Leica M6 Review for 2024

The Leica M6, introduced in 1984, is often heralded as the quintessential rangefinder camera. Revered by professional photographers and collectors alike, the M6 has an enduring legacy in the world of film photography. Now, with the revival of analog photography in 2024, the M6 remains a benchmark for those seeking precision and craftsmanship in a film camera. But does it still warrant the hefty price tag? Let’s dive into the pros and cons of this iconic camera.

Key Features:

Type: 35mm rangefinder
Lens Mount: Leica M mount
Shutter Speeds: 1 to 1/1000 sec, Bulb
Light Metering: Center-weighted TTL
Battery: Two LR44 or SR44 (1.5V) batteries, only for the light meter

Positives of the Leica M6 in 2024

1. Unmatched Build Quality and Durability

The Leica M6 is often considered one of the best-built cameras ever made. Crafted from solid metal with minimal plastic parts, it feels incredibly robust in hand. The M6 was designed for professional use, meaning it can take a beating and still perform flawlessly. Many M6 models from the 1980s are still in near-perfect condition, which speaks volumes about its durability. This timeless build quality is hard to find in modern digital cameras and adds to the camera’s appeal for serious film shooters.

2. Compact and Quiet Design

Unlike bulky SLRs, the Leica M6’s rangefinder design allows for a much more compact and portable camera. It’s perfect for street, documentary, and travel photography, where discretion is key. Additionally, the M6 has an exceptionally quiet shutter, especially compared to the louder clicks and mirror slap of SLRs like the Canon AE-1. This makes it ideal for capturing candid moments without drawing attention.

3. Legendary M-Mount Lenses

One of the main attractions of the Leica M6 is its compatibility with Leica’s legendary M-mount lenses. These lenses are known for their superb optical quality, craftsmanship, and compact design. In 2024, many photographers still regard Leica glass as some of the finest available, and M-mount lenses from both Leica and third-party manufacturers like Voigtländer and Zeiss are available on the market. The image quality you get from pairing the M6 with an M-lens is simply unmatched, delivering sharpness, contrast, and that signature “Leica look.”

4. Mechanical Operation

The Leica M6 is largely mechanical, with the light meter being the only function requiring batteries. This means that even if your batteries die, the camera will still function perfectly, unlike electronic cameras such as the Canon AE-1. This reliability makes the M6 highly desirable, particularly for those shooting in remote locations or during extended trips where battery replacement may be difficult.

5. Intuitive Manual Controls

The M6 features fully manual controls for shutter speed and aperture, making it an ideal camera for photographers who want complete creative control. The built-in light meter is simple and effective, using two arrows and a dot to guide exposure. While modern cameras might overwhelm users with features and settings, the M6 strips photography down to the essentials, allowing you to focus on composition and timing.

Negatives of the Leica M6 in 2024

1. Extremely High Cost

While the Leica M6 is a masterpiece of engineering, it comes at a steep price. In 2024, the price for a well-maintained M6 has skyrocketed due to high demand and limited supply, often reaching upwards of $5,000 or more for the body alone. Leica’s legacy, coupled with the resurgence of film photography, has turned the M6 into more of a luxury item than a tool for the everyday shooter. For those just starting out in film photography, the price may be prohibitive, especially when considering that other capable film cameras are available at a fraction of the cost.

2. Learning Curve for Rangefinder Focusing

If you’ve never used a rangefinder before, adjusting to the Leica M6 can be a challenge. Unlike SLRs, where you see exactly what the lens sees through the viewfinder, rangefinders use a separate focusing system that takes some getting used to. The M6’s viewfinder has a patch where two images align when in focus, and while this system is highly accurate, it can feel cumbersome to new users, especially for fast-moving subjects or low-light conditions.

3. Limited Features by Modern Standards

While the Leica M6’s minimalism is part of its charm, it can feel restrictive compared to modern digital cameras or even advanced film SLRs. There’s no autofocus, no automatic exposure, and no built-in flash. You’re working with a very simple tool—just you, the film, and the light. For photographers who rely on more advanced features or automation, the M6 might feel a bit limiting, especially in fast-paced shooting environments.

4. Viewfinder Magnification

Depending on which version of the M6 you have, the viewfinder magnification might not be ideal for certain focal lengths. For example, if you’re using wide-angle lenses (28mm or wider), the viewfinder framelines can become cramped and difficult to use. Some versions of the M6 have higher magnification, which is better suited for lenses 50mm and above but makes it tricky for wide-angle work. This can be a limiting factor for photographers who like to use a variety of focal lengths.

5. Maintenance and Repairs

Though the Leica M6 is known for its durability, it is still a vintage camera, and wear and tear over the years can lead to the need for repairs. Finding qualified technicians who can work on a Leica M6 is becoming harder, and repair costs can be significant. Additionally, spare parts are becoming rarer, so maintaining an M6 in good working order may require more effort than with more modern cameras.

Leica M6: A Film Photographer’s Dream in 2024

Despite its age and minimalist feature set, the Leica M6 remains a dream camera for many film photographers in 2024. It excels in build quality, handling, and the rangefinder experience, which is something that no digital camera truly replicates. The camera’s charm lies in its simplicity and the manual, hands-on approach to photography that it encourages.

However, it’s also important to be realistic about its limitations. The M6 is expensive and somewhat challenging to learn if you’re new to rangefinders. Moreover, it’s a camera that demands patience and dedication—qualities that not every photographer will have, especially in the age of instant feedback from digital.

Rating: 8.5/10

Build Quality: 10/10
Ease of Use: 7/10
Image Quality (for its era): 9/10
Features (relative to modern standards): 6/10
Affordability: 4/10

The Leica M6 is not for everyone, but for those who appreciate timeless design, unparalleled build quality, and the charm of shooting on film, it’s hard to beat. While the cost is a significant barrier, and the learning curve may be steep for some, the M6 offers a truly unique shooting experience that many find irresistible in 2024. If you’re serious about film photography and willing to invest, the Leica M6 is a camera that will reward you every time you pick it up.