Leica M2 vs a Leica M6 - Same but different

[@sneakingelephant]

The M2 sounds great. I just got an M3 and I’m loving it. I only plan to shoot 50mm with it so I’m fine with the limited frame line selection. I love how clear and big the viewfinder is on it compared to my canonet Ql17. Also like you said regarding the build quality it feels nuts how gorgeous and solid they feel. I got my one from KEH and it was “bargain” rated but it looks like a fresh camera (minus one small little dent)

[@richardv340]

Just a correction for those interested: The M6 (.72 finder) framelines are: 28mm (not 24mm) (not in .85 viewfinder) 35mm 50mm 75mm 90mm and 135mm (not in .58 finder)

[@john_harvey3]

I have my dad's M2 without the self timer, the 35mm Summaron f2.8, the 50mm Elmar Collapsible, and the 90mm Elmarit. I also have an M10. The feel is almost identical, the light meter in the M10 is nice but I find it can get in the way of the process sometimes and can be distracting. The trick is to learn to see light and understand it, something I'm still working on. Nice video.

[@garysong8163]

After years of procrastinating on buying a Leica M2 or M3 which new cost about $375 USD (about early 1960’s) and not really liking the M4 I bought a used M2 and M3 in about 1970’s. Got a Nikon F later model Photomic about 1964 so got into SLRs. When I bought the used Leica M2 and M3 really loved range finder cameras so hung up my Nikons and been using the M2s and M3. Never liked the M4 but nit to say that they aren’t great cameras. The M6 when it first came out never liked the plastic/rubber strap guards as I thought that they would wear. I used gaffer tape to protect the body. Also the M4’s in up had multiple frame lines no matter which kens you had in which I find distracting. I use 35, 50 and 90 mm lens which works fine. With the 28mm I use the entire view which works out ok. Good review thank you.

[@sputumtube]

Great, another Leica review. I'm so happy.

[@thedarkslide]

The M2 is built to much higher standards, with better mechanical parts, a better body (no plastic parts on the sides with a potential to cause light leaks like the M6).

[@theblackandwhitefilmproject]

I have a new MP and a M2 as a second body. For me the difference is mainly the frame lines .The M2 does not have 28mm frame lines but does have the 10 second timer. I use a Doomo cold shoe light meter. It has a 30 degree sensitivity range and is better than the TT Artisans version which has a 45 degree sensitivity.Tested against the MP meter the results are exactly the same. You didn't mention film loading - the M2 has a removable spool and the MP/M6 supposed quick loading but is a bit more fiddly than you would expect. I actually like the M2 loading because it is clear to see that it is always loaded correctly. I do B+W and a lot of hiking. Originally the M2 was just going to be a spare body but now I use both bodies at the same time and can have a 28mm lens on the MP and a 35mm or 50mm on the M2. I also use HP5+ 400 ISO on the MP and 800 ISO on the M2 so I use the M2 in low light and if I am using a tripod and not Bulb I don't need to attach a cable release on the M2 as it has the 10 second timer. I was fortunate to get my silver M2 as recently CLA'd from Ebay with new shutter curtain and bright viewfinder and new leather and paint. Looks brand new. I needed to have the rangefinder adjusted and the technician also checked the shutters speeds. Every one was exactly perfect. He had never seen that before. It is such a dream using a 60 year old camera. Like driving a classic car. I almost prefer it to the MP for that reason. FYI before the MP I had an M6TTL. It had issues. The meter was draining batteries in a few days which I believe is unfixable and there was a problem with the rewind mechanism so it locked up after about 15-20 frames. Apparently that is an issue with the older M6's and is why I sold it. The black MP has soft paint which scratches easily which is the only thing I don't like about it. The MP and M2 is slower to rewind -needs about 50 turns but you get used to it..Don't get the fast rewind adaptor like I did. It scratched the body and went to the bin. The Leica M's are such a joy to use. Regards.

[@justinkingery2489]

There are lots of M2s made without the self-timer if you're interested in a simplified body. You can also get a Leica quick-load kit for the M2 that makes it more like the loading system found in the post-M3 Leica Ms. I agree with you, though, and don't mind the older loading mechanism.

