Leica M6 User manual

We wish you every success with your new  ERNSTLEITZWETZLARGMBH',
LEICA M 6. Please remember that LEITZ  TechnicalService Department,
service only begins with this manual, and   Postfach 2027,
that the following are also available:       D-6330 Wetzlar,
                                  West Germany
LEITZ I nform at ion Service
Any question on 35 mm photography,pro-  Outsideof Germany,the local Leitzagency
jection, enlarging and binoculars can be   can be contacted.
answeredby telephone or post bythe Leitz
lnformation Service.                   LEICA School
Mondays to Fridays,8-12.00 and 13-16.00  The LEICASchool is another part of LEITZ
on (06441) 292436.                         service. lt was founded to meet the wishes
                                               of many keen photographersfor thorough
ERNSTLEITZWETZLARGMBH.,            further training in photography,projection
InformationService,                   and enlarging.
Postfach 2O2O,                      The coursesoffer an extensiveprogramme
D-6330 Wetzlar,                      and provide many practicalsuggestionsas
West Germany                             well as a great stimulus.

Gustomer Service                         Further details and registration forms are
OurTechnicalServiceDepartmentis ready   availablefrom:
to undertake maintenance of your LETCA ERNSTLEITZWETZLARGMBH.,
M 6 or any repairsthat may become neces-  LEICASchool,
sar''                                     Postfach 2020,
                                    D-0330 wetzlar,
                                  West Germany


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The LEICAM 6
 1 Automatic frame counter             7 Battery compartment
 2 Shutter releasebutton with thread      8 Bayonet lens mount release
    for cable release                        button
 3 Single-strokerapid advance lever      9 Red spot for lens alignment
   (can also be multi-stroked)          10 Hotshoe
 4 Film rewind lever                  11 Depth-of-fieldscale
 5 Shutter speed dial                 12 Distancescale
 6 Rangefinderwindow               13 Aperture ring
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14 Bright-lineframesilluminationwindow    21 Synchronisationsocket for flash
15 Framepreselector lever                      units with cable
16 Viewfinderwindow with mirrored       22 ISO film speed dial
    strip for LEDvisibility in bright light      23 Tripod bushing,l/q"
17 Rewindlever
18 Eyeletsfor carrying strap
19 Range-viewfindereyepiece
20 Base plate catch

Garryingstrap
The strap is suppliedwith its steel con-
nectionhookslocked.To attach,first pull
backthe plasticlockingslide,and remove
the connectorentirely.
Mountconnectoronto the cameraeyelet
(18) and reinsert strap into upper half-
circle. Make sure that the hooks are the
right way round (see diagram).
Now pushslidebackto lock connector.




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Mounting the lens                     Removing the lens
Grasplens near base,align red dot on lens  Grasp lens by fixed ring near base, hold
(9) with red dot on camera bayonet (8), in-  down release button (8), rotate lens to the
sert,and lock by turningto the right untilan    left, and remove. Avoid direct sunlight in
audibleclick is heard.                 open camera lens mount, usingthe shade
                                              of your body.

t t o'5n)+/1.-l
Rapid-wind lever                          Film loading
The rapid-windlever (3) has a 30" ready po-  The LEICA M 6 has one of the fastest and
sition,and can be operated without taking   easiest film-loading systems ever deve-
the LEICAfrom your eye. lnsteadof usinga   loped, but please read through these
singlestroke,some LEICAexperts preferto   instructionsbefore loading film.
give two or three short strokes.           Always start by making sure that there is
O exactly locates the focal plane.         no film in the camera, by turning the rewind
                                        crank gently. Any resistance indicates film
Shutter release                                 in the camera; see rewinding instructions
The shutter release button is threaded to   on page 10!
accept standard cable releases.          Begin by stroking the wind lever and pres-
                                          sing the releasebutton.Now invertcamera,
                                                                      lift up baseplate latch (20), remove base-
                                            plate, and open hinged back, as shown
                                      above.
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Hold the film cartridge in the left hand and   mounting post on the camera body. Only
insertit part way into the empty chamber,at    after replacing the baseplate, test for cor-
the same time pullingout just enough film   rect loading by gently tensing the rewind
leader to reach the three pointed posts of   crank,and slowly strokingthe advance lev-
the take-up chamber,as shown by the ca-   er. Backwardturning of the rewind is proof
mera diagram. Under ordinary conditions   of proper film transport. Wind oh, and
it does not matter if the film end extends    fire twice to bring the frame counter to
through this three-post assembly, but in  number1.
extremelycold, dry weather the end might   Tip! Don't be too fussy in loading your
breakoff, and it is best to follow the drawing  LEICA M 6, and don't waste time trying to
exactly.                                    align the leader perfectly.The inner wheel
Finally,push the film cartridge into the ca-   on the baseplatewill do this for you, and af-
mera, press the leader levelwith the posts,   ter a bit of practiceyou willfind loadingsafe
and replace the baseplate by hooking the   and simple.
end with protruding tab over the external

Note: The open camera backwill revealtwo
sets  of  gold-plated electrical contacts
which are part of the light meter circuit.
These are corrosion-free,and relativelyin-
sensitive to dirt and dust. Even so, treat
them with respect, don't touch them, and
keep them clean and dry.

