Leica M6 vs Leica MP

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Film Stock: HP5++, Fomapan 400+
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#leica #leicam6 #leicamp #filmphotography
What exactly are the differences between these two cameras.. The Leica M6 Classic and the Leica MP. Are they really different? Does the film advance feel different? Is there a difference between brass and zinc? What about the viewfinder? The focusing patch? In this video, I'll go over all the features and differences between these two cult classic cameras, the Leica M6 and the Leica MP, to find out which might be a good fit for you..
If you're interested in the Leica M2, M3, M4, M5, M6 TTL, M6 2022 Reissue or the M7, you might find this video interesting as well.
All the black and white pictures in this video were made with Ilford HP5, pushed 2 stops (HP5++) and Fomapan 400+, developed on Ilfotec HC on the AXLE CR1 Rotary Processor.
I use colour film as well, a few being Kodak portra 160, 400, 800, Color plus, Ultramax, Gold, Fujifilm PRO160NS and PRO400H.
If you love film photography and shooting color film too, join me on this analog journey here on KZbin. Thanks for watching!
Peace,
Jeremy T aka JeremyT aka JeremyTphotography

[@ezpoppy55]

I’m 68 and have been involved and in love with photography for over half a century. I enjoyed your comments about the up and downs in relationships. Very true. I’ve gone through stretches where I can’t wait to go out, camera in hand, burning through film (or cramming memory cards chock full), excited to see the results and then do it again. I have also had periods of being in the doldrums, lacking inspiration. Sometimes I’ve forced myself through those stretches, other times I’ve just had to wait for the photo gods to send winds to fill my sails. I currently have a Mamiya 6, a Polaroid I-2, a Canon 5D SR, and a Toyo 45CF to choose from. Each very unique, each one highly competent. I’m happy. I wish you the same.

[@channamasala]

Wow 3 to 5 rolls per day. Incredible. 👀 thanks for this video and your insights. Perfect timing for the exact decision I’ve been pondering - keep the M6 or get an MP.

[@crispin8888]

Per day or per week ?

[@justinkingery2489]

I knew he did three and was stunned. Now he's upped it to 3-5! Wild!

[@prototek128]

Lol almost as wild as using a digital. Unless I missed that film rolls grow on trees... and processing is free.

[@justinkingery2489]

@@prototek128 Sorry, I don't understand this comment at all. Are you advocating for digital over analog? Based on price?

[@kit882003]

love the low profile and vintage look of the MP

[@justinkingery2489]

Love this comparison. Many of us out there DO care to this extent! About the rewind levers, I have a plastic-tipped M5 and an all-metal M3. I like the look of the all-metal design far more, but I will say that both feel and work very nicely. I used to not like the look of the plastic-tipped Leica advances, but using one has really shown me the beauty of the design. Both are great (though all metal is my ultimate preference).

[@Hektormydog]

The lever two piece M4/M6 style was designed with ergonomic function in mind, comfortable and shutter advanced locked stand-off position helps me hold the camera steady. Yes, the brass one piece looks great and classic. Both work.

[@fabricetranzerphotographer]

Thanks Jeremy, very informative points as usual. 98 M6 TTL user here for about 10 years, thinking of selling to get a silver MP just because I love how it looks! ;)

[@Snoflo1998]

Thank you for making this video: interesting to hear of the differences from your perspective. I chose the MP for myself last year. Best wishes.

[@marasawr]

Love your reflections on *living with* the instruments of this medium. First impressions are fine, but hearing why you’re still together years and years later is rare insight

[@mjbxxv]

My man! You went there! Love it bro. Great video as always and thanks for bringing this subject to light. „Diving right into the deep end“. The truth you spit only, and not the hype. 👏🏽

[@mjbxxv]

By the way, you are a true artist. You love the art. The emotion. The feeling. This is so evident in your words. Your actions. Your videos. What a brilliant artist you are. Don’t stop showing that emotion and love for your art. You are a diamond in the rough and a rarity on KZbin.

[@mattbentley-walls3106]

Aren't we lucky to have two wonderful cameras to buy. You nailed it, for me the MP every time. Wonderful insightful video and love how you highlight the nuance of each. Thank you.

[@goesch]

One thing to add is that the light meter of the classic M6 is not repairable anymore. If you wanna use your camera for decades to come I would go with a MP or M6 reissue.

