I am currently a Leica R user and I am about to get a M6 as well. I have seen some black paint M3 and I like the black paint finish. However, the black paint M6 classics or TTL models are usually a few thousands of dollars more. Is it worth while to get a black paint one to use or is it better just to get a black chrome one to use? I tend to use the M6 for travel and just some street photography as I have a R6 for wide angle and telephoto type photography.

-- David Ho (dchho@hotmail.com), January 01, 2002

Answers

The black chrome is perfectly satisfactory for use, at a lower price. However, since this is obvious, you would not have asked the question unless there was some part of you that really would like the paint version. So, you have our permission to get what you really want. You only live once.

Happy New year,

-- Bob Fleischman (RFXMAIL@prodigy.net), January 01, 2002.

The black paint finish is pretty much a luxury. I love my painted M6, but in practical terms, for usability, the painted finish is strictly a personal touch. If the painted version doesn't really grab you by the gonzos, get the black chrome (or silver chrome) and spend the extra money on a lens.

-- Ken Shipman (kennyshipman@aol.com), January 01, 2002.

David,

For me, my LHSA Black Paint M6 gets used more than my other M6. It just screams "take pictures with me" for some reason.

I just find myself talking it everywhere, and shooting everything. Something about the finish just calls to me. Weird but true.

It must be the Jim Marshall in me I guess...

So, to me, that was worth the extra $500!

-- Steve Hoffman (shoffman2@socal.rr.con), January 01, 2002.

Steve is right that the LHSA black paint M6 is about $500 over the regular version. IMHO the extra cash will be well spent. The brass top does make it smoother for some reason (or perhaps it is just my VISA bill talking!). A lot of dealers still have leftover LHSA cameras since either a lot more were made than claimed or no too many bought them. Try contacting one of the more reputable dealers such as Doug Paymer in NYC at gr8fuldoug@aol.com for availability.

-- ray tai (razerx@netvigator.com), January 01, 2002.

If you plan on actually making photograhs instead of looking at your Leica, get the black chrome M6. The painted version is a throwback to to old days when black chrome didn't exist. It will chip and ding just like the paint on the old back porch. The chrome versions age to a wonderful patina over tim

-- Larry C. Price (m6ttl@usa.net), January 04, 2002.