how well this new camera will be accepted by Leica Nuts, and whether or not rumors that a different version of the Hexar RF will be marketed as the Leica M7 are correct.
October 1999 Leica Historical Meeting in Chicago, Mr. Cohn is reported as saying there would be more M6 models. He also reportedly insisted that Leica did NOT participate in the Hexar RF project, as Leica declined to. To me at least, this is remarkable news since the Konica RF has so many very obvious similarities to the M6, especially nearly identical rangefinder / viewfinder. If Konica copies much more from Leica, Hexar RF owners will start sending their warranty registration to Solms.
November 1999 -- Rangefinder Renaissance Rumors are rampant in Japan of new rangefinders being readied for market in light of Cosina's outstanding success with the Voigtlander Bessa. More Info:
March 2000 -- M6E for Photokina 2000?? nope Rumors and speculation are high that Leica will introduce a new version M6 with Aperture Priority AE at the next Photokina in September 2000. This may be the camera CEO Cohn was referring to when he was quoted in a German Newspaper last year, see story above.
August 2000 CL2 for Photokina 2000?? nope New rumors from Japan suggest a new Japanese built CL2 compact rangefinder. Presently there is only one Japanese Rangefinder on the market which might fill the bill, with a M mount and a Leica name tag, the Cosina made Voigtlander Bessa R. latest Tokyo rumor (9/2000) is that this project was dropped, with Leica and Cosina instead exploring the possibility of a Cosina made electronic M7. Alas, the Leica long time faithful would never fully accept such a Japanese camera as the "big" M body, unless Leica and Cosina management had the foresight to manufacture it in Germany. Hard to believe they would go to the extra expense, but it would probably mean a big difference in sales. Since it would probably require a new factory, this might be the perfect time to add "Wetzlar" once again on Leica top plates. Not likely I know, but time will tell.
September 2000 .58 M6 TTL for Photokina: New rumors, so strong it seems to be all but officially confirmed, is that a new lower magnification .58 finder with 28, 35, 50, 75, 90 framelines will be introduced at Photokina on September 30th. It's for eyeglass wearers who can not see the edges of the wide angle framelines with the .72 finder. Rumor confirmed, introduced at Photokina. It soon became very popular with 35 and 28 lens lovers who want to easily see the framelines. Of the 3 M mount cameras which have visible 28 framelines visible for eye glass users, the Minolta CLE, the Konica Hexar RF, and the .58 Leica M, the .58 has by far the superior finder in my opinion. But don't take my word, try your own side by side comparisons.
September 2000 New M motor at Photokina: Leica finally introduced a better designed M6 motor. It is has a compact design with built in grip, with a choice of single advance, or continuous 1.5 or 3 fps, and unfortunately not powered by standard AA batteries. I would have preferred a metal rather than plastic housing.
June 2001: New 21-28 Zoom finder: While rather large, it does do the job, though separate brightlines offer a better image. This is a unique product, never made by Leica, or any other RF manufacturer before. It's great to see Solms turning out an unusual product like this. Yes, I know about the old Canon V zoom wide angle finder, but it needed an attachment and was not dedicated to these focal lengths. Alas, it is a bit big for my tastes, and it has no brightlines. Something else that bothers me for the price is the "Made in Japan" on the baseplate. It is not proving popular, with many for sale second hand by disappointed owners.
2001: 1.25x M Eyepiece Magnifier: This a real neat new and useful accessory. Since its introduction, this relatively expensive $225 magnifier has proven extraordinarily popular, so popular there has been a shortage of them. Add it to a .58, and it becomes a .72. Add it to a .72, and it becomes a .9. Add it to a .85 and it becomes a 1.06. This is one of Leica's best accessory products ever. BUY IT.
January 2002: M7 The Leica M7 was introduced at the Florida PMA show in February 2002. Retail price for the body is about $2300. It's evolutionary, not revolutionary. Leica makes haste slowly, but it is a very nice camera. The very ODD thing about the M7 is that Leica users who for years swore they did not need AE operation (because it was not available with a Leica M top plate), are now flocking to buy it. HA HA, so much for Leica user "objectivity."