[@goesch]

I know

[@robinyuill5137]

Great comment on the cameras. I have an M7 and really should use it more. Your review might encourage me to get it out and use it as my main camera and relegate the SL2S to the camera bag!

[@Hektormydog]

As always a very thorough and easy to understand, well produced video. One other factor with the film advance; the earlier M-series M3/M2/M4/M5 used brass gears (not stronger stainless steel needed for a motor), brass is ‘self-lubricating’ and with time wear together for a smoother action. My favorite advance (although not the subject here) is the double stroke ratcheted M3, and maybe it is just habit, but I most of the time still use the two stroke advance even on my M4.

[@ofeykalakar1]

The M6 has little plastic bits hanging above the strap lugs. Can dry out and get brittle. The MP unlike earlier versions of the metal advance lever has a clearance at its tip with the shutter speed dial. When changing shutter speed settings, the MP’s dial doesn’t make contact with the retracted advance lever tip. M3’s and M2’s have this issue

[@Hektormydog]

I bought an M6 when it was first introduced and used it for 15 years. A great camera of course, but does have a few issues in design which come down to ‘production cost savings.’ The plastic film counter gear that failed on mine, the absence of the RF condencer lens that cause the RF patch ‘white out’ in some situations, early version electronics meter failure (as mentioned here, any M6 is getting up there in age), and that sometimes zinc bubbles after switching from a brass top plate (Leica justified the switch as zinc is easier to form/shape and strong, but with an impact instead of denting could crack). And, something that few mention is the change from the baked on vulcanite camera covering (love it as ‘classic’ or hate it for difficult to change if dried deterioration after decades). The MP refined and took care of most of those problems and is a fantastic modern Leica. But, the best M-series ever for features and built quality (if well serviced) is the Leica M5 😊

[@tpf1952]

Love your videos; love your photos. I ended up with two M6s. Kind of a Ford versus Chevy issue, but fun to engage regardless. Best of luck with the hair. You can only hope it turns grey. Mine turned loose.

[@sdhute]

2024 will be my year to get the MP black paint

[@ilyamiskov]

Thanks for this video. I was just at a stage where I wanted to choose between the MP and the M6 and so far everything about the MP seems better to me. I am a sucker for matte black, and I’m still not sure how I feel about brassing of the MP, but I would definitely enjoy having a camera made out of brass, and an advance lever that’s fully metal without any plastic bits. I’ll still be choosing hard between the M6 Reissue (2022) and the MP, but so far I’m like 65% for the MP and 35% for the M6.

[@robertjureit2574]

You wont be disapppionted. I have been a Pro, since 19years old. Currently at 69, retired but still love photography. I have lightened up. No more heavy SLRs or 2 1/4s. Shooting with Leica M M10M, an M10R,with 5 lens. 21mm Thu 90mm Thambar. Traveled the World as a Advertizing photographer,a travel shooter for Stock Photo Agencies,long ago.

[@JadenWhite]

Great informative video! I picked up a Nikon FM2T for my camera to make it to then end with me

[@tedsoqui2087]

I like the M6 much better. It has a better balance and feels like a true shooter's camera. The MP is a collector's camera to me. The film advance lever is easier and faster to use on the M6, and the long metal arm of the MP is slower to advance while shooting. You can tuck your thumb under the M6's rewind arm to help balance and hold the camera better. The M6's film rewind knob is faster and easier to use in the field, using a knob is slower and less intuitive. I don't mind the zinc M6's, it gives the camera a better shooter's balance and feels less clunky to operate. The M'6's matt chrome black paint looks more pro than shiny black paint. The earlier non-TTL M6 is a better shooter's camera overall. I don't mind the 2 triangle metering, always nail proper exposures. The 2 triangles and dot is more distracting. Never had issues with the focus square ghosting out and losing a shot. Both are great cameras. Not sure using an MP is a shooter's upgrade, probably more of a collector's upgrade. No red dot logo on the MP, love the red dot logo. I use an original Leitz logo M6.

[@Sylvester414]

I enjoyed finally seeing the difference between the viewfinder patches. I sold my classic m6 a while ago and am considering an mp to replace my cle.

[@child0fthesun]

I think you can buy a brand new M6 in stores if you were worried about an older M6 not lasting. Good review btw

[@jeremy-t]

Thank you, Yes!

