Leica M6 User manual

LEICA M6
Instruction manual
M6/EN/2022/10/1

FOREWORD
2
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
We wish you a great deal of fun and success taking photographs with
your new Leica M6. Please read this manual thoroughly to familiarize
yourself with the full scope of functions your camera has to offer.
You can find all information about the Leica M6 whenever you need
it at https://M6.leica-camera.com.
Your Leica Camera AG
SCOPE OF DELIVERY
Before using your camera for the first time, please check that the
accessories supplied are complete.
– Leica M6
– Camera bayonet cover
– Carry strap
– Quick Start Guide
– Registration Flyer
– Battery DL1/3N 3V
– Battery compartment cover with slit
– Test certificate
Subject to changes in design and model type.
FOREWORD / SCOPE OF DELIVERY

REPLACEMENT PARTS / ACCESSORIES 3
REPLACEMENT PARTS / ACCESSORIES
Please contact Leica Customer Care or visit the Leica Camera AG
website for information on the extensive range of Leica replacement
parts/accessories:
https://leica-camera.com/en-US/photography/accessories
Only the accessories specified and described in this manual or by
Leica Camera AG must be used with the camera. These accessories
must only be used with this product. Third-party accessories may
result in malfunctions or damage to the product.
Please read the chapters “Legal information”, “Safety remarks”,
and “General information” before using your camera for the first
time. Knowledge of the content will prevent inadvertent damage
to the product, possible injuries and other risks.

LEGAL INFORMATION
4
LEGAL INFORMATION
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Compliance with copyright laws is mandatory. The recording and
publication of pre-recorded media like tapes, CDs or other published
or broadcast material may breach copyright laws.
LEGAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS MANUAL
COPYRIGHT
All rights reserved.
All text, images and graphics are subject to copyright and other laws
to protect intellectual property. They must not be copied, modified
or used for any purpose including trade purposes.
TECHNICAL DATA
Product changes with regards to the product or services may have
occurred after the editorial deadline. The manufacturer reserves
the right to effect structural or shape changes, color deviations and
changes to the scope of delivery or service, where these changes or
deviations are reasonably acceptable for the customer, while taking
into consideration the interests of Leica Camera AG. In that respect,
Leica Camera AG reserves the right to changes and errors. The im-
ages in this manual may depict accessory, special features or other
items that are not part of the standard scope of delivery or service.
Some pages may contain model types and services, which are not
offered in specific countries.

LEGAL INFORMATION 5
BRANDS AND LOGOS
The brand names and logos used in this documented are protected
trademarks. These brands or logos must not be used without prior
approval by Leica Camera AG.
LICENSE RIGHTS
Leica Camera AG intends to provide you with innovative and informa-
tive documentation. Due to the amount of creativity that has gone
into its design, we ask for your understanding that Leica Camera AG
must protect its intellectual property, including patents, trademarks
and copyrights, and that possession of the documentation does not
infer any licensing rights of the intellectual property of Leica Camera
AG.
REGULATORY INFORMATION
The production date of your camera is printed on the packaging.
The date format is year/month/day.
CE MARK
The CE mark on our products documents compliance with the funda-
mental requirements of applicable EU guidelines.
DISPOSAL OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC
EQUIPMENT
(Applies within the EU and for other European countries
with active waste separation policies.)
This device contains electric and/or electronic components which
must not be disposed of in general household waste. Instead, it
should be disposed of at a recycling collection point provided by your
local authority.
This service is free of charge. Any standard or rechargeable batteries
used in this device must be removed and disposed of separately in
accordance with local regulations.
Please contact your local authorities, waste disposal collection point
or the retailer, from whom you purchased the device for more infor-
mation on correct waste disposal.

SAFETY REMARKS
6
SAFETY REMARKS
GENERAL INFORMATION
• As a rule, you should store small parts like the battery cover as
follows:
– out of the reach of children
– in a safe location, where they will not get lost or stolen
• State-of-the-art electronic components are sensitive to static dis-
charge. You can easily pick up charges of several 10,000 volts by
simply walking on synthetic floor coverings. A static discharge can
occur when you touch the camera and especially if it is placed on
a conductive surface. A static discharge on the camera housing
poses no risk for the electronics. Despite built-in safety circuits,
you should avoid direct contact with external camera contacts like
those in the flash shoe.
• Use a cotton or linen cloth instead of a microfiber cloth from an
optician's (synthetic) when cleaning the contacts. Make sure
to discharge any electrostatic charge by deliberately touching
a heating or water pipe (conductive, grounded material). Dirt
deposits and oxidation on the contacts can be avoided by storing
your camera in a dry location with the lens cap and flash shoe cap
attached.
• Only use accessories specified for this model to prevent faults,
short circuits or electric shock.
• Do not attempt to remove parts of the housing (covers) yourself.
Repairs must be done at authorized service centers only.
• Protect the camera against contact with insect sprays and other
aggressive chemicals. Petroleum spirit, thinner and alcohol must
not be used for cleaning. Some chemicals and liquids can damage
the camera housing or the surface finish.
• Rubber and plastics are known to expel aggressive chemicals
and should therefore not be kept in contact with the camera for
extended periods of time.
• Prevent any sand or dust or water penetration into the camera,
e.g. during snowfall or rain or on the beach. Be extra careful when
changing the lens and when inserting or removing the film pack.
Sand and dust can damage the camera and lenses. Moisture can
cause malfunctions and irreparable damage.
LENS
• A camera lens can have the effect of a magnifying glass when
exposed to direct frontal sunlight. The camera must therefore be
protected against extended exposure to direct sunlight.
• Attaching the lens cap and keeping the camera in the shade or
ideally in its camera case, will help prevent damage to the interior
of the camera.
BATTERY
• Any improper use of the batteries or the use of unapproved bat-
tery types may result in an explosion!
• Do not expose the battery to sunlight, heat, humidity or moisture
for prolonged periods of time. Likewise, the batteries must not be
placed in a microwave oven or a high-pressure container as this
would pose a fire or explosion hazard!
• A damaged battery can damage the camera.
• The battery must be removed from the camera and must be
replaced immediately in case of a strange smell, discoloration,
deformation, overheating or leakage. Continued use of the battery
may result in overheating, which can cause fire and/or explosion!
• Never throw batteries into a fire as they may explode.

