Should you get M6 or MP in 2022 | Patina on M6 re-issued !?

I've always wondered how brassing would look on the reissued 2022 M6, and I finally found my answer!

[@Brooklyncameraclub]

When you have a Leica MP in your hands for the first time, and advance the shutter and shoot. You will know why it’s called MP, Mechanical Perfection.

[@wolvy1]

First time I felt the MP in my hands, heard the shutter and felt the advance feel, I was hooked. I sold two M6 bodies and bought a single MP. Absolutely no regrets.

[@cggg490]

I replaced a face lever with the classic M6 lever because it feels better to me.

[@lilku6090]

The black paint leica mp is irreplaceable if you want a brand new leica black paint film body that cost relatively reasonable, while other black paint leicas the m2 m3 m10r they all cost way more than most people can afford. If you want a brand new black paint leica for a ‘normal’ amount of money it’s the absolute only option. It’s kind of incomparable with the reissued m6 which although it can show the brassing like the mp, it’s the character of the glossy black paint and the brassing on the black paint m2 m3 that a lot of people are obsessed with, which is a huge reason why a lot of people would choose to buy the mp just so they can have their own brand new black paint leica body to be used for years and brass the hell out of it that they can only dream of doing the same with the unaffordable untouchable black paint m2 m3. I would say the black paint leica mp being scratch prone is kind of an unavoidable side effect till the paint properly ages like fine wine which to me a black paint leica mp with patinas is the best looking camera ever.

[@JimmyCheng]

The thing is, I have original BP m3/m2, they are never as glossy as the mp. I would say they’re more close to bp m9/m240. This matte black m6 feels really nice and I would imagine the patina to be beautiful. Of course later BP bodies like some limited M6 versions and m10r have this super glossy finish, but I don’t consider them to be classic BP just because they are glossy.

[@simonhill6744]

Hi Jimmy - great video and I'm with you, much prefer the M6 finish. Had an M10R BP and never really gelled with it as just too shiny!! With the M6 ISO dial just use your thumb on the centre, don't use two figures - way easier and it will move around without a problem :)

[@2071photo]

I second this, I use one thumb in the middle and change the ISO with no problem

[@JimmyCheng]

Thanks for the tip!

[@riswanc]

Hi jimmy, thanks for the video, usually the iso dial on m6, one thumb operation, push n turn, at least to my m6ttl dragon… waiting for your next x2d video!

[@JimmyCheng]

Yeah my TTL BP m6 is super easy to turn, not this one though

[@suhangyin8872]

最近还真纠结这俩 哈哈感谢

[@emmanueltsI5]

Thanks for the video! If you like the black matte finish then M-A black chrome is a beauty. Plus the iso reminder disc on the M-As is a class. Surely though, we just need to know how to measure the light or use an external meter with any M-A (or a MP/M6 without a battery).

[@jsnlyng]

I used to have a bp mp and was always extra careful when using it. I don’t like the scratches but the bp per se is unique and beautiful. So yea, if you gonna use the camera like a tool the silver version is a better choice

[@wilfredshum3703]

Interesting discussion. The black paint I have are the M8.2 and M9 which do not look too glossy to me. I kind of like the matte black finish of my M10-D and M10-M which is similar to my original Q-P. Those highly glossy black paint editions are too expensive for me thought they match well with the special lenses.

[@user-mr9cb6se6e]

I dropped my camera bag (which was padded) from less than 0.5m from the ground, and the rewind knob on my m4p broke, which was the same style on the m6. Although repairable, after this I am leaning towards getting an mp over an m6 for my next m body. The rewind knob and the advance lever just seems sturdier.

[@JimmyCheng]

Wow I’m sorry to hear that. But you’re right the old style does seem to be sturdier

[@IDaumI]

I was going to get an MP or MA but was leaning more towards the MA for the matte finish and no light meter. But after taking my M10P and M2 on a trip to Seoul, I actually like the self timer and decided to keep my M2 😂. I still get the M shooting experience and I can use the self timer for selfies and group shots.

[@JimmyCheng]

I too miss the self timer so much! Shame they took it away.

[@cggg490]

I use a wind up timer for my MP. It works perfectly when I need it.

[@IDaumI]

@@cggg490 the ones you can screw into the shutter button? Yea but that's just something extra to remember and also I'd probably be annoyed putting it on and off. Also heard it was bad for the Sutter button. Not sure how true it is though.

[@Fourbars26]

I've had both Leica MP and Leica M6(panda, chrome, black germany, titanium) and for me if you want a nostalgic feel and a little bit more mature(haha) I'll go for the MP, but if you want that young, agile kind of photographer, I'd go for the M6. Also it's lighter that the MP. I just really like how the MP feels more like a tank than the M6, but don't get me wrong. M6 is a one tough camera. And both will meet your grand kids. cheers! Great vlog!

[@JimmyCheng]

Thanks for the comments! the reissued M6 weighs the same as the mp as its got brass top unlike the old ones. 😊

[@ralphgeronilla]

If you want everyone to know you have a Leica, get an M6 with the big red target. I enjoy the Leica experience discretely, so I got the MP

[@Flying4Film]

Or you can just cover the red dot with a piece of black gaffers tape. Either way we still all know you have a Leica.

