Regrets: The Leica M6 TTL

There are many photographers who blog about which film cameras to buy. I’ve decided to write about some of the cameras I truly regret selling. First up, the Leica M6TTL.

I bought my Leica M6 TTL rangefinder and 35mm Summicron lens at the Leica Store in San Francisco on a bright, crisp morning in early November 2014. I had been watching eBay for several months, drooling over M6 listings and just happened upon this nice one which was at Camera West in Walnut Creek. An email inquiry to Camera West was answered by the shop’s owner, Sean Cranor, who I discovered also owned the Leica Store in San Francisco. When I mentioned that I was gong to be in the City that weekend, Sean said he’d be happy to send the M6 over to their sister store for me to look at.

I had recently sold my Leica M3 and rigid 50mm Summicron, so I had cash when I arrived at the beautiful Leica camera shop just outside of Chinatown. The M6 was in mint condition and they had a spectacular 35mm Summicron in the used lens case. Leica film camera prices were still fairly reasonable seven years ago, so I bought the M6 and 35 ‘cron and still had some cash in my pocket for the weekend.

I picked up a few rolls of Fuji Acros and shot this pic of the front of the store. My first Leica M6 shot.

I had my Nikon F2AS with me that weekend with the intention of making some photographs at Fort Point at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. With my new Leica in hand, plans changed and I finished off the roll chasing light at the historic structure.

On the walk back to my hotel, I shot this close-up of the controls on a fire engine.

The M6 and 35mm lens inspired me that day. And I appreciated the small package of body and lens. The Leica’s meter readout was minimalist—two arrows showing under or over exposure. When both arrows are lit, you have the correct exposure.

Top plate of the Leica M6TTL— simple and straightforward

I made some of my most satisfying images with the M6.

I was deep into gear acquisition syndrome at this time and traded the M6 kit for a Leica M8 digital camera. I didn't much get along with the digital M and sold it a short time later. I have always deeply regretted selling the M6 and that 35mm Summicron. For one, it was the Leica rangefinder that best fit my shooting style. Two, I bought it when M6 bodies were still somewhat affordable. They’ve really gone through the roof since.

If you are considering a Leica M film camera and are on the fence about which one to buy, consider the M6. It’s a fairly new camera compared to the M2, M3 and M4 and has a very competent built-in meter. And oh my…those lovely Summicrons!

Damn…I wish I still had mine.