Ep 2 Finding Leica: The Ultimate Leica M6 Review - 90 rolls later

[@Michaelthink]

Great tip on the viewfinder magnification, thanks

[@RickGTI2019]

It’s never been about the camera, it’s always been about the eye of the beholder. Thanks, Rick….. 🌴

[@richardsimms251]

Very good video. Thank you RS. Canada

[@Jaesangyu]

A real informative video. There is literally no one tells you about limitations of the Leica. I've been spending hours and days searching for pros and cons of the Leica RF system. You summarized it all in this one vid. Thanks

[@MacShootsFilm]

Glad you enjoyed it! There is a lot they dont tell you! :)

[@Fluterra]

Leica M is the best tool for the photographer. I’ve tried Nikon, Fuji, Canon… I wouldn’t use anything else but the M.

[@maxwellwellmax878]

I have wanted a Leica since I was in my 20s, this year I finally got one, cross that out of my bucket list.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Congrats!

[@Pdxfxds]

Which one did you get?

[@maxwellwellmax878]

@@Pdxfxds a Silver M7 very clean!.

[@graysensantiago1247]

i guess Im asking the wrong place but does any of you know a method to get back into an instagram account?? I was stupid forgot the password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me!

[@brodyjeremiah9848]

@Graysen Santiago Instablaster ;)

[@strobevenom]

Dude let me just say that your channel is one of the most informative and efficiently well-spoken channels related to film photography on youtube, and this vid is no exception. Its refreshing to just see a really thorough analysis of the camera with no BS thrown in and just really clear, thought out information presented about the overall practicality of the M6 as well as the Leica system in general, from a person who actually uses the thing consistently. Really pushing me to make the move towards an M6 now haha. Quality review Mac!

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@Stanlyok]

Heya! A little correction @12:15 - it's actually the other way around. M6's optional 0.58x viewfinder is the widest (least magnified) Leica ever had, while the M3 had the most magnified one 0.91x. It is one of the reasons why M3 is considered to be the ultimate rangefinder camera. M3's viewfinder was about the size of 50mm lens FOV, so for anything wider you'd need either an external viewfinder (cold shoe mounted) for composition or one of the lenses that were produced then - with goggles (lenses "zoomed out" the viewfinder and corrected the patch). Cheers!

[@MacShootsFilm]

You’re right! Nice catch! Thanks for watching!

[@Stanlyok]

@@MacShootsFilm No prob! Cheers!

[@scottysong]

Cinematography in the intro is just amazing man

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thank you!

[@stevehoffman9735]

That was great, thanks. I use the same Leica 1.4 mag. on my eyepiece. Works wonders as you say.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Glad you liked it!

[@Narsuitus]

The M6 was also not my first Leica. It was, however, my first Leica rangefinder. Before the M6, I had an M1 that I used on a microscope while I was in medical school. The M1 did not have a built-in rangefinder. After I graduated, I sold the microscope and the M1 to help pay my school debt. Decades later, after I retired, I purchased the M6. Based on my previous experience with my Nikon SLR, I knew that 35mm was my favorite focal length. I also purchased a 21mm when I needed wider and a 90mm when I needed longer.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Great story on your first M! Sometimes out west i feel like I need a 21mm!

[@highlander200107]

I have been working in the specialty photographic retail for almost 30 years, and for a long time now, I have been telling people to buy the camera that inspires them to pick it up more and create photographs. On a side note, you can use a polarizer filter with a rangefinder, as long it is one of the filters that is specifically designed for them, Leica has a couple themselves, and Kenko makes one as well, called the MAX-PL, it comes with the filter, plus a little add on for the hotshoe that you turn it’s polarizer to the effect you desire, then match the number on it to the one on the filter.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Great intel! Thanks for sharing and for watching the vid!

[@highlander200107]

@@MacShootsFilm Most welcome!

[@Narsuitus]

Thanks for the video. My first Leica was an M1 that I used on a microscope while in college. I was so impressed with the reputation and the quality of the body that after I graduated, I bought an M6. I shoot it with the following lenses: 90mm f/2 Leitz 35mm f/1/4 Zeiss Distagon 21mm f/1.4 Leitz My only con is that it is too difficult to shoot head & shoulder and tight face portraits with it.

