What are the differences between the classic M6 and the current M6 TTL and are there any advantages in trading a classic M6 for the newer M6 TTL? Thanks in advance, Daniel Kremens

-- Daniel Kremens (dek001@nospam.jefferson.edu), March 22, 2002

Answers

Daniel:

I have the classic version only. The TTL shutter speed has an OFF position, and rotates the OPPOSITE direction of all other M's. You have a choice of viewfinders on the TTL .58, .72 and .85. The meter accuracy on the TTL is better than on the earlier classic's. The top plate on the classic is supposed to be stouter than the one on the TTL. I have heard rumblings of the top plate on the TTL warping with large flash units mounted on it. I am happy with what I have.

Enjoy.

-- Mark A. Johnson (logical1@catholic.org), March 22, 2002.

The shutter speed dial is bigger and reversed on the TTL. The TTL has an off position on the shutter speed dial for the meter. The classic is turned to "B" to switch off the meter. Some classics (mine) were made in Wetzlar. The TTL has TTL flash at 1/50 sec. If you don't need TTL flash, why switch? If you really need TTL flash, a R8 is much better - but you will need an investment in R lenses too. A M7, now that's a real difference.

-- Doug Landrum (dflandrum@earthlink.net), March 22, 2002.

Daniel,

The meter accuracy itself on the TTL is no greater than that of the "Classic" M6. However, it does have the capability of reading light at one EV lower. That and it adds the "correct exposure" red dot in the center rather than only balancing the intensity the two opposing red triangles. That would seem at least to add speed to setting the correct exposure.

The zinc top covers on each are both the same thickness, but the height on the TTL is about 2.5mm taller, making for a slightly larger body. Some of the purists really made a fuss about that.

I hadn't heard of any warping in either, but it would make sense that the taller top cover of the TTL would be more susceptable to the bending moment that a tall and heavy flash unit may impose.

Best,

Jerry

-- Jerome R. Pfile, Jr. (JerryPfile@msn.com), March 22, 2002.

I must be one of those purists for I still have difficuties accepting the rather ugly new shutter dial on the TTL. The increase in height is just fine. Salut

-- H. Gurung (hgurung@libertysurf.fr), March 23, 2002.

I don't think there would be enough of a reason to switch... i bought a TTL because of the new shutter speed dial, the direction may be the opposite, but now it follows the directions of the arrows. The fact that is a bigger is a big help. it is incredibly easy to use my index finger and roll over the shutter button to adjust speeds because it comes almost all the way to the front of the body... this in my opinion is a definite improvement. In my mind this improvement is certainly not big enough to justify the switch from a classic to it though.

-- Matthew Geddert (geddert@yahoo.com), March 23, 2002.

Bear in mind that the two versions don't mix as the shutter speed dials turn in opposite directions and the LED meter displays work differently. My opinion is that you should stick to either TTL's or non TTL's. I much prefer non TTL's, they are smaller, not by much but enough to really bother me, when metering the TTL there is a delay between turning the aperture ring and the LED lighting up which bothers me, TTL flash with an M6, that bothers me!

-- gary yeowell (gary@yeowell.fsnet.co.uk), March 23, 2002.

"Off" on the TTL is identical to "B" on the classic, both in terms of metering and shutter speed.

"B" on the TTL leaves the metering circuit on for TTL flash, but shuts off the viewfinder display.

Joe

P.S. I can't think of any reason to upgrade to the M6TTL. I think the backward shutter speed dial would drive me crazy.

-- Joe Buechler (jbuechler@toad.net), March 26, 2002.