[@mahdimanesh4221]

Very authentic and friendly overview. Thx for putting the time into this topic. I am on the fence to an MP or M6 and while I slightly liked the M6 more in hand initially in the store, I just adore the MP look in black 😅❤ Will be jumping off from a Minolta XE-5 and 1 system to this - looking forward to experiencing more film. And will need to learn developing haha 😆 5 film rolls a day - wow! Enjoy the ride

[@eatthetoast]

Beautiful video and really insightful. totally subscribed

[@silvestersze9968]

Thanks for the very informative video! 🎉

[@nagynoda3732]

I always carry with me an M3 ss (smoother rewind), and the fabulous M5 for shooting with a light meter (what a light meter). I've never been in love with the M6, but I still dream about the MP

[@justinkingery2489]

You are my twin! I also shoot those two M bodies, and I also lust after the MP, though I know I don't need one. The M5 is my primary Leica, though the M3 patch with a 50mm is an unbeatable combo. What lense do you keep on the M5? I primarily use a Zeiss 35mm f2.8 Biogon Compact. Lovely little lens! Cheers!

[@nagynoda3732]

@@justinkingery2489 I only use normal lenses, 50mm, in all my cameras (medium format and large format), in the M3 I keep the summicron, in the M5 the Summilux asph. Photos with the Summilux are magical and rubbery but those that come out of the Summicron are elegant and sharp

[@jpm5205]

The M3 is the best made Leica and it’s not even close honestly. If you need 35mm get a minty Summicron or Summaron with goggles. If that doesn’t work for you, get a second body. But don’t sell the M3.

[@justinkingery2489]

@@jpm5205 I wouldn't consider selling either of them. They're forever cameras, like Jeremy described. And I do keep a goggled lens on the M3---the Dual-Range 50mm Summicron. Very nice setup, if I do say so myself. I wouldn't shoot 35mm on my M3, I don't think. I already have a Keks meter in the cold-shoe, and my M5 has such a great viewfinder for 35mm. Lovely cameras all of them.

[@Narsuitus]

When I was shopping for a Leica rangefinder, I decided to buy an M6, MP, or M2 depending on which I could find first at a reasonable price and in a reasonable condition. I found a titanium M6 first. I now shoot with 21/35/90mm lenses.

[@mproyuclan]

1st time viewing 👏 Have LMP which I bought in the last 9 months, well ordered 18mths ago in black paint. Gorgeous 👍👍👍 Amazing and I am an M3, M10p user, along with SL2s and other cameras The M3 is the best film Leica but the MP (late) is wow, almost perfect and has metering.

[@kevin-parratt-artist]

Nice one, Jeremy. Thanks.👌 I make use of the metering and Aperture Priority in an M7, which never fails me, in terms of exposure, shooting Portra exclusively. In an M-A, and the M2 & 3, always B&W. An M6TTL on its way, is going to be the colour transparency camera. We'll see. 😋

[@wearetrackclub]

Nice comparison, Jeremy! Really insightful stuff 🙌

[@riswanc]

Thank J! I always stay till the end of your video, i find it interesting always, even for this scenario, it’s a light case for me, but i still find it interesting

[@willinirschl]

Very nice video and well spoken. I really dig your opinions, why you chose the MP over the M6. I got myself the MP first of all, because I like the classic look way more. I'm loving this camera and wearing it off over the years with my style of carrying and shooting the camera, is such a beautiful feeling. It's almost like the camera and yourself become one (very poetic I'm sorry 😂). I had the M6 in my hands for the first time just recently and it felt not good for me. First I thought the lever was broken because this plastic thing just waves around 😂

[@ronnyboi9813]

Hey Jeremy just got a fairly early m6 (big m6 1987-1988) and it has the long throw advance like a TTL. I wonder how they swapped around the mechanisms over the life of the camera cause I don't doubt your info at all. Was your m6 classic a later one than mine?

[@gewglesux]

MP all the Way... I've had it for about a year now.. i love it. $5700 currently at B/H

[@Nedumgottil]

Great video as always Jeremy!

[@silvestersze9968]

Which M6 classic would you pick? The black chrome or the silver chrome? 😅

[@terencetan67]

Hi Jeremy, thanks for your insight! I’m just curious regarding the winding lever throw namely shorter vs longer throw. Do you think that the longer or shorter throw is related to how the camera is manufactured, or possibly this can be adjusted / tuned by a tech. If so, does it mean the longer throw causes wider spacing between frames? Love your videos, great work!!