[@tomwestbrook]

Great video. I’ve had an M6 and a 90mm lens but hardly ever use it mostly because of the tiny framelines. I’ll have to look into that 1.4 magnifier thing.

[@MacShootsFilm]

The magnifier is a game changer! Thanks for watching!

[@MB-or8js]

Also prefer 35 mm on my M6. The internal light meter saved me several times to be reminded that the lens cap was still on. I am okay with 0.72x magnification and focusing well with 90 and even 135 mm - the 0.91x magnification of my M3 is better suited here. 1/1000 sec limit has also been an issue for me especially with faster lenses wide open even at ISO 50. I also have either to stop down or use ND filter. I am surprised you didn't mention the main con I have observed with this camera: the rangefinder patch flare. Assuming your M6 still has the original rangefinder - you wouldn't experience the issue if it was replaced with a newer MP rangefinder patch. I was able to circumvent this issue for no cost by taping a polarized foil over the rangefinder window which provides light for the focal length frames in the viewfinder. It darkens a bit the frames, but avoids the patch flare issue most often now. Without the common patch flare, the M6 would be the ideal film camera.

[@MacShootsFilm]

I totally forgot about the flare! I've only encountered it a few times, but those few times the viewfinder was unusable.

[@MB-or8js]

@@MacShootsFilm yes, only way to make the focusing work again when this happens is by shaking the camera quickly. I lost a few snapshot options when I had to do this.

[@VirtualGuth]

I've owned my M6 since 2000. I didn't realize that flare in the rangefinder patch was a big issue for some until reading their accounts online. It's rarely been a problem for me and when it does occasionally occur I'll simply shift camera every so slightly in relationship to my eye (or vice versa) and the flare disappears.I have no idea what shaking the camera accomplishes but it sounds rather extreme.

[@MB-or8js]

@@VirtualGuth it's a known issue with both series of the original M6. If you bought your camera used, it is possible that the former owner already had the rangefinder patch replaced with a newer MP-like one. Before I had taped a piece of polarized foil on the frame window, I suffered from the flare quite often. I lost a few shots because of it because I could not longer focus with the rangefinder until I slightly shaked my camera to set it back. Then the moment was gone of course which I intended to focus on. I also have the M7 where the patch issue is already mostly resolved.

[@VirtualGuth]

@@MB-or8js I bought my M6 (TTL version) new. As mentioned, on the few occasions where flare has occurred, I only need to nudge the camera ever so slightly in relationship to my eye to eliminate any sign of flare.

[@warren5111]

Thanks for the video - -good stuff! Currently shoot with the Nikon F3 and going to make the switch to Leica.

[@MacShootsFilm]

I shot with a nikon f3 and a nikon 50mm f/1.2 ais exclusively for 6 months. Great setup, but moved on.

[@nathandewey1801]

I had learned film on a canon a-1/ ae-1. Debated on a Nikon f3 or Leica R4 and picked the R4. Never looked back (I would love a Leica rangefinder but I can’t justify the cost rn).

[@rightslot1]

Mac, I hope I can get tips from time to time from this channel YOU. Great--straight forward--video.

[@boozelala]

Only thing I can comment is that that iWatch needs to be replaced by something like a Hamilton Jazzmaster or a Botta (not the F1 drivers ;) They fit the Leica so much better :D

[@MacShootsFilm]

Lol! I agree!

[@arthurrmcphee4885]

My thoughts exactly while watching this :)) brilliant minds...

[@LaBandito-1]

much better with Buyalov Airship Italia , but it is a limited series and it will be difficult to find a unit for sale

[@spotMATic]

Hate to be stickler, but the meter arrow direction depends on version. It (along with the shutter speed dial) are the opposite direction on the TTL version vs. your 'Classic'. Great shots nonetheless! 👍🏽

[@MacShootsFilm]

VERY valid point! Thank you for clarifying and thanks for watching! 🙌

[@JoeLopez]

Well done Mac. I would love to have a M6 with a 35mm lens.

