Leica Introduces the New M6
Today, Leica reintroduces the iconic M6 camera. Since 1984, this legendary camera has been the camera of choice for many of the world’s most famous photographers, who have used it to create timeless images that remain part of our history. Leica has reimagined the M6, combining its classic style with modern features. Intuitive, compact, and discreet, it allows you to get up close to the action – and to real emotions.
Among Leica’s rangefinder cameras, the Leica M6 has a very special role to play: From 1984 to 2002, it was manufactured almost 175,000 times and served the best photographers as an instrument to capture their view of the world. This resulted in numerous pictures which today represent a piece of contemporary history. Still handmade in Germany today, the current Leica M6 is an extremely reliable companion for all those who appreciate the conscious experience of analog photography.
The rangefinder provides an exceptionally bright view 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 when focussing and exposing. The M6 uses a mechanical rangefinder with 0.72x viewfinder magnification, handcrafted from over 100 individual parts. The aperture and exposure time can be precisely determined thanks to selective exposure metering through the lens, and the light balance 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.
The rangefinder technology in the M6 lets you see beyond the picture frame, so you can assess the exactly 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.