[@garysong8163]

One word on self timers, if you don’t use them, get the M2’s, or if you prefer Barnack IIIF’s without the self timers. The cost to CLA a camera with a self timers is generally more and if your self timers gets stuck you can’t take anymore pictures until you get it fixed.

[@timrpbrown]

M2 frame lines are 35, 50 and 90. (The M3 was 50, 90, 135 I think). I have an M2 that I adore, and like to think if someone offered to swap it for an M6 I would decline (other than the M6 is worth more).

[@robin9339]

you can just get a external lightmeter that attach to the cold shoe on leica m2 and works better than m6 imo you don't have to keep picking up and camera to see the light reading. I guess the biggest advantage of m6 is the hot shoe and the quicker film loading.

[@robertbosson5223]

Your M2 looks immaculate! Jealous lol!

[@crispin8888]

An M2 or M3 plus the Sunny 16 rule leads to interesting results. The M6 is nice and complete, but fiddling to meter can be a nuisance.

[@holy_grain]

Exactly, if you’re proficient with the m6, chances are you have no need for a light meter.

[@crispin8888]

One of the best comments, ever. I use the Sunny 16 rule only. Some shots are grey and miserable, but it can lead to surprisingly good and different results. I use Ilford XP2 and the grain is smooth.

[@gearoidjefferson263]

I prefer the M2 to any other Leica M camera. I have always used external light meters and found the M6 meter a distraction.

[@stratocactus]

I've had my hands on a Leica M6 and a M2 to try them before committing to buying one. I also prefer the M2. Double framelines in the M6 is bothering me. M2 viewfinder is less cluttered with only 1 focal length frameline. Also, even though the M6 meter is reliable, I found it not good enough compared to my Olympus OM-1 (that I use when I want more controlled pictures). M6 meter tells you when you're over or under exposed, but not how many stops. For street photo I find Sunny 16 way more fast and reliable than using a mediocre metering indication (M6). All that being said, the M6 is still a wonderful camera and it's meter makes it a way better all-rounder than the M2 in my opinion. But for my personal rangefinder practice (street) the M2 is better (less expensive, cleaner viewfinder, no meter that gets in the way).

[@pineapples4639]

Great video! I really like your strap. Got a link that you can drop?

[@Fjalll]

Had the M3, M2, M4, M4-P, M6, M8 and M9. I've kept only the M4-P

[@yvessoppelsa3026]

What about M7 ?

[@Fjalll]

​@@yvessoppelsa3026Many love the M7 but it never made sense for my style of shooting. I also prefer my toothbrush without wifi, you know.

[@justinkingery2489]

Which only probably means you shoot 28mm. If you shoot primarily either 35mm or 50mm, the M2 and M3 are the undisputed champs. An argument could be made for the M5 and 35mm shooters who must have a light meter---and the M5 meter is the best in any Leica M.

[@vangstr]

What strap is that?

[@ezekielkok1848]

I love my ugly duckling- the Leica M5.

[@tommimartikainen8930]

Same here. Leica m5 is the prettiest of them all. ❤

[@ezekielkok1848]

Actually it’s a very good camera. Has built in light meter and the shutter dial is awesome! Just coz it looks different, doesn’t mean it’s terrible. Don’t you agree?

[@garymc8956]

Boils down to lenses for me. 50, 90, 135 = M2.

[@justinkingery2489]

Either you made a typo or you should be using an M3, lol. The M2 is the best for 35mm shooters who want an uncluttered viewfinder; the M3 has the best viewfinder for those who shoot primarily 50mm. The M2 doesn't even have 135 framelines, but the M3 does.

[@garymc8956]

@@justinkingery2489 So right, my typo. Thanks to clarify.

[@ulyssesnathanialowen3831]

totally ridiculous review, how is the m2 not a seemless experience, there are no electronics you set your exposure and take your photo.. how can it now be more seemless.. production run was 11 years .. so not the long wtf . does that mean 11 years is fucking long time for something to be in production for. Leica made 82000 m2’s in this time.. total stupidity and typical of rhe comments made by this generation… stopped watching after that..