The Different Leica M6 Variations - Jo Geier
Since there are so many different models of one of the most popular Leica camera, we thought we could shed some light into this and list all variations known to us until today.
May it will help you to choose the M6 you are looking for.
1981 – M6 Electronic - Prototype
Prototype of the later fully mechanical serial production Leica M6. Fully electronic Seiko shutter which was already used in the R4, TTL-metering and automatic exposure control (as in the later M7).
1983 – M6 Prototype
Early prototype with the serial number of an M4-P. Red dot with flat Leitz lettering, different window gluing. The shutter speed dial in a different design, DIN/ASA dial with different lettering, no MADE IN GERMANY embossing on the body covering.
We are aware of two M6 prototypes. One with serial number 1621532 from the former Leitz factory museum (inventory number 2308), and one with serial number 1621534.
1984 – The WETZLAR M6
The first version. Starting at serial number 1657251. Without plastic above the strap lugs to protect the body from scratches of the strap. ERNST LEITZ WETZLAR GMBH engraved on top of the topplate. Red dot on front of topplate marked „Leitz“.
Product Code: 10404 Black Body 0.72
1986 – From now on with plastic inserts above the strap lugs to protect the body from scratches of a strap and finally also available in silver chrome.
Product Code: 10404 Black Body 0.72
Product Code: 10414 Chrome Body 0.72
© Wetzlar Camera Auctions
1987 – M6 „BIG“ Logo
On some cameras the front of the top plate is only engraved with larger M6 lettering and without the name Leica. Technically identical to the regular production model.
1987 – M6 G
Around 100 cameras in black, chrome and titanium finish made for a Swiss dealer. The Leitz logo in gold. The topplate engraved with the logo – the cross-section diagram of the 50mm Elmar.
1988 – M6 LHSA 20th Anniversary
Only 43 cameras have been ordered by the LHSA, each with LHSA logo and 1968 1988 engraving.
1988 – The SOLMS M6
LEICA GMBH GERMANY engraved on the back and LEICA M6 on front of the topplate. Red dot on front of topplate marked „Leica“.
1989 – M6 Platin / Platinum – 150 Years of Photography – 75 Years of Leica Photography
1250 made, each with a letter of the word LEICA and a serial number from the series 1-250. With Summilux-M 1.4/50mm.
Product Code: 10450
1990 – M6 Siber Hegner
125 cameras made for the distributor in Japan, silver chromed cameras with a special emblem on topplate.
1990 – 1993 The „PANDA" M6
The silver chrome M6 is equipped with black winding lever and shutter release guard, shutter speed dial, rewind lever, rewind crank and knob and frame selector.
Product Code: Same as regular production version.
1992 – M6 Colombo or M6 Columbus
Issued by the Italian agent Polyphoto to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America. Engraved 1492-1992. With chrome Summicron-M 2/50mm. 200 cameras have been produced.
Regular Product Codes: 10414 Body, 11825 Lens
1992 – M6 Year of the Rooster
Issued by the Schmidt Group, the far east Leica agents. With chrome Summicron-M 2/50mm. 300 pieces made. Some say 267 pieces.
1992 – M6 Gold Sultan of Brunei
With matching gold Summilux-M 1.4/50mm in wooden presentation box. 353 cameras made with serial number HB 001 – 353.
Product Code: 10412 Set
1992 – 1998 M6 Titan / Titanium
The topplate is made from brass instead of the usual zinc casting.
Product Code: 10412 Titanium Body 0.72
© Wetzlar Camera Auctions
1993 – M6 LHSA 25th Anniversary
Silver chrome M6, Limited Edition of 151 cameras, comes in a set with chrome Summicron-M 2/35mm, 2/50mm and 2/90mm lenses in a wooden box.
Product Code: 10414 (no special product code)
1993 – M6 Royal Foto
Commissioned to the Austrian Royal Foto company for their 25th anniversary. Black and chrome finish with red covering. 101 pieces made. A special chrome Summicron-M 2/35mm was available and engraved as well. Other lenses with special engravings maybe as well.
Product Code: 10404 Black body (no special product code)
Product Code: 10414 Chrome body (no special product code)
1994 – M6 Schnittmodell / Cut-Away
Produced in very small numbers with advertising material product code 942005. Available in black and also chrome which is more rare.
1994 – M6 Titan / Titanium Foto Ganz – Zürich
20 cameras for the 150th anniversary of Foto Ganz in Zürich, 1844-1994, a titanium finished Summilux-M 1.4/35mm was available as well.
Regular Product Codes: 10412 Body, 11860 Lens
1994 – M6 Traveller Set
With chrome Summilux-M 1.4/50mm. With calfskin attaché case and camera bag. Said to be 500 pieces produced.
1994 – M6 Royal Photographic Society (RPS)
„Panda" body with black Summicron-M 2/50mm commemorating their 100th anniversary, 1894 – 1994. Only 100 sets made.
1994 – M6J
Limited Edition of 1640 sets to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Leica M system (1954 – 1994, 40 pieces for every year). With chrome Elmar-M 2.8/50mm with matching serial number and brown leather case. First camera with viewfinder magnification of 0.85 with frame lines for 35, 50, 90 and 135mm lenses. Silver chromed brass topplate. Winding lever, rewind lever and frame selector as Leica M3.
