I wish the new MP had a bigger shutter speed wheel on top, a metal ISO wheel on the back, and the angular film winder. Little touches like that make it more worthy of the “P” in the MP.
M7 has aperture priority which is nice for zone focusing in street photography. M6 is fully manual, so you may need to change speed if light changes while you want to keep aperture setting. If you have time for shooting, M6 is excellent too.
Definitely a hard choice with todays pricing buying used or just sinking into a new ma or mp knowing it should not lose value and you could always sell with no loss or very little loss plus have a warranty
I have a used M7 and love it, but have now switched to manual metering, leading me to feel like saving for my own brand new MP as my final rangefinder before anything happens to the model (let's hope nothing does). Being fully mechanical and brand new unit along with a much greater skill in metering (from shooting that way) are what draw me away from the M7 for the long term. I've been shooting on M rangefinders starting with a digital M since 2015 and don't think there is a more perfect camera for me. I always come back to the Leica at the end of the day.
Bought the M-A last month. Shot my first role. Today I am much more comfortable experimenting with my latest Sony, Nikon et cetera. My first role turned out fine using the Sunny 11 rule. Actually the Loony 11 rule works too. Can’t reconcile how. Now I shall get that Monochrom. Don’t believe that “old dogs can’t be taught new tricks” saying. Ever! Happy shooting
I, too, would like to know. (Why are people so averse to citing costs?) My meter only works on the higher shutter speeds, so it'd be nice to know what it cost you to replace the meter.
My local camera store worked with them on my behalf for the repair. But you should be able to call any Leica store (SF, Vegas, NYC) and talk with a rep there who can help you out.
Not really, no. As I mentioned different materials are used, but that is really a personal preference. The only thing that may play into build quality and longevity is the M7 using the electronic shutter. There may be a point in time where it cannot, or is no longer economically feasible to be repaired.
Talk to your local Leica office, they will point you in the right direction. If there is a Leica boutique near you, try them. Otherwise you can email Leica in Germany directly and ask.
Never trust anyone who 'reviews' Leicas and then is seen to be using crap other lenses on them. Whole point of Leica is to buy in the lenses. Folks who use cheap other lenses on them are just poseurs. Also never trust a review from anyone wearing a baseball cap.
I’m pretty sure lens choice is based on preference and budget. So you have no say on that. I do agree about baseball cap tho. Who still wears baseball caps?!
Wow, a Leica snob! I have over six various Leica bodies and use both Leica made lenses, but lots of non-Leica made due cost, distinct optics or easier handling.
Three years later, the prices quoted at the end of the video are basically less than half the current value for these film M’s 😆
I was about to comment the same thing. Hahaha!
When he said the prices I fell off my couch and assumed he wasn’t talking US DOLLARS hahaha
Four years later, the prices are about a 1/3 of the current value. LOL
1 year later and the prices are $1000 more. Peoples got the pandemic money
I’ll just stick with my ‘61 M3
Thank you. This is very helpful. 👌
This is the best guide on the M6 and the M7. And the best comparison as well. Thank you!
I had both, Got Rid of M7 because 2 times the battery died in the middle of a photoshoot. Got M6TTL, never had a problem and love it.
I wish the new MP had a bigger shutter speed wheel on top, a metal ISO wheel on the back, and the angular film winder. Little touches like that make it more worthy of the “P” in the MP.
M7 has aperture priority which is nice for zone focusing in street photography. M6 is fully manual, so you may need to change speed if light changes while you want to keep aperture setting. If you have time for shooting, M6 is excellent too.
where can i buy one for these prices you speak of
A few years back apparently! Can't believe what they're going for now.
I see this video was in 2018, I just paid $2500 for the classic like 3 months ago D=
lol i paid 3600 for a mint M7 , a brand new M7 in 2002 was $3,295 but im sure Nate could have gotten me a better deal :)
And now in late 2020, a mint M6 goes around 2500-3000 euros......
Great overview - thanks!
What do the silver bars in the view finder do. is there a difference between m6 and m7 in terms of viewfinder performance ?
If you use the M7 I feel like you might as well save the money and get the CLE
Great comparison, thank you for the info. Where did you get that strap for the M6? It's a lovely one
Great video. Wild how much the price has gone up.
Tell me about it
that was an awesome review! easy and honest review
great comparison video! i have a little preference for the m6 but m7s are just a bit cheaper at the moment
Thanks very helpful! 🙏
Leica prices for the M6 and M7 are now past $3000+ USD. Personally, for a very similar price, I'd look at a black paint MP instead.