March 2003: MP: The traditional mechanical shuttered beautifully finished M returns to Leica's lineup as a standard camera, at a higher price than the M7.
Early M motors for the M2 and M4 share 3 common traits: rarity, high prices, and unreliability. A mint M4-MOT motor can sell for $4000 or more, the later used M winders for $500 or less. The early M2 and M4 motors are best left to collectors, not users.
Admirably Leica started offering out of the back motor capability starting with the M4-2 and all later M's. The motor also means hardened gears, which some people translate into a not as smooth advance stroke. Admittedly this observation is rather picky, most users have a hard time telling any difference. Unfortunately, none of these motors have proved best sellers or highly popular. hmm. If you want to find out why, try it. Sorry, but smooth easy working motors these are not. IF you want a great detachable motor, shoot Nikon, not Leica. In the 50's Leica introduced the Leicavit MP, a bottom trigger wind device which could be used on the MP and M2. Today they are expensive collector's items, but the idea lives on in the Canadian made Rapidwinder. Many experienced shooters consider the best M motor choice to be the Rapidwinder trigger winder made by Tom Abrahamsson at Rapidwinder.com.
The M4-2 Winder was introduced in 1978. Early examples with serial number before 10350 have a top speed of only 2 fps without continuous operation. Neither is it M6 compatible, and it will not fit on some M4-P's without body modification. Later M4-2 Winders with serial # 10350 and above allow continuous operation and with a top speed up to 3 fps and M6 compatibility with 4 AA batteries.
The M4-P Winder is actually quite rare, since it was introduced just before the M6 and was soon relabeled the Winder M. However, not everything rare in Leica is worth a big premium. This is of those items.
The M Winder was introduced in 1984. Leica unfortunately missed a marketing edge by continuing to call the product a "Winder" instead of a "Motor" when operation was increased to 3 fps with 4 AA batteries. Unfortunately all of 3 of the designs do not allow the camera to be set down on a table with the motor attached -- without the camera falling over on its face. Another problem is that all of the M winders to this point have the smoothness of operation of a washing machine when they are working right. IF any of the M Winder versions needs maintenance, they usually make a heck of a racket. You guessed it, they are none too popular with most people who have tried them.
Leica introduced the Leica Motor M in 2000. I like it more than the previous M Winder designs. The motor finally has a grip built into it. Besides easier handling, in practical terms it means camera and motor and most lenses will not fall over on its face and go boom on your table top. Motor speeds are single advance, or continuous 1.5 or 3 fps. While still the same speeds as the previous "Winder," Leica is correctly using the "Motor" term for that little bit extra in marketing pazaz. On the minus side, the plastic grip doesn't look as sturdy as I would like to see, and the new motor uses Lithium batteries instead of the very easy to find AA batteries.
On a personal basis, I just don't believe any of the Leica M4-2/MP/M6/M7 motors measure up overall to the quality of the M camera. I think this explains the popularity of the Rapidwinder trigger winder with many experienced M shooters. For more Rapidwinder info, visit Rapidwinder.com. Another alternative is the Konica Hexar RF with a small compact motor built into the body.
The Leica M used market does NOT stay the same. For example, in the early 90's M2's were quite high and M5's cheap. In 2002 M5's are high while used M6 "Classic" are selling for the lowest prices ever, even though a good argument can be made the Classic is a camera than the M6 TTL. Used M6 TTL's are also selling for below normal prices, due to many being traded in on M7's.
The Leica M best users, regardless of price, are the various M6/M7/MP 2003 variations due to their dependable TTL metering which earlier M's don't have. Another good buy are the M2's and CL's which also give a good performance to dollar value. Mint- or better M3's are expensive, but in user condition they can be good buys. The M5 and M4 are a bit pricey in today's market from a user's point of view. In terms of the entry level M market, there is only one new camera even competing: the Cosina Voigtlander Bessa R2. In terms of the most M camera for the money, you will have a difficult time beating it.