[@RHelenius]

Leica M6's Classic and TTL's are around €2000 atm. There are several close to me around that price. I recently got a MP while still owning a M6, and I think I will keep the M6 as I doubt the prices will fall.

[@jeremy-t]

Agreed!

[@britt5126]

Hi, How does the current production M6 compare to the MPs regarding focus?

[@vanandpillai9424]

What about the latest Lecia M6 re-issue. Thoughts on that? Thank you for this!

[@Dr_Pessimisto]

Thank You Jeremy!

[@silvestersze9968]

I just like and subscribed. ❤

[@antnguyen]

If the justification for the mp is longevity, then what about a new mp vs and new m6 reissue?

[@jeremy-t]

Equally longevious!

[@berkcancinar]

Exactly the video I needed ❤

[@sc1]

I have the MP. How long does it take to get the brassing? What do you think about the M-A?

[@ronwolfept]

Brassing well, depends if you carry snd use it as intended or it lives in a display case. I love how I can see how my finger has worn the black off from flipping the rewind switch on the front and my thumb the advance lever. Also how my Gordy strap equally worn has left its mark on the sides. It tells a story.

[@Hektormydog]

Kind of funny in a way, I remember Leica advertising information when the ‘new’ MP came out and one of the ‘features’ was the paint was designed to wear for that professional used brass look! Going back to the beginnings of Leica, black paint was the only option in the 1920s/30s, and then a much more durable chrome luxury finish was available. Painted Leica cameras during WWII because chrome was not available. And then black paint in the later 1950s for professionals that didn’t want their camera to be seen. The new ‘black chrome’ process (not anodized) introduced with the M5 was a revolutionary finish because it combined sheath black and durability.

[@stillben]

how much is the M6 viewfinder upgrade? and where in the UK is good enough to do it these days?

[@wanderingwongs7464]

Hi Jeremy. Very interesting video. Thanks for making it. I have an M3, which I love, but am bothered since I can't shoot 35mm lenses through it. As such I was looking for a solution and looking at alternative M's to be able to do that. I was looking at an M6 or an M7 both alternatives would require me to sell my M3 which I am hesitant to do. Have you used the various 35mm viewfinders? Would you suggest this as a way to be able to shoot 35mm lenses on my M3? Thank you!

[@crispin8888]

Please don't sell your M3. If necessary, just add a 35mm viewfinder. Or a 35mm lens with goggles.

[@wanderingwongs7464]

@@crispin8888 I was leaning towards getting a viewfinder. Thanks for the advice!

[@angusli6288]

Buy a 35mm with Goggles

[@wanderingwongs7464]

@@angusli6288 Thanks! Any recommendations?

[@angusli6288]

@@wanderingwongs7464 Leica 35mm Summaron / Summicron / Summilux or even Goggle version, pick one that fit your use case and budget.

[@angusli6288]

How does mp viewfinder compares to m6 re issue?

[@peetje28021970]

Same

[@cggg490]

The new M6 2022 is an MP internally. Not the same parts as M6.

[@spoken2]

no one talks about it’s the LENSES from Leica , not the camera itself that makes the magic

[@jeremy-t]

Guess I am no one!

[@user-ms8qg2rz5s]

Always wondering, since Leica still making MP today, shouldn’t they update the grip design ?

[@jeremy-t]

I personally grew to love the clean edge without a handgrip. I used a handgrip for my first few years on a Leica, but one day I realised that t if you relax your fingertips instead of curving them, and grip it with flatter fingers, it feels really nice!

[@user-ms8qg2rz5s]

@@jeremy-t I mean these need to remove the base plate, like m10 style

[@shereemaebalangue1296]

Another great video J.T. well done.

[@scottkukla]

So good 🤙🏽

[@999killerchris]

Let’s see your archiving methods

[@jeremy-t]

👌🏻

[@andrewshieldsphoto]

But but but......the rewind clutch vs unclutched????

[@jeremy-t]

🙂

[@paulstevenkelly]

They’ll both scratch your film!

[@Bbarm97]

you are super rich vs you are super rich :D jk I have leicas myself and I'm nowhere near rich

[@jeremy-t]

🙃