Film rewinding
Turn rewind lever (4) to "R", unfold rewind
crank, and turn clockwise, in arrow direc-
tion, until resistanceof pullingfilm end from
take-up posts is felt and overcome. (Alter-
natively,some LEICAphotographersprefer   completely wound around the three-post
to rewind the film end completely into the   assembly,will slowly spiraldownward until
cartridge,to prevent accidental reloading     it can be grasped with two fingers, and
of an exposed film.)                        pulled free. This is a seldom encountered
Note: Some brands of film are not taped to   problem today, because most films are
the cartridge core, and may be separated   firmly taped to the cartridge core, but
from the core by strokingthe advancelever   should it happen to you, the remedy is re-
forcefullyafter the last frame has been ex-   markably simple.
posed.To rescuesuch films, go to a photo-
graphic darkroom (or use a lighttightblack
cloth film-changingbag), and remove the
M 6 baseplate.Hold the camera with the
open bottom facing down, and slowly
stroke the advance lever and release the
shuttera numberof times.The f ilm,which is
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Holding the LEICA                  An importantadvantageof thisholdingme-
The two pictures above show what our   thod is that verticalpicturescan be made
LEICASchool believes is the best way to   merely rotating the camera   without
hold the LEICAin order to ensure firm sup-  changingthe positionof eitherhand.
port.The right hand holdsthe camera body,   Note:Forsakeof clarity,we haveshownthe
with index finger on the releasebutton,and  LEICAwithout a lenshood.Properlyde-
thumb up againstthe plastic end of the ad-   signedlenshoodsareprovidedfor allof the
vance lever (in its working, stand-off posi-  LEICAlenses(exceptthose with built-in
tion).The left hand supports the lens from   hoods).Thesepreventstraylightfrom en-
below, always ready for quick refocusing,  teringthe lens,and are especiallyvaluable
and presses the camera against the fore-   with strongside-or back-lighting.
head.



                                                                                   1 1

LEICA M 6 range-viewfinder
The LEICAM 6 range-viewfinderis a highly  the lens is focused, and the bright-line
accurate lens-coupled rangefinder with   frame correspondsto the film image.In the
lens-actuatedbright-lineframes for six dif-   center of the viewfinderis a somewhatpal-
ferent focal lengths,from 28- to 135 mm.   er rectangle:this is the LEICArangefinder
Everythingwithin the frame will be record-  which permitsboth coincidence(the merg-
ed on the film.Theseframes correspondto   ing of two images of the same object) or
an imagefield of 23x35 mm (slidemount   split-image(the connecting of a broken
format) at the closestfocusingdistancefor   subjectline that runs throughthe rangefin-
each lens.At longer distancesthe image   der patch) focusing methods.
will containa somewhat largersubjectf ield   All LEICA-Mlenseswith focal lengths from
than that shown within the  bright-line  21 to 135 mm couple to the rangefinder.
frames.                             Lenses from 28 to 135 mm automatically
The bayonet of each lensmount automati-  actuate the appropriate combination of
cally actuatesthe correct frame for its focal   brightline frames:(28 + 90 mm), (35 + 135
length,and thesef ramesare coupledto the  mm), (50 + 75 mm).
focusing mechanism so that parallax(the   Through-the-lens(TTL)light metering is in-
framing differencecaused by the displace-  dicated by triangular LEDs which appear
ment of the camera lens and the viewfin-  when the meter is turned on by lightfinger
der) is automaticallycompensated for as   pressureon the release button.
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Framepreselectorlever
LEICA-Mlensesautomaticallyactuatetheir
own bright-lineviewfinderframes,but this
is not alwaysthe rightlensforthe pictureat
hand.Theframepreselectorlever(15)lets
youtestthe compositionfor the otherfocal
lengths.The three preselectorpositions
are:
Leveroutside- 35 + 135mm frames
Levercentered- 50 + 75 mm frames
Leverinward- 28 + 90 mm frames

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Rangefinder                            Coincidence (double image) focusing
The rangefinderfieldisthe pale rectanglein    In most cases,and particularlyfor pictures
the center of the viewfinderfield. lf the    of people,the coincidenceor double-im-
viewfinderwindow (16)is covered,only the   agefocusingmethod is preferablebecause
bright-line frames and the  rangefinder     it requires no straight lines in the subject.
patch remain visible.The bright, sharply  Simplycoverthe most importantpart of the
masked rangefinderpatch permits the use   subjectwith the rangefinderpatch,turn the
of either coincidence or split-image range-   lens untilthedoubleimageappearsas one,
finderfocusing.                       and recompose (if necessary)to make the
                                       exposure.