Favorites? Different photogs will tell you different things, and of course all the answers are right. From a pure ease of shooting standpoint, I like the .72 M6 "classic." I prefer the longer battery life and traditional turning direction of the earlier M6, though I like the M6 TTL's meter display better. Of the earlier M's, I just like the M2 and M4 over the M3, though you will find many people who tell you the opposite. The simplicity of the M2's finder is a wonderful thing after getting lost in the six framelines of the M6. The M4 of course is much easier and faster to load than the M2. I like the compact CL as the lightest M. I like the shooting the M5 too. Until the M7, it was the only big M with the shutter speeds visible in the finder, a well as having by far the most convenient M shutter speed dial. I don't have one as a shooter yet, but I really like the .58 finder a lot because of its superior 28 and 35 framelines, and because the 35 frameline has no distracting 135 frameline within it. My personal M's include a Titanium M6 and a blue gray M2 with matching Rapidwinder. The M7 will also likely turn into a favorite of mine, though I don't own one yet. Choices, choices, choices. Hmm. Maybe the best solution is to buy all of them. Hmm.
M6 trade ins for MP 2003 and M7 have pushed used M6 (classic or TTL) prices to new lows. In fact, the used M6 prices are the least expensive they have ever been--less than the M4, M5, and only slightly more than a M4-P or M4-2. Buy the M6 while prices are cheap!!! Lower M6 prices also mean lower M user prices. Relative to a used M6, the M4-2 and M4P's are overpriced. With used M prices low, there are a lot of bargains out there for the shooting photographer. The entry level M category was taken over by the Voigtlander Bessa R2 in March 2002. Not to worry, Leica does not care about the entry level market, and many R2 photogs will eventually become Leica M owners. 2003 has seen more influence from Hermes, the largest Leica stockholder with 30% of the stock. Hermes is a French firm widely known for expensive, high margin luxury products. With substantial Leica 2003 price increases and a big push to cut off lower priced grey market Leica sales, the new Leica Hermes sales philosophy is not good news for the Leicanut's bank account.
Black, Chrome, or Titanium M Lenses? Unfortunately, Leica M chrome and titanium lenses are substantially heavier than the black Leica M lenses. Perhaps you like the heaviest camera bag, I like the lightest bag on a day's journey. I prefer the lighter black lenses to save weight, and my back. Some Leica M lenses are made in beautiful, but expensive limited edition black paint versions.
USED M Buyer's Checklist
Don't let cosmetic imperfections bother you, they can save you up to 75%! As long as the body works right, you may as well save your money and not be bothered by minor scratches, minor dents, or engravings. Be on your guard, however, if the body is trashed. There's no telling what that one is like inside.
The first thing experienced buyers do is listen to the one second speed. It should be smooth, relatively on time, and without hesitation. A M camera weak point is slow speeds which are way too slow or hang up entirely. Remedy cost: $175-200 overhaul
Open up the back and watch the shutter through all speeds. Every time you change speeds, you should be able to tell a definite difference in the shutter speed as the shutter is held up against a light.
Watch the curtains close. Make sure the curtains open completely and close completely. Sometimes they hang up and only travel part of the way across, especially on slow speeds.
Watch the closing edge of the 2nd shutter curtain. After the shutter trips, you SHOULD NOT be able to see the seam on the left hand side of the shutter. If you can, it is a sign the shutter needs servicing.
Look at the shutter curtains carefully. With the back door open and no lens, look at both shutter curtains with a strong light behind them. Make sure they have no pinholes from the sun and they show no cracking. Unfortunately Leica M shutter curtains on the M3/M2's just don't last as long as their equally old competitors from Nikon or Canon. Remedy: $200 or more
On 1/15th, you should be able to definitely hear the whirling of two different speed gears
Hold the camera at arms length and look into the finder from the front and the back. It should be clear as a bell. You are looking for possible separation within the finder. Remedy cost: $400 or more
Focus the camera from near and far with a lens on the camera. Make sure the RF image is properly set at infinity and the images properly overlap. This is often out of adjustment, but the problem is only a minor adjustment.
