10 years with the Leica M6.

I've had an M6 for 10 years. Join me for a look back through images made over that time and a long term review of what using this camera is like, why I love it, and some potential downsides should you want to get one.
IG: reidhaithcock
website: www.reidhaithcock.com

[@gobgobcachoo]

I picked up my6 in 2010 for 750. It was rough looking, but the viewfinder is clean and the alignment has always been spot on. Its been through a lot with me. Always at my side.

[@utgbanduk]

Man, your work is so SO good. Please keep this channel going.

[@aestheticcontrol]

Thanks! Gonna try to keep on top of making videos!

[@tomwestbrook]

The M6 “classic” was the best feeling camera I ever had, but recently sold it to simplify my cameras down to two. I still use the M lenses adapted to the digital mirrorless I kept.

[@Broadwaynoir]

Just picked up my m6 with a 35mm voigtlander. Amazing!!

[@filterfreephotography]

I agree with just about everything you said. I love my M5 w/ a 50mm Summicron. It is small, quiet, and doesn't get in the way of getting the shot. Nice channel!

[@davidventura1424]

I see a lot of KZbin channel vids on Leica photography. Your work stands out…Thank you

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for sharing your Leica journey with us. My Leica journey began was an M1 that I used on a microscope while I was in college. While in college and after I graduated, I used 35mm SLRs and medium format cameras for photojournalism, documentary, portraits, medical/scientific, landscapes, street, weddings, and other social events. Before my M6, I shot Argus C3, Minolta, Canon, and Contax 35mm rangefinder cameras. Today, I shoot 21/35/90mm lenses on my Leica M6 and M10 rangefinders.

[@Irnbruist]

this is everything why I love film, I don‘t know what, but these pictures just are so much more lively and organic than on digital. You got some really stellar shots - thanks for this fantastic video!

[@djduffy1000]

Love your work and your philosophy around photography, I don`t use an m6 yet put have the m9 with a Voightlander 35mm 1.4 and a summilux 50mm 1.4 and a Leica Q. Your work shows how relaxed people are around you with the m6, how unobtrusive the camera is and you capture an image that is so natural. Thanks.

[@nige1rumsey]

Thanks for this, I really enjoyed it. I feel very much the same about my M6. I’d be interested to hear you talk about your use of flash with a non-ttl camera.

[@tpf1952]

You have produced some magnificent work! Thank you for sharing.

[@AdamAllen]

You aren't kidding about the golden age of film camera prices in the past. I was able to cycle through and accumulate around 100 cameras (no exaggeration, lol) and over the years as the prices rose, they became worth too much to hold onto. RIP to good times.

[@aestheticcontrol]

There are so many I sold to get the next thing that are now worth double or triple what I paid... if not more. What a time!

[@gurugamer8632]

I’m going to sell my Leica M6 TTL and MP end of 2024 because Portra 400 pack of 5 rolls now costs £89

[@MarcS4R]

man, that is a great body of work, i love it. i am using an early MP that is well worn in with a 35 cron from 1975.

[@aestheticcontrol]

Thanks! That is a great combo you've got!

[@TerryMurrayTalks]

Nice biography of your Leica journey, love your clear, calm YT presentation style you should do more videos. I'm guessing you are not concerned about subs but you deserve far more than 255 now 256 subscribers.

[@alanpods______8260]

Your work is frikin' amazing! I'm fortunate enough to have an M6 and an M7. For me, I prefer the M7 so much more, especially for street work. I'm far too much of a klutz to be able to adjust shutter speeds, while focussing and composing and not being rumbled. Aperture priority and shutter half-press exposure lock with the M7 are such a boon for me. Plus, I think the M7 edges it in terms of having a solid premium feel. The M6 feels to me bit more toy like and somewhat flexy in comparison. Still, it's the M6 that everyone raves about these days.

[@aestheticcontrol]

Honestly, I would love an M7, the aperture priority is an incredible feature! I just couldn't swing one back when I bought the M6.

[@aeclov]

Excellent and inspiring as always man. This is such a thoughtful and well-spoken video that touches on so many things I've never been able to put into appropriate words. Loved sentiment that 'it's the kind of tool that rewards learning and constant use'. Keep it up Reid, these are a wonderful resource.

[@aestheticcontrol]

Thanks Andy!

[@jimlebobbin]

What a great review of a fantastic camera with photography to match! Your collection of photos shows what the M6 can do in the right hands. I share your sentiments regarding my M6, though it's been neglected since the price of film made it such an expensive pursuit. But your video may well encourage me to put it round my neck this weekend. Well done!

[@lightloving683]

I fondly remember that time when the exodus from analog towards digital was in high gear. For me , the ‘golden age’ of analog pricing (and availability) was between 2001-2006, specifically time between the release of the Nikon D1 AND the Leica M8. Yes, I certainly took advantage. Cycling through gear because it was fun and I could. Although, in my situation, for the most part, I kept all the gear.

[@ohshaith55]

Really really impressed with your work, man. Thanks for sharing your perspective

[@artripoli]

Reid! So happy to find you on here! Nice video, and beautiful photos as always my guy. Thank God the IG algorithm threw you back on the TL today and now I know you got on KZbin. Keep it up bro

[@aestheticcontrol]

Tony!! Thanks dude, hope you're well these days!

[@darylljann]

Superb and inspiring images you've made over the past 10 years

[@thevtphotography]

This video popped up in my recommendations and I skipped over it multiple times thinking...ugh, just another M6 review. Well, that surely wasn't the case. This was a really well presented, genuine, and practical review of the M6. The images are great also! Subbed.

[@aestheticcontrol]

Thanks for giving it a watch! I know the landscape is crowded these days!

