Leica officially revealed their plans for a new 35mm film camera product but instead of inventing something new, they have brought back a popular classic, the M6. As we reported back in September, there were rumors about Leica’s new film camera release and what it may be. So, if this is a re-release of the 1984 M6, what has Leica changed since then? Let’s have a look.
For the most part, Leica kept the same structure as the M6 with a number of small upgrades. Leica’s press release mentions a redesign of the top cover originally die-cast zinc, now made from brass and fortified with a scratch-resistance black lacquer. The rangefinder has been modernized using the 0.72x viewfinder magnification also seen in the currently available MP and M-A (Type 127) cameras. The ISO dial is refreshed with electrical components. Two other upgrades include a new red dot showing the correct exposure in addition to the original arrows of the meter as well as a battery warning indicator. The M6 is also only available in black, rather than the option of silver as before. Lastly, the iconic red dot reads Leitz rather than Leica again just like the original.
Other features remain much the same such as the mechanical nature, with batteries (2 PX76/SR44 or 1 DL1/3N) used only to operate the TTL light meter. The shutter, aperture, ISO, focus, and winding are manual operations. ISO can be set from 9 to 6400. Shutter speeds range from 1 s to 1/1000 s and there is also a Bulb mode. Flash can be used via the accessory shoe and synchronises on the 1st shutter curtain. Sync speeds are up to 1/50 s. As for the lens mount, it is the Leica M bayonet. (Source: Leica Detail Product Page)
The viewfinder is large and bright with automatic parallax compensation. In rangefinder fashion, within the viewfinder are illuminated framelines highlighting the image field for six focal lengths. They come in pairs of 28 and 90 mm, 35 and 135 mm, and 50 and 75 mm. After attaching a lens that coordinates with the technology, the focal length of the lens will appear in the viewfinder. Additionally, you can select the framelines as well. Focus is calculated with the help of either the superimposed image method or split image method shown in the center of the viewfinder.
‘Write your story’ is Leica’s new M6 tagline. Centered and celebrated as part of the M6’s release are an all-male cast of three photographers that tell their stories around the M6. Mini-films showcase these stories on the product page here.
Twenty years after the last manufacture, the M6 is still handmade in Germany. It is available globally at Leica Stores, the Leica Online Store, and authorized dealers starting November 3, 2022, retailing at €5,050.00 including VAT. For more information head over to Leica’s product page here.
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Tim Bradshaw on Leica’s New Film Camera Announcement: Re-Releasing the Popular M6
Comment posted: 24/10/2022
I mean, an M6 is a Leica I would seriously consider (built-in meters are a big win for me, and though I admire the look of the M5 it's too big for my hands), but if I had £5k spare I'd buy a nice used one and see if I could get a lens too.
So who would buy this?
Again: I am not trying to be negative, I just do not understand.
Comment posted: 24/10/2022
Comment posted: 24/10/2022
Comment posted: 24/10/2022
Comment posted: 24/10/2022
Comment posted: 24/10/2022
Dan Castelli on Leica’s New Film Camera Announcement: Re-Releasing the Popular M6
Comment posted: 24/10/2022
1. Why buy a new M6 when you can still get a copy for less money.
2. Buy an earlier model M. Any M up to the M5 were assembled by hand, you can have a bespoke Leica camera rather than a mass produced model. Bragging rights.
3. Film prices are on the rise. No more $6.00 Portra 400.
4. Inflation. Leica or grub hub.
5. Leica lens prices are outrageous. Prices for good used equipment (EX ) are almost untouchable, and poor quality or abused gear (EX , please read) is overpriced.
Now, I know how markets work, and regardless of the high cost, people will buy.
But Leica is smarter than me. They did their market research and decided to relaunch the M6.
If Nikon relaunches the FM3a, then that will put film manufacturers on notice…
Comment posted: 24/10/2022
Huss on Leica’s New Film Camera Announcement: Re-Releasing the Popular M6
Comment posted: 25/10/2022
Leicas are luxury purchases. They are aspirational purchases. No-one needs one. But it is oh so nice to use one. I placed an order for the new M6 thanks to Britain’s dearly departed PM Liz Truss. She cratered the pound, so it made it so much cheaper to order one from the UK than to buy it in the USA where I live!
Thank you PM Truss!
Comment posted: 25/10/2022
Comment posted: 25/10/2022
David Wignall on Leica’s New Film Camera Announcement: Re-Releasing the Popular M6
Comment posted: 25/10/2022
Any new film camera production is a blessing. I hope this will tame the used Leica M market now that the supply has increased. I also hope that Voigtlander will take note and re-release the Bessa series. After all, VC only stopped film camera production around 7 years ago.
The situation with used camera prices going ever higher due to demand with ever decreasing supply is obviously not sustainable. This can only mean that one day there will be a film camera “crunch” unless new models are introduced. We are in a weird consumer space right now where new film cameras are either very cheap, plastic, limited function models like those from Lomography or you have to go super high-end to Leica. $50 or $5,000! It’s like only being able to buy a Tata or a Lamborghini! We need a middle ground for normal people.
Comment posted: 25/10/2022
Ian H on Leica’s New Film Camera Announcement: Re-Releasing the Popular M6
Comment posted: 25/10/2022
Anon on Leica’s New Film Camera Announcement: Re-Releasing the Popular M6
Comment posted: 25/10/2022
AlistairH on Leica’s New Film Camera Announcement: Re-Releasing the Popular M6
Comment posted: 25/10/2022
What is really daft is that they have used the old, tiny, back-to-front shutter speed dial, rather than the much better one used in the M6 TTL (which I have), M7, M8, M9, M10, & M11. That is just being old-fashioned for the sake of it!
The old M6 never had the centre "correct" exposure LED - that came with the M6 TTL, so why they have taken some features from the later (better) camera and not others is beyond me.
Comment posted: 25/10/2022