M Finders are bright, especially the rectangular RF patch. If yours is not, clean off the rear eyepiece, the front VF window, and the RF window. If that does not do it, shine a flashlight through the finder system and look for fogging. Occasionally the finder system needs to be cleaned--not an easy job. IF you look thru the finder and part of it is black, the finder is separated or otherwise damaged. It's a VERY expensive repair.
M RF images should be bright. If you focus and barely see a 2nd image to line up, most likely the mirror is in need of cleaning or even replacement.
Use the preview frameline lever to make sure the finders quickly snap into and out of sight without sticking.
Use a strobe to check flash sync. With no lens on the camera and the camera back open, aim the camera and the strobe at any nearby preferably white surface. Push the shutter and make sure strobe pattern is seen across the entire frame.
Film advance should be very very smooth without any binding and very little effort. A camera which has set for years or one that needs servicing will require extra effort. It should be silky smooth and light. If it's not, you are looking at a $175 or more CLA (Clean Lubricate Adjust).
IF you are looking at a later M with motor capability, attach one to make sure all the internal contacts work.
IF your M has a built in meter, test it against a hand held meter you know to be accurate at both low and high light levels. Also remember to check the battery compartment for corrosion damage.
Get a reasonable return privilege if you discover something is wrong once you get it home and take your first roll. Always test any new camera with film before you use it on anything important. Don't think a reputable dealer is out to get you if something is wrong. Dealers are in it for the long haul and want a good reputation. The truth of it is that some defects show up only when pictures are taken and it's impossible to run test rolls through every camera.
Find a good local Leica repair person who charges fair prices. Sooner or later you will need them, and it's much easier if you know your repair guy them in advance. Watch out for bargain Leica repairs, your camera could come back with bargain scratches from people who did not know how to work on it.
Keeping your M in nice shape will pay off when you eventually sell it or trade it in. Trashing them photo-journalist style just never made any financial sense to me, besides, why destroy art?
Keeping M's in expensive cases or "Leica" bags is like asking thieves to rip you off. Unassuming bags or old suitcases with foam cutoffs may save your proverbial Leica.
One of the best camera cases is the Samsonite baggage with the wheels and extendable handle--the kind you often see flight attendants use. These don't look like camera bags and do a great job of disguising your expensive equipment. They might also save you back surgery when bringing along 4 bodies with a dozen lenses. Either put your regular bag(s) inside it like I do, or customize it with inserts.
Bragging about your Leica is another questionable practice. The more people believe that you have a funny old fashioned camera because you can't afford a new one, the less chance you have of getting a gun shoved in your face to relieve you of it.
The bottom plate is easily scarred, but also easy to protect. One strategy is to replace it with a scarred user which pops up at camera shows from time to time. Another way is to cut out the adhesive anti skid material which is made for stairs applications. Cut it out to size, and it does a fine job. Cheap too.
The top plate and sides can be protected with black tape if you think you will be shooting in a troublesome environment.
UV Pens will invisibly write your SS# or Driver's License number inside the baseplate and backdoor. Good for ID at Police Departments.
Black electricians tape is a cheap, easy way to protect your black M. Tape over the bottom plate, the ends of the top plate, the various Leica engravings, and that all too bright Red Leica logo that can be seen from the Space Shuttle in orbit.
One Photog told me that anyone who tried to steal his M would have to fight for it. Not me. Dead photogs don't take many pictures.
Try focusing with both eyes OPEN. Right eye looking through the finder, left eye looking at the surroundings. This is VERY easy with the M3, M6J, and .85 M finders, or with a .72 finder with the 1.25x Eyepiece Magnifier attached. With the other M's all it takes is a little bit of practice. You might be surprised.
FAST focusing can be a bit of a problem if your subject, especially a portrait or special event, is moving all over the place. Do what the famous Hollywood Photographer of the Stars, Marvin "Killer" Moss taught me. As your subject moves in/out a few inches each way to get out of focus, it's faster to MOVE with them in/out to keep your focus than to be constantly refocusing your camera.
Try a soft release, kind of golf tee style. It helps. Nikon makes a nice one, for the 6006 I think. A better soft release is available at Rapidwinder.com.
Try matching up the RF images at the EDGES when you focus instead of inside the RF square. For most subjects, this can increase your focusing accuracy.