[@MacShootsFilm]

It’s a great combo. I sold a lot of gear to buy it. 😆

[@Zetaphotography]

Cant find the link to the magnifier

[@markcimon3588]

Rock it ! If it works for your style and makes you get out there, do it ! 😁

[@MacShootsFilm]

🙌

[@markcimon3588]

@@MacShootsFilm I have Leica and Nikon, my trusty Concrete F4 with 55mm 1.2 and leicas borh film and digi... lovin it...😁👍🏻

[@dantevincenzo1144]

About the light meter and using an ND: Do you own an M6 TTL or does the light meter always work through the lens on the M6? Because if I remember correctly, there is a non-TTL version, which then wouldn't indicate when the lens cap is on and wouldn't compensate for the ND.

[@EWHinz]

M6 TTL refers to TTL flash metering. Every m6 has a TTL lightmeter.

[@dantevincenzo1144]

@@EWHinz Oh, alright! Thanks a lot!

[@alanmacmillan6957]

surprised you didnt get 28mm lens - enjoy

[@MacShootsFilm]

It's on the list!

[@PatrickGregoryDaniels]

This one was cool bro

[@MacShootsFilm]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@kanehenderson5142]

Hey! I may have missed that,but what viewfinder magnification is your m6?

[@MacShootsFilm]

.72!

[@JP1050x]

90 rolls?! I wish Costco was still developing/scanning for less than $5.00/roll. ... good ‘ol days

[@MacShootsFilm]

I wish it was only $5 per roll! Definitely the good old days! 😂

[@hyprz]

Put all your old pics back on the website!

[@MacShootsFilm]

🤷‍♂️ 😂

[@neilpiper9889]

I used a M2 back in the 1960s and didn't like it as much as my Rolleis. Medium format was the easy way to get excellent results using 400 asa film. The M2 was sold.

[@JP1050x]

TLR’s still make technically better results than 35mm cameras. But the look is just different. But, my TLR hit rate is wayyy better. Must be because 120 generally limits people to 12 shots per roll, coupled with a much slower shooting style. ... alternatively, I’d be pissed if I ever missed a shot on large format though. LoL

[@shademanirvanipour6870]

I got a friend of mine who want to sale his LEICA M6 NONE TTL MODEL BLACK to me for £500.00 and is not been used for a long time

[@alberte58]

No Leica for me, just a “simple” Nikon F4 or F6 will do (1/8000 s? Yes and Yes) German glass for my Nikon’s, yes no problem, have a Zeiss distagon 35mm f/2 ZF.2, manual focus like the Leica’s). No Cinestill film, because they manipulate and repackage Kodak Vision 3 film, to develop it in the wrong chemicals. Just discovered Silbersalz35 which repackage Kodak Vision 3 film as and develop it in the right chemicals as Kodak intended it for it. and they scan the film for you in jpeg and in 16 bit “RAW” format. It’s also German so it must be good like your Leica ....

[@MacShootsFilm]

I ran a Zeiss 85mm f/1.8 on a Nikon f3 on a few portrait shoots. Always amazing results! Great combo!

[@zacharykim]

Man... F mount Zeiss Distagon 35mm f2. Now that's a lens!

[@vermontmike9800]

Weird...no video, just audio

[@MacShootsFilm]

That is weird. Audio and video show for me. Have you tried again recently?

[@shademanirvanipour6870]

You got over £7.000 worth of Leica camera and the Leica lenses

[@robertmacmoneagle6917]

I'm having second thoughts about Leicas now. Too complicated and WAY too expensive.

[@MacShootsFilm]

Complicated? The M6 literally has TWO dials (shutter speed & ISO) on the entire camera!

[@Fast58Eddie]

You are full of crap about loading the Leica. It is pain in the neck to load. I have a couple of Nikon F100’s that are a joy to load compare to any Leica. You may not realize it but are a Leica “fanboy”. As you said, it’s not the camera it’s the person behind the camera that matters.

[@MacShootsFilm]

FastEddie confirmed i'm a fanboy. The world can put that debate to rest now. Awesome!

[@KentTeffeteller]

You don't know how to quickly load a Leica M? Ya think that's hard? Load an A, II, IIIa, Iic IIIc, IIf, IIIf, IIIG? I can, without jamming it, and that takes skill!