The debate between the Leica M6 Classic and the M6 TTL is one of the most enduring discussions in film photography. These two cameras, which define a golden age for the M-system, share the same fundamental mechanical rangefinder chassis and the same robust fabric-laced rubber shutter. The core differences are subtle but profound, especially when considering the camera as a practical shooting instrument versus a collector’s piece. The choice between them ultimately hinges on a photographer’s shooting style and what they value more: purity of the M design or modern ergonomic usability.
The Evolution of an Icon: Classic Versus TTL
The original Leica M6 Classic, produced from 1984 to 1998, was a revolution for its time, successfully bringing a Through-The-Lens light meter to the venerable M body form. This was a return to the classic M size after the controversial M5. For many, the M6 Classic represents the perfect blend of tradition and practicality, maintaining the discreet, compact stature of earlier models like the M4-P.
The M6 TTL arrived in 1998 and introduced the primary feature for which it is named: Through-The-Lens flash metering. While most M6 shooters use ambient light and may never engage this function, the TTL designation brought with it a host of other critical changes. It is important to remember that both models use the same center-weighted ambient light metering system, so the name can be slightly misleading to newcomers. The TTL model is slightly taller, standing about 2mm higher than the Classic, which was necessary to accommodate the new electronic components, making a small difference in the camera’s overall feel.
Ergonomics and The "Reverse" Dial Conundrum
The most significant operational difference, and the one that sparks the most passionate discussion among users, is the shutter speed dial. The M6 TTL features a larger, more accessible dial that overhangs the camera’s top plate. This allows the photographer to easily adjust the shutter speed using just a single index finger while the camera is still held to the eye. This practical improvement aligns the camera’s function with the workflow of modern digital M cameras and the later M7.
In contrast, the M6 Classic retained the smaller, more diminutive dial inherited from the M3 and M4 series, often requiring a two-finger grip to rotate or a clumsy movement of the index finger while the camera is held away from the eye. Furthermore, the rotation direction of the Classic’s dial is reversed compared to the direction indicated by the viewfinder’s metering arrows. When the meter suggests turning the dial one way to correct the exposure, the Classic’s dial must be turned the opposite way, which can be counter-intuitive or confusing for a new Leica user. The M6 TTL corrects this, making the dial rotation direction match the metering logic, resulting in a much smoother, more intuitive manual workflow.
Viewfinder Performance and The Subtle Difference in Focus
Both the M6 Classic and the M6 TTL offered multiple viewfinder magnifications, though the availability of the options changed over time. The standard magnification for both is 0.72×, which is generally considered the most versatile for lenses from 35mm to 90mm. However, the M6 TTL significantly increased the availability of the 0.58× (ideal for 28mm and 35mm lenses) and the 0.85× (perfect for 50mm and longer telephoto lenses), making the TTL variant the go-to choice for users prioritizing specific focal lengths.
The meter display itself is also enhanced in the M6 TTL. The Classic’s meter shows two LED arrows, indicating underexposure or overexposure, and correct exposure is achieved when both arrows light up equally. The M6 TTL, however, adds a crucial third center dot to indicate correct exposure. This minor addition provides a clearer, faster confirmation of the right exposure, drastically improving the speed and confidence of metering, especially in rapidly changing light conditions.
Collector Value and Secondary Market Trends
The secondary market for both the M6 Classic and M6 TTL is currently at an all-time high, often overlapping in price depending on the camera’s condition and specific features, such as limited editions or viewfinder magnification. As of today, a good condition M6 Classic typically sells in the USD $3,500 to $5,000 range. Similarly, the M6 TTL commands comparable prices, often ranging from USD $3,800 to $5,500, with a slight premium sometimes seen for the 0.85×magnification version. This pricing is significantly higher than just a few years ago, indicating a strong, volatile collector and user market.
The Classic’s appeal to the collector rests on its historical significance and its closer adherence to the original M body height and aesthetics of the M4-P. It is the purest form of the M6 design. However, the M6 TTL is gaining rapid traction among users who shoot frequently. The larger dial and improved metering are not just minor changes but genuine functional upgrades that translate directly into a better daily shooting experience. This preference for usability is starting to drive the TTL's value closer to, and sometimes past, the Classic's.
Field Experience: Practicality Over Pedigree
When you are out in the field, carrying the camera for a full day of street or travel photography, the subtle differences become glaring. The slightly larger shutter dial on the M6 TTL is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade that dramatically speeds up exposure adjustments. If you are a photographer who prioritizes speed and modern ergonomics, especially if you shoot a digital M body like the M10 or M11 and want consistency, the TTL is the superior tool.
On the other hand, for a photographer who favors the aesthetic and tactile feel of the older M cameras, or who rarely adjusts shutter speed with the camera at the eye, the M6 Classic’s slender body height and classic dial are desirable. It is also rumored in the service community that the Classic’s simpler electronic meter is marginally easier to service if it ever fails, a point of significant concern for long-term ownership of any classic camera. No matter which you choose, understand that these cameras are highly dependable mechanical devices, but all older cameras will eventually require a Camera Lens Adjustment or service.
Final Verdict: Which M6 Should You Pursue?
The choice between the Leica M6 Classic and the M6 TTL is not one of image quality, as they are fundamentally the same mechanical device exposing the same film. It is a choice of personal workflow and ergonomic preference. If you are transitioning from other manual or digital M cameras and prioritize modern, intuitive operation, the M6 TTL’s superior dial and three-LED meter are worth the slight premium and minimal height increase. If you are a purist who values the original, most compact design of the M6 lineage and prefers the classic Leica feel above all else, the M6 Classic is the rightful monarch. Both are spectacular cameras and a testament to enduring design.