Leica M6. The return of an icon in analog rangefinder photography
Of all the Leica rangefinder cameras, the Leica M6 occupies a special place in the world of analog photography. From 1984 to 2002, Leica handcrafted nearly 175,000 examples of the M6. These cameras served as tools for the best photographers to capture their view of the world. This led to many photos that still have great historical value today.
With the new edition of this legendary rangefinder camera, Leica meets the needs of young photographers who want to experience active participation in the photographic creative process. Today, the Leica M6 remains the perfect tool for focusing on the essence of photography.
Stefan Daniel, Executive Vice President Technology and Operations, explains: “The Leica M6 is a milestone in the history of Leica Camera AG. Since 1984, countless iconic photos have been taken with it. The Leica M6 was in production for eighteen years and remains a fascinating camera with exceptional practical value. Deliberate analog photography, as a counterpoint to the flood of digital images, is becoming increasingly popular. It therefore makes sense to put the Leica M6 back into production as one of the most popular representatives of this camera type.”
Conscious analogue photography as the opposite of the tidal wave of digital images is enjoying increasing popularity...
This new Leica M6 is based on a modern version of the Leica M rangefinder with a 0.72x magnification. In addition, all optical surfaces now have a coating, making them less sensitive to stray light. The light meter in the new Leica M6 now shows the correct exposure with a red dot, in addition to the two red arrows originally used. In addition, the camera now has a battery indicator.
The top plate has also been redesigned. That of the original Leica M6 was made of die-cast zinc. The new Leica M6 has a top plate that is milled from solid brass and has a wear-resistant black lacquer.
The exposure meter in the M6 measures the light through an illuminated area on the mechanically operated cloth shutter.
Like the original 1984 Leica M6, this new edition features the red Leitz logo. That logo made history: it bears the name of visionary entrepreneur Ernst Leitz, who shaped not only the destiny of Leica , but also that of an entire market when he founded the Leitz brand in 1869. His courageous 1924 decision to produce the world’s first 35mm camera revolutionized photography and made it possible to record the past hundred years in photographs.”
The M6 remains true to itself and retains all other character features such as the angled film rewind lever. However, recent innovations, such as the optimized rangefinder, provide even more functionality. Whether it is the historic or the new M6, the camera focuses on the essence of photography.
Handmade in Germany, the Leica camera is an extremely reliable companion for anyone who appreciates the enduring and contemplative nature of analog photography.
Price and availability
The Leica M6 will be available from November 3 for a suggested retail price of €5,050.00 including VAT.
