Leica M6 – an icon of analog photography
The legendary Leica M6 is an icon. Intuitive, compact, and discreet, it allows you to get up close to the action – and to real emotions. Since 1984, it has been the camera of choice for many of the world's best photographers, who have used it to create countless iconic images.
The rangefinder – The heart of every Leica M camera
The rangefinder provides an exceptionally bright view with excellent contrast, and it lets you see beyond the actual frame of your final image. This gives you a wider view of the scene, and puts you in full control when focussing and exposing. The M6 uses a mechanical rangefinder with 0.72x viewfinder magnification, handcrafted from over 100 individual parts. The aperture and exposure time can be precisely determined thanks to selective exposure metering through the lens, and the light balance displayed in the lower part of the viewfinder. Focusing is done using a superimposed image method or split image method. Both are ideal for focusing quickly with extreme precision, even in poor lighting conditions.
The advantages of rangefinder photography
See more, react better. The rangefinder technology in the M6 lets you see beyond the picture frame, so you can assess the exactly right moment to release the shutter. Illuminated framelines highlight the image field for six focal lengths, arranged in pairs for 28 and 90 mm, 35 and 135 mm, as well as 50 and 75 mm. After attaching a lens, the corresponding focal length automatically appears in the viewfinder as framelines. In addition, all other framelines can be displayed in the rangefinder using the field selector. This allows you to select the appropriate focal length for your subject before releasing the shutter – and to capture your image at the decisive moment.
Iconic design
M cameras have not only been capturing iconic images for decades, they have become icons themselves. Simple elegance, absolute reliability and high-quality materials combine in the iconic design that defines every M camera. Design that stands the test of time. For instance, thanks to the highly scratch-resistant lacquer, solid brass top cap and robust leatherette that is used for the M6. In addition, the anti-reflective coating of the glass surfaces, prevents disruption from scattered light. True to the original from 1984, the new generation is adorned with the red Leitz logo.
True value endures
Trends come and go, but real values stand the test of time, as they are passed on from generation to generation. Leica cameras and lenses are a testament to the traditional values of durability, reliability and quality. They represent real, tangible quality, achieved through high-grade materials and solid mechanics. Leica has always manufactured its precision tools by hand, developing mechanical and optical masterpieces that are second to none, constantly setting new standards. Genuine, tangible quality "Made in Germany" – with the sole purpose of giving you maximum freedom in your photography at all times.
A milestone in the company's history
Among Leica’s rangefinder cameras, the Leica M6 has a very special role to play: From 1984 to 2002, it was manufactured almost 175,000 times and served the best photographers as an instrument to capture their view of the world. This resulted in numerous pictures which today represent a piece of contemporary history. Still handmade in Germany today, the current Leica M6 is an extremely reliable companion for all those who appreciate the conscious experience of analog photography.
Highlights:
- 0.72x Viewfinder with Coated Glass Surfaces
- Solid Brass Top Plate Enhanced with Abrasion Resistant Black Lacquer
- Red Leitz Logo
- Original M6 Style Packaging
- Updated Light Meter Indicator with Battery Warning
- New Leica M6 Style ISO Dial, Newly Developed with Modern Electronic Components Inside
- Leather Carrying Strap with Embossed LEICA lettering
- New Black Leatherette with Leica M6 Typical "MADE IN GERMANY" Embossing
- Made in Germany
Features:
-
35mm analogue rangefinder camera system
- Type No. 2248
- Closed Full Metal Housing, Top Cover And Bottom Cover: Brass, Black Finish
- Leica M bayonet lens mount
- Operating conditions: 0°C to +40°C
- Interfaces ISO accessory shoe
- Tripod thread A 1⁄4 DIN 4503 (1⁄4”) with stainless steel in the base
- Large, bright-line rangefinder viewfinder 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 2 m: 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 2 m: less than film size
- Viewfinder magnification x0.73 (all lenses)
- Wide- base rangefinder: Split and superimposed image rangefinder shown as a bright field in the center of the viewfinder image.
- Focal plane shutter with rubber liner, mechanically controlled
- Mech. shutter: 1s - 1⁄1000s
- Flash Synch: up 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
- Film rewinding: Manual with telescopic rewind knob
- Film frame counter: On top of camera. Automatic reset after removal of bottom cover.
- Focusing working range 70cm to ∞
- Manual focus mode
- 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 unit connection via accessory shoe
- Synchronization on the 1st shutter curtain
- Flash sync speed : 1/50s; slower shutter speeds possible
- Power Supply: 2x Silver oxide button cells (PX76/SR44) or 1x Lithium battery (DL1/3N)
Compatible With:
Lenses:
Dimensions:
5.4 x 3 x 1.6"
Weight:
1.27 lbs (with battery)
Materials:
Closed Full Metal Housing, Top Cover and Bottom Cover: Brass, Black Finish
Manufacturer SKU:
10557
In The Box:
Leica M6 Analogue Rangefinder Camera
Leica Body Cap
Leica Battery
Leica Leather Carrying Strap
Limited 2-Year Manufacturer Warranty
Note: Lenses and film are sold seperately.