[@stevejjd]

Im interested in getting a Leica M film camera. I dont know what to choose, 35 or 50mm. Part of me wants to use the 50mm. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@rebelwithano]

Nice video I’m pretty sure my friend Will Yip was in one of those photos. Great work.

[@aestheticcontrol]

Ha! Yep, I was at his studio with Nothing for a few days several years ago

[@rebelwithano]

Rad he’s a hell of a producer. Been lucky enough to work with home several times.

[@linjicakonikon7666]

Very nice work📷👍. I turned 70 last year and looked for a lighter system than my Nikon's, both film and digital. I've settled on an assortment of Canon VT and VT Deluxe rangefinders with Voightlander 21f4 and 25f4 Color Skopar and Snapshot lenses. I also have a couple Canon 50 f1.8 ltm lenses for fast alternatives. I'm using black and white film and enjoying the smaller, lighter set up when I head out the door to once again explore everything within walking distance of my home. Walking and exploring with a compact set up is liberating and delicious in it's simplicity. Great video👍

[@aestheticcontrol]

Thanks. Nothing like a light weight system to have on you for walks! That voigtlander 21 f4 is phenomenal and so tiny!

[@linjicakonikon7666]

@@aestheticcontrol Every photographer should shoot what they enjoy and enjoy what they shoot. A favorite camera and bag is like a welcome companion. Worth the hunt for the right set up.👍📷🌠

[@john_murch]

I invested in an M4, I also shoot 28mm. Love your photography, great stuff!

[@chrisvlachopoulos7565]

I love your work, man - probably going to sound really cliche, but have you thought of doing a book or a project on the photos you took all those years around those musicians? A project along the lines of Juggling is Easy, but for punk. I'd buy that. Your work really made me feel I was there, which is such a hard thing to accomplish, I find. Well done. Whatever you decide, for now, you defo gained a subscriber (for whatever that's worth) - please keep making these videos. Look forward to seeing what else you've been up to. (Did I see Steve Albini there?)

[@aestheticcontrol]

Thank you! It's been a plan to eventually make a book or books from all the punk work, but it's always seemed like a huge undertaking and also that I'm still making work that would fit. Maybe one day! Also, how good is Juggling is Easy, right! And yep, that's Albini, I was went with the band Super Unison when they recorded with him a few years ago.

[@AlexOnStreets]

Great photos! Agree with everything you said.

[@mankimank1983]

Great video it shows that a camera can be a friend for many years. How many times have you had to service or calibrate the m6 during this time?

[@aestheticcontrol]

I had it serviced and calibrated once, about 5 years ago, and haven't had any complaints since, but it probably wouldn't hurt to have it checked out again!

[@outrunfilm84]

Great video!! Love the concert/studio photos. 🎞🖤

[@aestheticcontrol]

Thank you! Things are picking back up for concerts, so I'll have more to share soon.

[@outrunfilm84]

@@aestheticcontrol Can't wait to see. As someone who is aspiring to photograph concerts. I really love the studio shots.

[@iamwolf_888]

Great video, but I’m subscribing because of your sweater! Great taste in music

[@aestheticcontrol]

That's what's up!

[@brianlueders6223]

Amazing work! Do you tend to push your black and white film?

[@aestheticcontrol]

Yes! Most of these would be rated at 1600 or 800 iso and pushed in development. I used x-tol for years, but have switched to HC-110 lately.

[@fabianscheidegger]

Can I might ask what kind of film you usually use while working in the studio with a band where there's not that much light is available and flash isn't possible?

[@aestheticcontrol]

Almost always HP5 rated at 800iso or sometimes 1600iso and pushed in development. Sometimes it goes tough and I just embrace the blur.

[@wilbertwright8380]

where did you get your hoodie ?

[@eltinjones4542]

Interesting background photos 📷👍

[@user-et3tq5pq9f]

Where is your hoodie from?

[@sergeynikitin9321]

Great photos! What's your favorite lens focal length?

[@aestheticcontrol]

I've shifted between 28mm and 35mm, but am sticking with 28mm for now.

[@wojt4spes]

That dog photo at 3:13 wow! what flash unit are you using with the M6?

[@aestheticcontrol]

I use a mix of a nissin i40 for a small flash, and a nikon sb900 for a bigger one. The dog photos are mostly with the nissin

[@wojt4spes]

​@@aestheticcontrol interesting choice, so not the Leica proprietary. How do you judge flash power output without TTL in such dynamic cases?

[@aestheticcontrol]

@@wojt4spes I've done a few rough tests with my flashes and a light meter to get an idea of where to start on the power depending on my distance from a subject and if I want the flash to be the main light source, or just a fill

[@nottinghamburgers5397]

great channel man keep it going 👍🏼📸

[@aestheticcontrol]

Thanks! 🙌

[@gurugamer8632]

Which film do you use ?

[@aestheticcontrol]

I only use HP5 and develop everything at home, so that helps with the cost

[@Passingmomentsvideo]

Great shots! Did I see Pat Flynn in there?

[@aestheticcontrol]

Yep! From one of the 2016 "final" Bane shows.

[@gurugamer8632]

I’m going to sell my Leica M6 TTL and MP end of 2024 because Portra 400 pack of 5 rolls now costs £89

[@aestheticcontrol]

I definitely get it, colour film, especially portra, is expensive. Have you tried Color Plus 200? I've seen good results from that stuff

[@gurugamer8632]

@@aestheticcontrol The Leica Q3 image output have clarity and sharpness and looks exactly same as any other Mirrorless camera like Sony, Canon or Nikon.

[@revaaron]

Me too my kid "He takes a blurry picture of his dog and it looks awesome. It makes me so angry!" *picture I'm talking about immediately pops up* "SEE!"

[@aestheticcontrol]

Ha! That one is an all time favorite!