                                           Split-image focusing
                                      For picturesof buildingsor other subjects
                                        containingstraightverticallines,place the
                                        rangefinderpatch so that some line runs
                                              right through it. Now turn the lens to make
                                         the   line  continuous. On  theoretical
                                      grounds, split-imagefocusing gives the
                                          greatest accuracy,and this is an important
                                       focusingoption for the LEICAM 6.





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Double image:  out of focus            Brokenline: out of focus





Coincident image:  in focus             Continuousline = in focus

hours,if the exposuremeter is switched on
                                        continuously.Assuming1S-secondmeasu-
                                    rements in normal use, this means suff-
                                               icient energy tor 4,800 exposures.
                                          Batteries should be exchanged when the
                                LEDs begin to appear weaker than normal,
                                      althoughthe exposuremeter will continue
                                               to read accuratelyas long as they light up at
                                                       all.lf the cellsare unableto supplythe mini-
                           mum operatingvoltage,the LEDdisplaywill
                                         not appear.
                                  The electricalcircuit can be broken by oxi-
                                         dation of the battery surfaces, and the
                                LEDs will not appear.lf this is the case,theBatteries                                            batteries, camera  contacts, and  cap,The LEICAM 6 exposure meter can be po-                                      should be carefully rubbed with a cleanwered by two 1.S5-voltsilveroxidebutton                                             cloth. Avoid using any chemicallyimpreg-cells,or by one 3-volt lithiumcell.                                      nated cloth; a clean but not new handker-Unscrewthe cover plate (7), and note bat-                                           chief is ideal.tery profilesymbolsand "+" markingat top
when insertingthe cell or cells.Handlecells
only by their sides,never touching the top
or bottom surfaces.When in doubt, wipe
carefully with a clean cloth. When two
silveroxidecells are used, make sure that
both are equallyfresh, and from the same
batch.
A set of fresh batterieswill last for about 20

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Silver oxide cells                           Battery care and use
Thefollowingcan be used in the LEICAM 6:  Store batteriesin a cool,dry place.Newand
(Type No., and principal area of applica-  used batteries -  or batteries of different
tion).                            makes - should not be used together.Be-
                                    cause battery shelf life is often similarto in-                           Hearing   WatchesManufacturer   Gameras                                    use life,a spare set should be purchasedat                           Aids
                                            least some months later.The batterieslist-
EVERREADY            S 7 6 E            ed here are not rechargeable.BatteriescanMALLORY   MS 76 H   M S 7 6 H   1 0 L 1 4
MAXELL     SR 44 F                    be tested only with a proper professional
NATIONAL   G 13      G 1 3                 test instrument having the correct (adjus-
RAY-O-VAC   RS 76 G    R S 7 6 G             table) load characteristic.Disposeof batte-
UCAR       EPX 76       s 7 6 E     3 5 7        ries carefully - never in a fire. lf battery di-VARTA       V 76 PX      v 76 HS   541
                                       sposal depots exist where you live, we re-
Lithium batteries                  commend that you use them.
The followingcan be used in the LEICAM 6:
                                         Note:DURACELLDL 1/3 N
                                                                               lf the camera is to be stored away for aVARTACR 1/3 N                                         long period of time, always remove the
                                                batteries.