For tripods, I prefer the small Leitz tabletop with Leitz head, the Tiltall, and the small Gitzo's. Slik, Benbo, and others also make fine tripods. Unipods can be great for lighter weight or where you can't work three legs easily.
Exercise your camera regularly through all shutter speeds. This will help them stay more accurate, as well as head off a premature shutter job. Don't forget to exercise yourself while you are at it. It's easier to carry the camera if you don't get out of breath carrying it.
UV filters are only useful to me if you are shooting under conditions which might damage the lens. As "protection" they greatly increase the camera store's profit margins and while increasing flare and decreasing sharpness. It's like buying a Ferrari and then towing a trailer behind it all the time. Not the best or wisest use. If you are determined to use them, make sure they are Multi-coated.
Glasses will get scratched from the metal eyepiece of the earlier M's. The solution is Eyeglass Protectors.
B/W Filters and Polarizers are the exception since you need them for that specific effect. Leica has discontinued most of their B/W filters. Besides Leica filters, I suggest Multi-coated BW, Hoya, or Tiffen filters.
Shades: I love the duel purpose metal vented shade for the 35 and 50 lenses (50/2&2.8& 3.5 and 35/2 &2.8&3.5) mine is product # 12585. What they don't tell you is that the SAME shade will also fit the 90/2.8 Tele-Elmarit, the 90/4 Elmar for the CL, the 90/4 Rokkor for the CL and CLE, and 135/4 Tele-Elmar and 135 Hektors. Having the same shade for 35-135 lenses makes shooting a LOT easier. A later version is # 12538 made out of plastic instead of metal.
The New Built in Shades: I don't like the built in collapsible shades of the newest series of Leica M 50's. While they are convenient, I believe the larger detachable shades will probably do a better job. This is not to say round shades are no good, just that the older, larger shades are better IMHO.
Front Caps: As you may have discovered, the metal chrome front caps for lenses of the 50's and 60's are hard to find and expensive. Buy scarred ones for use in the field, it's too easy to lose that $40 mint chrome cap.
Back & Body Caps: Leica shifted to cheap molded body and rear caps, which doubled or tripled the price of the earlier caps (surprise). Sometimes you will see a funny looking gray M cap which is about 1/2" thick and has NO bottom. Buy it to mount two M lenses back to back in order to save room in your camera bag and to keep both lenses from banging together. It's a great idea.
Camera Straps: I like straps with detachable connections, padded necks, and very padded connectors so the camera can not get scarred by it. The Domke strap is superb, but not your only choice. A camera strap alternative is the altered M case mentioned below.
Ever Ready Cases are often called "Never Ready Cases," by the time you get the camera out of the case the shot is gone. To me, a camera in a closed case is useful ONLY for long term storage or shipping. If you want to take pics SLOWLY they are a great choice. To put it another way, if you want to look like a photog who does not take pictures, carry your camera around in the Ever Ready case. Most M cases over the years have a design defect, the top does NOT snap off -- allowing you to use the camera mounted in the bottom of the case. You can cure this defect at your local shoe repair store, by installing a removable snap off top for your M case. This solution protects the camera base while also providing a strap that won't scratch the camera. If you have not noticed it, new Leica M6 cases are rather expensive, while new Voigtlander Bessa R cases are rather inexpensive. Though a tight fit, the M6 will fit into the Bessa R case.
Tripod Sockets: American market M's use a 1/8" tripod screw, European market M's use a larger 3/8" tripod screw. An adapter can downsize your European size tripod socket to the smaller tripod socket, allowing you to use tripods or camera cases with the smaller tripod screws. While an M with the larger size tripod socket will fit in a case with the smaller screw size, an M with the smaller tripod socket will not fit into a case with the larger tripod screw -- much to the chagrin of photogs who did not bother to check the fit before they bought the case.
Meters. If you want it battery powered, my favorite are the Minolta meters in their various guises. If you want to do it sans battery, the selenium celled Sekonic Director is my choice. Of course there are also the Leica MR meters. BEWARE of scratching the top plate with them. With that $150 meter you can do $500 of damage to the top of your classic M3/M2/M4. If you want a clip on meter, I greatly prefer the new Voigtlander VC with its silicon metering cell, easily obtainable battery, bright LED readout, very easy to use and read shutter speed and aperture controls.
