Leica M6 vs M3

[ChadHahn]

Years ago I read an article comparing the build quality of the M6 to that of the M3. I haven't been able to find the article. Does anyone know when it was published?<BR>
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Thank you,<BR>
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Chad Hahn

[davebcamera]

Hi,<BR>
I don't recall the article, but the M6 has been out since the middle 80's and has had numerous improvements over the years. The one major build difference is that the M6 has steel gears as opposed to the brass gears of the M3/M2's. This results in a greater life span of the gears, but creates more noise.( an early complaint )<BR>
<BR>
The first M6's had quite a few meter/electrical problems that took a bit to correct, but that was ironed out fairly quickly. Also, the black M6's are actually black chrome plated as opposed to black paint, and are more durable from that standpoint.<BR>
<BR>
And, now there is the new M7 for people to complain about--just announced at PMA. An auto exposure Leica--imagine!!

[ChadHahn]

No the article I remember was more about how the M6 didn't really compare to the M3 as far as quality went. There were numerous cost cutting features that they mentioned, most very piddling, like the frame counter.

[davebcamera]

Actually, I believe the article may have been a very long time ago. I have owned both cameras, as well a M2's, and find the M6, especially the more current ones to be more durable than the older ones such as M2/M3, etc. The coatings on the rangefinder mirror I believe is better, too. The lenses are much, much, much better, with better multi coating and a much better guality adhesive glueing the glass elements.<BR>
DaveB<BR>
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quote:Originally posted by ChadHahn:<BR>
<b>No the article I remember was more about how the M6 didn't really compare to the M3 as far as quality went. There were numerous cost cutting features that they mentioned, most very piddling, like the frame counter.</b>