[@lottic]

because a shiny black lacquer paint is so discrete.

[@johnathanlo7636]

The M6 I usually use my thumb to push it then rotate it.

[@kevinl.3826]

Love this video. I've been struggling for so long between the reissued M6 and the MP, and I finally managed to get a deal on a brand new reissue M6 (serial number 059XXXXX, manufactured in 02/2024) for about $4100 while traveling in Asia. The paint is so darn incredible I couldn't resist when I first held it in hand...

[@kevinl.3826]

A friendly reminder: be very careful with any serial number starting with 056 (manufactured between late 2022 and early 2023). I've heard many horror stories about poor quality control in that batch. Some 056 M6s have problematic pressure plates that scratch film and some 056 MPs have faulty dials, etc.

[@JimmyCheng]

@@kevinl.3826 thanks for the reminder. Mine is from the first batch I think. Fortunately so far no issues at all. Leica QC has been abysmal lately which is a shame.

[@Irnbruist]

I don‘t know, on my classic M6 I just have to push in the iso dial with a finger and rotate at the same time. Super easy job

[@JimmyCheng]

yeah same as any other old Leica. But the new one is super stiff :(

[@LU-cf7ll]

Jimmy有這麼多相機,想看您分享平常常用的配件(背帶、包等等)

[@JimmyCheng]

好的，最近正好又有新的相机包😃

[@Owen-bf4jn]

前几天刚想着让你评一下福伦达28 1.5，发现这已经安排上了~ 哈哈

[@yuxi2424]

色彩太正了👍

[@vanandpillai9424]

Hi Jimmy. Thank you for this! Would you be able to carry on this conversation on which camera would make sense owning in 2024. I understand that the M6 re-issue is basically an MP housed in an M6 body. But for usage and handling, are there big differences ( aside from the film rewind knob, the view finder and the ISO dial?) should a current M6 classic owner who wishes to upgrade, choose the reissue or the MP. A perspective from you would really help me. Thank you.

[@JimmyCheng]

Thanks for your comments. The major difference is the new model has the upgraded viewfinder which makes focusing in backlit situations much easier. The metering component is also new from the mp. Also the classic m6 is not brass top. Other than that, they’re pretty much the same.

[@vanandpillai9424]

@@JimmyCheng thank you :)

[@JacobChristiansen1]

they should change the M-A to have the same finish

[@JimmyCheng]

that would be awesome!

[@j.k5654]

Nope. I like my M-A the way it is. That glossy is not for me

[@JimmyCheng]

@@j.k5654 he's talking about the matte black paint finish on the M6 I think. Which is very similar to the black m-a, except it brasses.

[@j.k5654]

@@JimmyCheng Oh ok

[@ANOMALY_TIFF]

@@JimmyChengI like my M-A with the current black chrome finish. It’s a finish that breaks in over time. Brassing should happen over years of use and be a unique characteristic of each tool that’s relative to the users style of shooting. It sounds like this new finish wears off faster, which means the likelihood of brassing experience to be similar to other users increases since it requires less wear and tear to get that result.

[@Saltpeanutss]

Bro worried about his camera not being cute enough

[@JimmyCheng]

Haha that’s what Leica fanboys do I guess

[@Edwin-mk2nz]

黑色M11就是Matte的，摸着的确很clean。但纯以外观来说我还是比较喜欢亮黑漆，因为这才是我心目中的“钢琴漆面”。Matte虽然干净实用，但换个角度来看就变得跟我的Sony相机没什么区别了，没那么有特色了。用Leica就是要明知性能上没那么厉害，还是要为情怀，外观买单。更何况这些复杂的操作其实换来的是更认真严谨的拍摄状态，也是很有意思的一件事。 说白了，我认为Jimmy就是退烧了。

[@JimmyCheng]

完全不一样哦，m11的漆面是不同的，非常坚固而且几乎不会露铜。这个漆面很特殊，比mp还容易露铜，但是是black chrome手感的matte finish，会比m11滑很多。

[@Edwin-mk2nz]

@@JimmyCheng 我没有说过M11的matte和M6 reissue的matte一样哦。 But whatever.

[@mogencheng3829]

What leather strap is on your m6? Beautiful!

[@JimmyCheng]

@@mogencheng3829 thanks, yeah they’re beautiful especially the brown leather ones. I have them custom made by a friend.

[@MoghulVeyron]

It's not hard to turn the ISO dial, you need to press your thumb in the middle and turn, if you use two fingers it will not turn, and that's a good thing because there's no chance of you accidentally changing the ISO

[@Narsuitus]

I really do not need another 35mm Leica rangefinder. I am very satisfied with the titanium M6 body that I have been using for years. However, if forced to choose between a black M6 or a black MP, I would flip a coin because it makes no difference to me.

