Leica M6 Camera Body - Black

Leica M6 – icon of analogue photography
The legendary Leica M6 is an icon. Intuitive, compact and discreet, it allows you to get up close to the action – and to real emotions. Since 1984, it has been the camera of choice for many of the world's best photographers, who have used it to create countless iconic images.

The rangefinder – The heart of every Leica M camera

The rangefinder is the heart of every Leica M camera. The view it provides is exceptionally bright with excellent contrast, and it lets you see beyond the actual frame of your final image. This gives you a wider view of the scene and puts you in full control over focus and exposure. The M6 uses a mechanical rangefinder with 0.72x viewfinder magnification, handcrafted from over 100 individual parts. Aperture and exposure time can be precisely determined thanks to selective exposure metering through the lens, the light balance is displayed in the lower part of the viewfinder. Focusing is done using a superimposed image method or split image method. Both are ideal for focusing quickly with extreme precision, even in poor lighting conditions.

Always ready for the decisive moment

See more, react better. The rangefinder technology in the M6 lets you see beyond the picture frame, so you can assess the exact right moment to release the shutter. Illuminated framelines highlight the image field for six focal lengths, arranged in pairs for 28 and 90 mm, 35 and 135 mm, as well as 50 and 75 mm. After attaching a lens, the corresponding focal length automatically appears in the viewfinder as framelines. In addition, all other framelines can be displayed in the rangefinder using the field selector. This allows you to select the appropriate focal length for your subject before releasing the shutter – and to capture your image at the decisive moment.

Iconic design

M cameras have not only been capturing iconic images for decades, they have become icons themselves. Simple elegance, absolute reliability and high-quality materials combine the iconic design that defines every M camera. Design that stands the test of time. As for example the highly scratch-resistant lacquer, solid brass top cap and robust leatherette that is used for the M6. In addition, the anti-reflective coating of the glass surfaces, prevents disruption from scattered light. True to the original from 1984, the new generation is adorned with the red Leitz logo.

True value endures

Trends come and go, but real values stand the test of time, as they are passed on from generation to generation. Leica cameras and lenses are a testament to the traditional values of durability, reliability and quality. They represent real, tangible quality, achieved through high-grade materials and solid mechanics. Leica has always manufactured its precision tools by hand, developing mechanical and optical masterpieces that are second to none, constantly setting new standards. Genuine, tangible quality "Made in Germany" – with the sole purpose of giving you maximum freedom in your photography at all times.

KEY LEICA M6 FEATURES
2022 reinvention of the original Leica M6
Reliable high precision mechanics
Improved film Rangefinder
Manual with quick wind lever or LEICAVIT M, motorized with LEICA MOTOR-M, LEICA WINDER-M, LEICA WINDER (35mm analogue film)
Frame counter on top of the camera body
Large, bright-line rangefinder with automatic parallax compensation
Solid brass body components including top cap and bottom plate
Scratch resistant matte black paint finish
Embossed black leatherette
ISO dial styled like the original
Upgraded electronic components
Original M6 styled packaging
Made in Germany

LEICA M6 FILM CAMERA BODY IN MORE DETAIL
Parallax compensation

The horizontal and vertical difference between viewfinder and lens is compensated automatically in line with the relevant focus setting. Congruence of viewfinder and actual image. The size of the bright-line frame matches the distance:

at 2 m: the exact sensor size of approx. 23.9 x 35.8 mm
at infinity: (depending on focal length) approx. 7.3% (28 mm) to 18% (135 mm)
less than 2 m: less than film size

VIEWFINDER MAGNIFICATION
x0.73 (all M mount rangefinder lenses)

WIDE-BASE RANGEFINDER
Split and superimposed image rangefinder shown as a bright field in the centre of the viewfinder image.

SHUTTER TYPE
Focal plane shutter with rubber liner, mechanically controlled. Mechanical shutter 1 s - 1⁄1000 s Flash Synch: up to 1⁄50 s.

SHUTTER RELEASE
Two-stage: Power up (activation of exposure meter) – Release. Integrated standard cable release thread.

EXPOSURE METERING
TTL (exposure metering through the lens), with working aperture.

FILM SPEED RANGE
Manual setting from ISO 6/9° to ISO 6400/39°.

METERING PRINCIPLE
The light reflected by a metering spot in the centre of the first shutter curtain is metered. The metering spot has a diameter of 12mm and therefore corresponds to approx. 13% of the full negative format or around 2/3 of the short side of the corresponding frame in the viewfinder.

EXPOSURE CONTROL MODE
Manual shutter speed and aperture setting, adjustment using LED light balance.

FOCUSING
Manual focusing with working range 70 cm to ∞

LEICA M-SYSTEM LENSES
Any investment into the Leica M system opens up endless creative opportunities through amazing M lenses, which are designed to the same exacting standards as Leica cameras. You can choose from dozens of models, which offer unique qualities whether you’re buying used Leica lenses or brand new high-performance options.

The majority are extremely compact, fast and robust, keeping the rangefinder system compact and discreet, while delivering impeccable image quality, with Leica’s distinctive style. Leica lenses require skilled and talented craftspeople during the construction process, which contributes to the overall user experience.