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The Leica M6 camera production commenced in 1984 and ended in 1999 with a total production of 132454 issues 75453 in black chrome finish, 51725 in satin silver chrome and 5276 specials editions.
The M6 offers through the lens metering in a normal sized M body. A fixed silicon diode points to a white spot at the center of the image area on the front blind.
The electronics are housed in the space usually used for the delayed action mechanism and the battery case is in front of the camera body. A disc on the hinged flap at the back is used to set the film speed for the metering and three gold contacts inside the back complete the circuit when the flap is closed after loading the film. Metering is switched on when slight pressure is applied to the release button. Correct exposure is indicated by the even illumination of two triangular shaped diodes in the viewfinder. Exposure adjusted by either the diaphragm ring or the shutter speed dial : either turning in the direction indicated by the illuminated diodes until both diodes are evenly lit. Electrical power is only required for light measurement, in all other optical and mechanical respects the M6 is identical to the M4-P.
The M6 was manufactured in Wetzlar and the top plate wears the inscription “Ernst Leitz Wetzlar GmbH” Normal finish is black chrome , but a silver version was introduced in 1986.
Not less than 21 specials and commemorative editions, were reported.
For illustrations here a M6 black from the early issues wearing the Leitz engraving in the red logo, “MADE IN GERMANY” is hot stamped, in vertical, in the vulcanite, on the rear right side of the camera body.
Near is a satin chrome issue for the lately issues wearing the Leica engraving in the red logo.
Both are topped by a Summilux 1.4/50mm lens and are sitting in their genuine boxes.
Included some M6 instructions for use leaflets in both German and French editions.
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