The Visoflex system (for either M or LTM cameras) converts the camera into a awkward SLR by using the lens heads of the older 65, 90, and 135 lenses - - as well as the over 135 lenses made just for the Viso. Today the Viso is discontinued and not very popular, since modern SLRs are so much easier to use. There is the obsolete Viso 1, the compact Viso 2, and the larger Viso 3 with instant return mirror. Because of its smaller size, I prefer the 2. A rarer version of the 2 also gives an instant return mirror, the 2A. Various adapters are needed to make it all work right. Each lens generally takes a different adapter. My own alternative is explained in the Canon T90 AKA Viso 4 profile. An easier route is using your favorite Viso outfit on your favorite Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Contax/Yashica with a Viso to SLR adapter.
The M's reason for being as far as I am concerned is their incredible Black and White work. If you have never tried it, you are in for a treat. Leica negs will stand out on a light table instantly from Nikons/Canons/Minoltas etc. You will have to process your own film, and print them, preferably on Focomats. But you will be in for a real treat not equaled by anything else I have seen. Shooting B/W and then turning the film and processing over to your local lab is like Leonardo buying the canvas and paint and then turning it over to the local quick sketch artist. If you want the best, if you want to approach an art form, learn how to do it yourself. BTW, the BEST enlargers are the Leitz Focomats Ic and V35 for 35mm and the IIc for 35 to 6x9cm. Once adjusted for a particular paper after testing, these Auto-Focus enlargers can focus MORE accurately than you can with a grain focuser, believe it or not!
Meters ? Who needs a stinking light meter ?
Which Leica M's have built in TTL meters? The M5, CL, M6, M6 TTL, M7, and the new M6 MP. The M5 and CL take the meter reading with a moving CDS cell which mechanically moves into the center of the film plane every time you advance the film, and then swings back down out of the way just before the shutter curtains opens. The M6, M6 TTL, M7 and M6 MP have silicon metering cells which read reflected light off the white spot on the first shutter curtain. The M6 TTL and M7 have a basic sort of TTL flash (basic compared to the matrix multi segmented TTL flash systems in Nikon, Canon, Minolta SLRs). The Leitz-Minolta CL and Minolta CL are the Leica CL, but with another nametag.
The other M's, the M3, M2, M4, M4-2, M4-P don't have built in meters, but will take small accessory meters on their top deck. Some people like the various Leica MR meters, made for that purpose. Personally, I don't. I don't like the readouts and I don't like how easy it is to scratch the M's top plate while removing or installing it. My favorite add on meter is the Voigtlander VC meter, which is very small, and quick and easy to use.
Other non Leica cameras have the Leica M mount and TTL metering, including the Minolta CLE and the Konica Hexar RF. Unfortunately the Hexar does not have a 100% Leica compatible mount, unless it has been altered after leaving the factory. Both of these cameras have aperture priority AE. The CLE goes one better by also having TTL flash. A new low cost M mount camera was introduced by Cosina in 2001, the Voigtlander Bessa T. It was followed by the more advanced M mount Voigtlander Bessa R2 in 2002.
By way of comparison, the ONLY Leica screw mount cameras with TTL metering are the Voigtlander Bessa L, aka the Cosina SW-107 which is a Bessa L with a different top plate, the Voigtlander Bessa R, the Yasuhara, and the Phenix JG-50, a Yasuhara for the Chinese market.
Am I right? Always and never, sometimes and maybe
Before I get needless flame mail, let me say that I claim no truth in the above Buyer's Guide. I only hope my not so objective opinions may help you in choosing your own path to Leicadom.
Revised: November 26, 2003 . Copyright © 1997-2003Stephen Gandy. All rights reserved. This means you may NOT copy and re-use the text or the pictures in ANY other internet or printed publication of ANY kind. Information in this document is subject to change without notice. Other products and companies referred to herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies or mark holders.