                                                                                  1 9
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Shutter speed dial                          (22\ is calibrated in DIN degrees (above)
Shutter speeds from 1 to t/rooosec are on   and ASA indexes (below). In current ISO
the speed selector dial (5), which is firmly   practice, the film speed setting shown in
click-stoppedat all of the engravedspeeds.  the illustrationabove is either ISO 100/210,
Intermediatespeeds can not be set. When   or simply ISO 100.
the dial is set to "8", the shutter remains  To set the index for the film being used,
open as long as the release button is   pressthe spoked center of the setting disc,
pressed,and the light meter is switched off.  and rotate to align either of the two arrows.
The symbol"V" (: 1/50sec) is the synchro-  Upon release,the disc will spring back to
nizingspeedfor electronicflash units.(Lon-   the same level as the surroundingring,if it
ger exposuretimes can also be used when   has been properly set.
special effects are wanted).                Film speeds from ISO 6/9"to ISO 6400/390
Film speed                           can be set; see table of intermediatevalues
The ISO film speed dial of the LEICA M 6    at right. ISO is the internationalstandards
                                          organization.
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The following settings are possible:
Scale       Sensitivity      Scale        Sensitivity
           rso (ASA/DrN)            rso (ASA/DrN)
   6/ go         6/ go         200124"     200t24"
    -           8/100                   -         250125"
    -          1 0 / 1 1 0                 -         320126"
 12112"    121120        400127"     4001270
    -          1 6 / 1 3 "                   -         500/2go
    -         201140                  -         6401290
 25t't50     251150        800/300     800/300
    -          32116"                   -       1000/310
    -         401170                  -        1250132"
 50/180     50/180       1600/330   1600/33"
    -          64/19"                   -        2000t340
    -          801200                   -        2500/350
100t210     1oot210        3200/360    3200/360
    -         125122"                   -        40001370
    -         160/230                   -        5000/380
                           6400/390    6400/39"
Exposuremetering                        reading.Lightfrom this spot is reflectedto a
Exposuresaremeteredthroughthe lens,at   photo diode with a collecting lens which
the workingaperture.The readingis selec-  can be seen at about 11o'clock inside the
tive,by lightreflectedfrom a whitespoton   open mount. The lens f-stop and shutter
the centerof the focalplaneshutter(when  speed for correct exposure are indicated
tensioned).The unevennessof the white   by the appearanceof two triangularLEDs
coatingdoes not meanthat the manufac-  (>{  which appear in the viewfinder,with
ture has been at fault, but, rather,that a   equal brightness. lf the shutter speed is set
thick,completecoatingcannotbe applied   first, it is easy to adjust correct exposure
to the rubberizedcloth shutter curtain   with the lens aperture ring, as the arrows
without the shutter performancebeing   also indicate the direction of needed rota-
influenced.The irregularstructureof the    tion.
meteringspot in no way affectsthe meter
                                                                         21

When the shutter is released,or set to "B",
                                          the meter is switched off.
                                          At very low light levels (or with very small
                                         lensapertures),at the thresholdof the light
                                       metering range,the LEDs may take about
                                   one full second to light up.

                                            Setting shutter speed/lens aperture
                                         combinations for correct exposure
                                       For correct exposure metering the shutter
                                   speed dial must be set at a marked speed.
                                          Interrnediatesettings will cause the LEDs
                                               to light up, but exposurereadingsmay not
Switching the exposure meter on         be correct.
The exposuremeter is switchedon by light   After a speed has been set, touch the rel-
pressureon the shutter releasebutton (2),  ease button lightly, and rotate the lens
providingthat the shutteris tensioned(and   aperturering untilboth LEDslight up equal-
is not set to "8"). After finger pressurehas    ly brightly.When only one LED appears,
been removed, the exposure meter re-   turn the lens aperture ring in the direction
mains on for about 10 seconds.When the   indicated.
shutter is released,the meter is switched
off and the LEDsgo out. lf the film is imme-
diatelywound on, as when usingthe LEICA
WINDER,the exposure meter is reactivat-
ed and the LEDs light up again.
lf even one of the two LEDs light up, this in-
dicates that the light meter is operational.

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ThetriangularLEDsindicateover-or under-  Very low light levels
exposure,as well as the direction of rota-     lf the lightlevelis belowthe thresholdof the
tionof the lensapertureringneededforcor-  exposure meter, the LEDs will not appear.
rect exposure:                           At the threshold of the metering range,
                                when the lightlevelisjust at the borderline,
                                         the LEDsmayappearforashorttime,either       f-stop.                                          singleor together.     Turn lens aperturering to the right.                                  The exposure meter will remain switched
                                    on as normal.
      Turn lens aperture ring to the right.    ln spite of a light level below the threshold
                                               sensitivity, the exposure meter remains
                                      switchedon as usual,that is,for 10seconds
                                              after finger pressure has been removed
      Turn lens aperture ring to the left.    from the releasebutton.lf the light levelin-
                                     creases during this time (or if the picture
                                      framingis changed),the LEDsmay lightup.
      Turn lens aperture ring to the left.

LEICA M 6 meter sensitivity
The light metering range is from 0.125to
125000 cd.tmz(NtT).
The working rangeat ISO 1OOl21ois from EV
0to EV 20,or l sec attll to r/rooosecatf/32.




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LE|CAMOmeteringfields
The meteringfield covers approximately
230l/oof the viewfinderfield corresponding
to the lensbeingused.Meteringfieldsfor
the seven focal lengths have not been
marked,in ordertopreservean uncluttered
viewfinder.The followingreferencevalue
appliesfor all lensfocallengths:
Thediameterof the circularmeasuringfield
is approximatelyTsof the shortside of the
appropriatebright-lineframe.Thisalsoap-
plies to lenses with integral viewfinder
attachments,such as the ELMARIT-M                                  90 mm135mm t12.8.





21 mm                            28 mm
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