[@JimmyCheng]

It probably won’t make a difference to most ppl I agree. The nuances only matters to the fanboys 😋

[@invisibility1987]

那个iso轮是用大拇指按住然后转动的哈哈哈

[@Vizihon]

I have a MP. I wish it had bigger shutter speed dial, like old M6

[@JimmyCheng]

you mean the TTL M6? Classic m6 share the dial with mp I believe. But if you compare the two those TTL versions are taller actually.

[@angusli6288]

May i know the painting difference between ma and m6 reissue?

[@JimmyCheng]

Ma is black chrome which is the same as m10p. They don’t brass, rather they show gun metal grey. M6 is matte black paint, feels like black chrome yet they show brass.

[@edwardwang2070]

M6的ISO转盘用一根拇指按住中间拧好像会更容易

[@JimmyCheng]

好像是的谢谢

[@mateuszlitkie6134]

If you want to change the iso on the M6 - just use your thumb. Press your thumb and turn. It spins easily.

[@JimmyCheng]

yes it is very easy on all my other Ms especially old M6/M4s, but not on this one unfortunately. But thanks for the advice.

[@mateuszlitkie6134]

@@JimmyChengmaybe it needs some time cause it’s fresh copy 🤔 I have one of the first m6 from 1985, with leitz logo, same engraving, just like reissue but from 85 😅 so it may be worn out for sure or just different, we all know leica been changing small details every year through M6 production

[@kut7295]

但新的m6不會漏銅了 我還是選mp 且早期mp bp的漆比較沒這麼glossy

[@JimmyCheng]

会啊，我不就是在惊喜这一点吗，我这只是2022 REISSUED VERSION

[@kut7295]

@@JimmyCheng 官網說明寫新的M6相機採用了高度防刮漆面，我以為不會露銅了，期待你長期使用後的成果

[@devroombagchus7460]

My MP does not show any scratches. There is brassing on the rewind knob and advance lever. When buying, the red dot of the M6 put me me off. I bought the camera for the joy of taking pictures, not for showing off carrying it around. I even know people who put duct tape on their Leica to scare off thieves.

[@JimmyCheng]

Haha this is just fanboy talk like I mentioned in the video. But there’s still nuances to distinguish between the two in terms of how it feels in your hand, such as the rewind knob and advance lever, some may prefer one over the other. The paint job was really only interested by a few curious mind.

[@user-ho8zn9rd2n]

If shutter speed goes to 1/4000 and has AE, AEL functions, then I may consider.

[@lottic]

Alot of information out there says the M11 has the same "black paint" finish as the M6 reissue. I think this needs clarification. The black M11 and its variants feel like cheap toys with a rough texture that traps the oils and shedding of the fingers; whereas the M6 reissue has a beautifully smooth, wear-resistant, matte finish.

[@JimmyCheng]

yeah they’re completely different!

[@kevinl.3826]

Yes, as a new M6 owner, I can confirm this. The reissue M6's paint is incredible. I know many people dislike the M6 because of influencers and logos, but everything changes when I hold it in real life

[@Ciiufu]

虽然会漏铜但如果不是亮黑的话不算正宗黑漆吧

[@JimmyCheng]

这个就是正宗黑漆。亮黑是最近才有的。早期m3，m2黑漆也是哑光。m9/m240是哑光。这些都是正宗黑漆。只不过这个更像是m7/m10的黑铬，但会露铜。m7/m10则不会。

[@Ciiufu]

@@JimmyCheng 😭手上刚买的mp突然不香了😂🤣

[@JimmyCheng]

@@Ciiufu 那也不至于，有些人喜欢亮面，看个人喜好吧。我用下来感觉太容易刮花。

[@paulstevenkelly]

I think they both will scratch your film (see multiple threads online). Also, modern black Leicas are exclusively for poseurs, silver Leicas are for photographers, so now you know.

[@JimmyCheng]

@@paulstevenkelly my brand new M-A did scratch my film incidentally. These two guys here I haven’t found any issues. Color is just personal preference in the end.

[@uubankwang]

"My various other Leica M bodies." ... meanwhile I have 1 Canonet and can't afford a roll of portra. 👀

[@JimmyCheng]

haha it's like a endless rabbit hole, you buy one, more will come :)

[@hansformat]

The fact that the new m6 brasses that fast in just a few weeks is not a good sign. That paint is too weak. The good paint Leicas brass very slowly. I was hoping the m6 matte paint would be tougher. I actually like matte but don’y like the red dot and “Leica” on the front. Prefer the mp feont without those.

[@JimmyCheng]

Yeah it’s surprising but the finish is still beautiful. It would be good for ppl to see patina fast without hand grinding it

[@lottic]

I disagree, I use my M6 reissue very heavily; and I have only the slightest brassing at the edges of the rewind knob. The M6's finish is extremely resilient.

[@kevinl.3826]

Not true. Mine hasn't brassed even though I've been using it heavily for the past few months.

[@JimmyCheng]

@@lottic put it in your messenger back without extra protection and throw it around I bet you’ll see it in weeks like I did :)

[@JimmyCheng]

@@kevinl.3826 I love the fact that mine showed brassing in a few weeks! Its awesome. If it would take me years to do so then there’s no point I’ll just grab black chrome which is much more durable.

[@-steakball4879]

還是講中文比較舒坦