© Wetzlar Camera Auctions
1995 – M6 Leica HISTORICA
150 cameras made for the 20th anniversary of Leica HISTORICA, with chrome Summicron-M 2/50mm and light blue body covering.
Product Code: 10448 Set
Product Code: 10421 Body
Product Code: 11836 Lens
© Wetzlar Camera Auctions
1995 – M6 POLYPHOTO DEMO UNIT
20 or 90 cameras for the Italian Leica distributor, an outline map of Italy engraved on the topplate.
1995 – M6 Dragon
Limited Editon of 300 sets with Summicron-M 2/50mm. Chrome cameras with a golden Dragon engraved on the topplate. Commissioned by the Malaysian dealer, Schmidt Scientific of Kuala Lumpur for their Chinese customers.
Product Code: 11834 Lens
1995 – M6 Danish Royal Wedding
200 sets commemorating the wedding of the Danish Crown Prince with chrome Summicron-M 2/35mm.
Product Code: 10444 Set
Product Code: 10423 Body
Product Code: 11838 Lens
1995 – M6 Gold Thailand
700 gold plated sets with Summicron-M 2/50mm to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the coronation of King Bhumipol Adulyadej of Thailand.
1995 – M6 Platin / Platinum Sultan of Brunei
250 cameras in platinum for the Sultan of Brunei with Summilux-M 1.4/50mm with built-in lens hood. Another batch of platinum plated cameras must exist as one other camera with an earlier serial number with a diamond and Summilux-M 1.4/35mm Asph. is known to exist but engraving for the 50th Birthday of his Majesty.
1996 – M6 Partner Aktion Deutschland
Demonstration cameras for German dealers, also some Leica R7 bodies have been made with this engraving. Said to be 70 and 70 pieces made. A different source states 500 cameras have been produced which seems high to me.
1996 – M6 Benelux
70, 90 or 94 chrome cameras delivered as demo cameras to dealers in Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.
1996 – M6 „Ein Stück Leica“
996 sets produced to mark its stock market flotation in this year. With Summilux-M 1.4/35mm. Body with cowhide covering with the Leica script all over it.
Product Code: 10496 Set
© Wetzlar Camera Auctions
1996 – M6 Platin / Platinum / Gold Sultan of Brunei
Another order from the Sultan of Brunei for 500 cameras, 250 in gold and 250 in platinum finish. The platinum cameras were covered in grey snakeskin. All cameras were engraved with the Sultan's crest. 125 of the platin and 125 of the gold cameras were fitted with a diamond just above the accessory shoe. With Summilux-M 1.4/35mm Asph..
Another small batch must exist as at least two other cameras with earlier serial numbers and Summilux-M 1.4/35mm Asph. are known to exist (maybe 100 pieces).
1996 – M6 Platin / Platinum Schmidt Group of Companies 100 Years / Centenary Edition
150 sets with Elmar-M 2.8/50mm. Altough they were up to special number 188 as Schmidt was omitting all numbers containing a 4.
1996 – M6 Platin / Platinum Anton Bruckner
The Austrian Leica distributor ordered 200 cameras with Elmar-M 2.8/50mm to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the death of the Austrian composer Anton Bruckner.
Product Code: 10454 Set
Product Code: 10425 Body
Product Code: 11839 Lens
1998 – 1999 From now on available with viewfinder magnification 0.85 (engraved in the silver band in the viewfinder) with frame lines for 35, 50, 75, 90 and 135mm lenses.
Product Code: 10413 – Black Body 0.85
1998 – M6 Jaguar XK
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Jaguar XK. Chrome body with British Racing Green conolly leather with Elmar-M 2.8/50mm. Only 50 sets made.
Product Code: 10469 Set
1999 – M6 Platin / Platinum 150 Jahre Optik
To celebrate the one hundred fifty years of the foundation of Carl Kellner's Optical Institute in July 1849, Leica Cameras issued 150 cameras. Each camera is engraved with one of the years from 1849 – 1999 together with the name and optical diagram of the matching lens. Each 30 years group of cameras was supplied with a different lens.
Product Code: 10480 - Summilux-M 1.4/35mm (1970-1999)
Product Code: 10481 - Summicron-M 2/35mm (1940-1969)
Product Code: 10482 - Summilux-M 1.4/50mm (1910-1939)
Product Code: 10483 - Summicron-M 2/50mm (1880-1909)
Product Code: 10484 - Elmar 2.8/50mm (1849-1879)
1998 – 2002 Leica M6 TTL
Product Code: 10433 Black Body 0.72
Product Code: 10434 Chrome Body 0.72
Product Code: 10436 Black Body 0.85
Product Code: 10466 Chrome Body 0.85
Product Code: 10475 Black Body 0.58 (2000 - 2002)
Product Code: 10474 Chrome Body 0.58 (2000 – 2002)
1999 – M6 TTL Kanto
The Japanese repair shop ordered 100 cameras with 0.72 magnification and Summicron-M 2/50mm lenses.
