Leica M6

The definitive mechanical rangefinder camera

Leica M6
85/100
CAMERA SCORE
Features 15
Performance 18
Durability 20
Price 12
Usability 20
Brand Leica
Model 10404

Key Features

SENSOR Analog film camera, uses 35mm film format
PROCESSOR None, fully mechanical shutter operation
AUTOFOCUS Manual focus via optical rangefinder patch
PHASE DETECTION N/A, manual rangefinder alignment
VIDEO None
STABILIZATION None
BURST RATE Manual film advance, dependent on user speed
VIEWFINDER Optical rangefinder with 0.72x magnification
DISPLAY None
CONNECTIVITY PC sync terminal for external flash
MEMORY CARD 35mm film roll
WEATHER SEALING Brass top and bottom plates, robust mechanical build
BATTERY LIFE Uses 2x LR44 or 1x DL1/3N for light meter only

The Most Important Buttons & Dials — Leica M6

Control / Button / Dial Status Note
Shutter-release Button ✓ Present
Mode Dial ✗ Not Present
+/- EV (Exposure Compensation) Button ✗ Not Present
Dedicated ISO Button ✗ Not Present
Dedicated Aperture Dial / Ring ✗ Not Present Controlled on lens
Dedicated Shutter Speed Dial ✓ Present
AF-ON Button ✗ Not Present
Main Command Dial ✗ Not Present
Sub-Command Dial ✗ Not Present
Function (Fn) Buttons ✗ Not Present
Joystick / Multi-selector ✗ Not Present
AF-assist / Self-timer Lamp ✗ Not Present
Monitor Mode Button ✗ Not Present
Video Record Button ✗ Not Present
Drive Mode Control ✗ Not Present

How-to Use Leica M6

Welcome to the How-to section of the camera. In this Light & Composition University website, each page for a camera has a how-to section and a section for learning. Simply because the buttons and the controls of each camera is located in different places that not only varies for brands but in each model. How-to section help you operate your camera, however, if you are interested to learn photography, not only you need to know how your camera works, but also you must know what you can change and why you do that to get better photo. Click the “Learn” or scroll down.

Leica M6 Exposure Indicators

Optimal exposure Underexposed by 1/3 EV Overexposed by over 2 EV
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The key to the photography is light, and it’s the exposure indicators, where you see how much light your camera sensor sees. These indicators both in monitor and viewfinder show whether the photograph would be under or over-exposed at the current setting. The amount of under or overexposure is shown in increments of 1/3 EV.

Learn & Master Photography with Leica M6

For over a decade, we have been teaching photography following a university standard. No one does it better than us. We have a selection of courses, diplomas, graduate and post-graduate programs, as well as some of our best-selling university press publications, to guide you in the best possible way for your camera. Enroll in the fundamentals and then move to the genres you want to master.

Technical Specification

Sensor 35mm Film
Resolution N/A
ISO Range 6-6400 (Manual setting)
Autofocus Manual
Shutter Speed 1s to 1/1000s + Bulb
Burst Rate Manual
Video None
Stabilization None
Viewfinder Optical Rangefinder
LCD None
Memory Card 35mm Film
Connectivity PC Sync
Battery Life Long-lasting (Meter only)
Weight 560g
Dimensions 138 x 77 x 38 mm