Allan Cobb 
, Jan 25, 2012; 11:17 a.m.
Hello All,
In the course of middle age, I've finally decided to take the plunge and get the camera I've always longed for... the M6. I don't want/need one in pristine or collectable condition, but one that I know I won't be afraid to use daily and significantly lessen its condition. I stumbled upon just that (an M6 classic) at a local independent photo retailer. Its inner workings have been reconditioned, so it's functionally excellent. It's the titanium-plated version (still looks half-decent), but one can tell it's definitely a "user." The only real "flaw" that jumped out is the black paint on the letters "Lei" have been rubbed off... the black "ca" and "M6" are still there but you can still see the depressions of those 1st 3 letters where the paint used to be. The original price was $1320 but he'll let it go for $1250. Is this a reasonable deal for a titanium user M6?
I'm familiar with using rangefinders, as I use a Canon III and occasionally my Mom's IIIg when I happen to visit my folks about once a year or so. :) But I'm really looking forward to using the M6 features (mostly the meter) to facilitate my work. Thanks in advance!
Michael A. Shapiro , Jan 25, 2012; 11:26 a.m.
Yes, although the words titanium and user are not frequently found together. I would say the titanium factor would offset the rubbed off letters. In any event, all that only applies to resale. For your personal use, it's a fine deal.
Stephen Lewis 
, Jan 25, 2012; 03:17 p.m.
You can fill in the indentations for the lettering with touch up pens (I use these all the time on used lenses when they have lost their lettering "luster"). Machinists use these all the time. You just tap the pen of the color you desire, let the enamel dry about a minute, and then with a wooden stick ( like a shaved end on a chopstick) remove any spillovers, and then burnish the dried enamel with a fine cloth).
John Shriver 
, Jan 25, 2012; 03:19 p.m.
Filling in the missing letters are trivial, you just need a lacquer stick. That's a fair deal for a solid M6 in any skin.
Steve Bellayr , Jan 25, 2012; 06:14 p.m.
Titaniums go for a higher price than black or silver. $1250 for a fully functional camera is a good price. A little loss on the black paint is not a problem. Dents are the major problem that lowers price. You will find this camera much easier to use than the Canon. The M6 has a meter. Coupling the M6 with a Leica lens will provide you with images not easily comparable to other film or digital cameras especially in black and white. Use it often!
Alex Shishin 
, Jan 25, 2012; 06:33 p.m.
Do get the M6. You'll love it.
Your mother uses a IIIg ! Cool!
Allan Cobb , Jan 25, 2012; 06:43 p.m.
Thanks for the excellent responses! I'll get my hands on it by the end of next week at the latest and I can't wait! One question... will the meter still be functional with screwmount lenses and an M-adapter?
Yep, my mom kinda got me interested in photography when I was a kid... my Dad gave me his Zeiss Ikonta C and my mom kept the Leica IIIg... still uses it at age 81! :) Cheers, Allan
Robert Hooper , Jan 25, 2012; 10:31 p.m.
Yes, the meter will work just fine with LTM lenses.
Benny Spinoza , Jan 26, 2012; 02:59 p.m.
Slightly off topic....but do you intend to shoot color film? I, too, have always longed for an M6 since first holding one at a photo show some years back. The prices look like they have been coming down, but now I'm spooked about the longevity of color film.
Allan Cobb , Jan 27, 2012; 01:11 a.m.
Yes, even though I shoot mostly black & white, I do occasionally shoot color, both print and slide film. Color film availability may diminish somewhat in the long term, but my feeling is, as long as it's available, I'll keep using it!