2000 – M6 TTL Black Paint Millenium
2000 black paint M6 have been produced with matching black paint Summicron-M 2/35mm and black paint
Summilux-M 1.4/50mm. The Rewind know shaped as on the M3/M2/M1.
Product Code: 10442 Body
Product Code: 11611 Summicron-M 2/35mm Asph.
Product Code: 11623 Summilux-M 1.4/50mm
© Wetzlar Camera Auctions
2000 – M6 TTL Safari Green
After Leica announced their black paint Millenium M6, a special order was placed by a Hong Kong dealer for 300 green paint cameras. The Rewind know shaped as on the M3/M2/M1.
Product Code: 10478 Body
2000 – M6 TTL NSH
The Japanese Leica distributor NSH (formerly Siber Hegner) commissioned 400 of their own version of the black paint M6 with 0.85 viewfinder magnification. The Rewind know shaped as on the M3/M2/M1.
Product Code: 10477 Body
2000 – M6 TTL Test the Best
Swiss demonstration camera with 0.72 magnification. Only 40 pieces have been made. The camera is engraved with an outline map of Switzerland.
© Wetzlar Camera Auctions
2000 – M6 TTL Black Paint LHSA
650 cameras with 0.72 and 500 cameras with 0.85 viewfinder magnification for the members of the Leica Historical Society of America. 60 pieces of the 0.85 cameras have been converted to 0.58 viewfinder magnification cameras.
Product Code: 10443 Body 0.72
Product Code: 10479 Body 0.85
© Wetzlar Camera Auctions
2000 – M6 TTL Black Paint Øresundsbron
An edition of 150 cameras with 0.85 viewfinder magnification was commissioned by Nordisk Foto Import A/S Denmark to commemorate the opening of the bridge between Denmark and Sweden. 50 cameras were sold as „body only“. 25 with a special Summicron-M 2/35mm Asph. in black paint and 75 with a special Summilux-M 1.4/50mm in black paint.
Product Code: 10492 Body Only
Product Code: 11622 Summilux-M 1.4/50mm
2000 – M6 TTL Black Paint ICS
An edition of 200 cameras with 0.85 viewfinder magnification was commissioned by the Japanese Leica distributor Kanto.
2000 – M6 TTL Black Paint Dragon 2000
An edition of 500 cameras with 0.85 viewfinder magnification for the chinese market.
2001 – M6 TTL Hansa
The Japanese buying organization commissioned 100 cameras with 0.72 viewfinder magnification in chrome with Elmar-M 2.8/50mm lenses to celebrate their 80th anniversary.
2001 – M6 TTL Al-Thani
With orange leather covering, engraved topplate with 'Sheikh Saud Bin Mohd. Al-Thani 20xx Photography Competition Qatar' and with Summilux-M 1.4/50mm was produced in a small series of 16 chrome cameras by Leica in 2001 for presentation to the winners of the Sheikh Saud Photography Competition from 2002-2017.
2001 – M6 TTL Al-Thani Presentation Camera
With apple green leather covering, engraved topplate with the signature of 'Sheikh Saud Bin Mohd. Al-Thani' and with Summilux-M 1.4/50mm.
Sheikh Saud bin Mohammed Al-Thani commissioned six chrome M6 TTL cameras from Leica and gifted them to the following eminent photographers of the time:
Irving Penn
Helmut Newton
Henri Cartier-Bresson
Khalifa Al-Obaidly
Richard Avedon
Sebastiao Salgado
The camera presented to Richard Avedon carries the serial number 2752420 and limited edition number 04/06 and is engarved'As a gift to Richard Avedon'. With Summilux-M 1:1.4/50mm No. 3902513.
2002 – M6 TTL Titan / Titanium
Limited Editon of 1000 titanium plated M6 TTL cameras with 0.72 viewfinder magnification with buffalo leather covering. At the same time 500 examples of titanium plated Summicron-M 2/35mm Asph. (11609), Summicron-M 2/50mm (11624) and Apo-Summicron-M 2/90mm Asph. (11632) lenses have been produced.
Product Code: 10435 Titanium Body 0.72
© Wetzlar Camera Auctions
2003 – M6 TTL Die letzten 999 Leica M6
In January 2003, 18 years after the first introduction, Leica announced the end of their production line of the Leica M6 by making a last series of 999 cameras.
Product Code: 10542 Black Body 0.58
Product Code: 10543 Chrome Body 0.58
Product Code: 10544 Black Body 0.85
Product Code: 10545 Chrome Body 0.85
© Wetzlar Camera Auctions
2003 – Leica M6A
Prototype of the Leica M7 with exposure automatic.
2022 – Leica M6 (Re-issue)
After almost 20 years, Leica has re-introduced the classic Leica M6 with a brass top and base plates instead of the former zinc and copper top and base plate. Based on the Leica M-A, the re-issue now features the classic M6 rewind crank, no plastic inserts above the strap lugs, a built-in exposure meter and a "Ernst Leitz Wetzlar Germany" engraving on the top plate. The painted top and base plate are now matte black painted as the Leica M11 and are no longer black anodized as they used to be.
Product Code: 10557 Black "Paint" Body 0.72
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