Definitely a hard choice with todays pricing buying used or just sinking into a new ma or mp knowing it should not lose value and you could always sell with no loss or very little loss plus have a warranty
I have a used M7 and love it, but have now switched to manual metering, leading me to feel like saving for my own brand new MP as my final rangefinder before anything happens to the model (let's hope nothing does).
Being fully mechanical and brand new unit along with a much greater skill in metering (from shooting that way) are what draw me away from the M7 for the long term. I've been shooting on M rangefinders starting with a digital M since 2015 and don't think there is a more perfect camera for me. I always come back to the Leica at the end of the day.
Bought the M-A last month. Shot my first role. Today I am much more comfortable experimenting with my latest Sony, Nikon et cetera.
My first role turned out fine using the Sunny 11 rule. Actually the Loony 11 rule works too. Can’t reconcile how.
Now I shall get that Monochrom. Don’t believe that “old dogs can’t be taught new tricks” saying. Ever! Happy shooting
How much have you paid for the CLA? Thanks!!
I, too, would like to know. (Why are people so averse to citing costs?) My meter only works on the higher shutter speeds, so it'd be nice to know what it cost you to replace the meter.
M7 is the best. Off switch to avoid accidental shutter release, DX code reader, and larger shutter dial.
Only problem is that the M7 can't be used with infrared film due to its DX reader. I can only use the M6 here in this comparison.
M7’s ISO can be manually set to override the DX.
@@shawnthale to my knowledge even if the DX reader is not used, it is still active.
Nice thorough review, thanks.
What strap do you have on that M7? It's beautiful
Bill Price appears to me to be gordy’s camera straps. Have one myself! They are great !
How did you manage to send the Leica M6 to the Leica Factory for a CLA?
My local camera store worked with them on my behalf for the repair. But you should be able to call any Leica store (SF, Vegas, NYC) and talk with a rep there who can help you out.
Does the build quality differ ?
Not really, no. As I mentioned different materials are used, but that is really a personal preference. The only thing that may play into build quality and longevity is the M7 using the electronic shutter. There may be a point in time where it cannot, or is no longer economically feasible to be repaired.
where can i buy the M6?
Do you see the voigtlander nokton through the viewfinder? Planing to buy a m6 or m7 with that lens
You'll see just a tiny bit in the corner, but that's true for nearly any lens.
LOL @ the price estimates. M7 is easily $3k+
It would be nice to hear the M6 shutter (mechanical) vs The M7 shutter (electronic).
My favourite is the leica ii
Hi Nate
Just wondering if the top plates on the M6 and M7 are brass or aluminium. Any Idea?
Thanks
-C
Caula Cau the M7 is brass while the M6 I believe is zinc
A M6 in good condition now days is easily $2800-$3000
Exactly what i searched for
I think I am the only one who landed on this video after watching Eurotrip
I’m 32 years old and still don’t think I will be able to afford a Leica in 15 years.
If it makes you feel any better I sold all my digital equipment to buy the M6 back in the day.
what is the difference between the m7 0.72 and the 0.85?
Magnification of the viewfinder. On a .72 the 28mm framelines are at the edge of the window, on the .85 it's the 35mm framelines at the edge.
9:00 does m6 ttl have same issue?
In replacing the film advance lever to a single piece? I don't believe so as it is more or less the same internals as the M6.
Where should I sent it to if I want to upgrade my M6’s rangefinder to the anti-glare version?
Talk to your local Leica office, they will point you in the right direction. If there is a Leica boutique near you, try them. Otherwise you can email Leica in Germany directly and ask.
I thought one of the benefits of the m7 would be the faster sync speed with flash
Chris Donahue The M7 will sync at all shutter speeds if you set the flash to HSS. Big advantage vs the std 1/50s.
Sure I'll take it, $1000 I will paypal you.
I got a friend of mine who want to sale his LEICA M6 none TTL model to me black body only for £500.00 and is not Been used for a long time
...it happened that I had both at the same time and I end up getting rid of the M7...and I would not sell my M6 not by a million dollars...!
GAUROCH2 why did you sell the 7 and keep the 6? Just curious
Never trust anyone who 'reviews' Leicas and then is seen to be using crap other lenses on them. Whole point of Leica is to buy in the lenses. Folks who use cheap other lenses on them are just poseurs. Also never trust a review from anyone wearing a baseball cap.
I’m pretty sure lens choice is based on preference and budget. So you have no say on that. I do agree about baseball cap tho. Who still wears baseball caps?!
Wow, a Leica snob! I have over six various Leica bodies and use both Leica made lenses, but lots of non-Leica made due cost, distinct optics or easier handling.