Which M6 are you buying?
Separate the original M6, commonly called Classic, from the M6 TTL and the 2022 reissue. Do not infer the generation from a vague listing title or a seller’s use of “classic” as a compliment. Ask for photographs of the model markings and controls and confirm the exact configuration. Special editions should be compared with their own peers.
Finder magnification belongs in the comparison
Confirm the stated finder magnification and whether the finder is original or has been changed. The current reissue uses a 0.72x finder; older used listings may describe other configurations. Try your preferred focal length, especially if you wear glasses. Our research withholds comparisons of older M6 variants when the finder is not identified.
Ask what a service actually covered
A service receipt is more useful than “recent CLA” without details. Ask who performed the work, when it was done and which operations were checked. Request a recent test roll if available, plus photographs of the finder, meter display and shutter curtains. Test the meter and the shutter separately; one working does not establish that the other is correct.
Budget beyond the purchase price
Allow for a lens, film, processing and any inspection you want after delivery. Before buying an example with a known fault, ask an appropriate service provider about that exact version and repair. Do not assume a repair available for one M6 generation is available for every M6. A cheaper body with uncertain work ahead can be a more expensive route into the system.
Feature references checked against the linked manufacturer documentation. Inspection advice and recommendations are editorial; this is not a hands-on test.
Leica M6 overview ↗Leica M6 2022 instruction manual ↗Leica Camera Classic M6 TTL catalog ↗