SAFETY REMARKS 7
• Keep the battery away from sources of heat in case of leakage or if
you smell burning. Leaked fluid can catch fire!
• Keep batteries out of the reach of children. Batteries can cause
suffocation when swallowed. A swallowed battery can additionally
cause severe internal injuries or death.
• Call emergency services immediately if you think your child has
swallowed or eaten a coin battery.
• Inspect the product regularly and ensure that the battery compart-
ment is correctly latched. Do not use the product if the battery
compartment is not sufficiently secured.
• Dispose of depleted batteries safely and immediately, keeping
them out of the reach of children. A battery can still be hazardous,
even if it can no longer power the device.
FIRST AID
• Battery fluid may cause blindness if it comes into contact with
the eyes. Rinse the eyes thoroughly with clean water immedi-
ately. Avoid rubbing. Seek medical attention immediately.
• Leaked battery fluid poses an injury hazard when it comes in
contact with clothing or skin. Rinse the affected areas thor-
oughly with clean water.
CARRY STRAP
• Carry straps are usually made of very robust material. You should
therefore keep it out of the reach of children. A carry strap is not a
toy and poses a strangulation risk.
• Use the carry strap only for its intended purpose on a camera
or on binoculars. Any other use poses the risk of injury and may
possibly result in damage to the carry strap and is therefore not
permitted.
• Carry straps should also not be used for cameras/binoculars
during sports activities that pose a risk of entanglement (e.g. when
mountain climbing and similar outdoor activities).
TRIPOD
• When using a tripod, make sure it is standing securely and turn the
camera only by turning the tripod, not the actual camera. Ensure
that the tripod screw is hand-tightened only. Avoid transporting
the camera while the tripod is attached. You might injure yourself
or others and the camera could get damaged.
FLASH
• The use of incompatible flash units with your Leica M6 may result
in irreparable damage to the camera and/or the flash unit.

GENERAL INFORMATION
8
GENERAL INFORMATION
Please read the section about “Care/Storage” for more information
about what to do in case of problems.
CAMERA/LENS
• Make a note of the serial numbers of your camera and lenses, as
this information will be extremely important in case of loss.
• Depending on model, you will find the serial number of your cam-
era on the flash shoe or engraved in the underside of the camera.
• Make sure to always have a lens or the camera bayonet cover
attached to prevent dust or other foreign bodies penetrating the
camera.
• That is why you should always replace lenses quickly and in a
dust-free environment.
• Never store the camera bayonet cover or the lens back cover in a
pants pocket, as they will attract lint and dust, which could then
be accidentally introduced into the camera.
BATTERY
• Always remove the battery if the camera will not be used for an
extended period of time.
• Dispose of damaged batteries in accordance with the relevant
regulations at an approved collection point for proper recycling.
• Oxidation of the battery exterior can interrupt the power circuit
and cause the LEDs to turn off. The batteries must in this case be
removed and cleaned with a clean cloth. It may also be necessary
to clean the contacts inside the camera.
FILM
• Ensure that the ISO value of the film is set correctly on the ISO
setting dial.
• Have your exposed film developed directly.

WARRANTY 9
WARRANTY
In addition to your statutory warranty rights regarding your dealer,
you will receive an additional Leica Camera AG product warranty
valid from the date of purchase at an authorized Leica retailer. Pre-
viously, the product warranty was included with the product in the
packaging. From now on, the product warranty will only be available
online as a new service. You will be able to review the warranty
conditions for your product at any time, without having to search
for the document. Please note that this new policy applies only for
products that are no longer delivered with a hardcopy product war-
ranty included in the packaging. Any products still delivered with the
warranty document in the packaging remain governed exclusively by
that document. For more information regarding the warranty scope,
warranty services and limitations, please visit: https://warranty.
leica-camera.com

TABLE OF CONTENTS
10
REWIND LOCKING LEVER......................................................................................24
IMAGE FIELD SELECTOR ........................................................................................25
REPLACING THE FILM PACK .......................................................................... 25
OPENING/CLOSING THE CAMERA........................................................................26
COCKING THE SHUTTER........................................................................................27
REWINDING THE FILM PACK .................................................................................27
REMOVING THE FILM PACK...................................................................................28
INSERTING THE FILM PACK ...................................................................................28
ADVANCING TO THE FIRST EXPOSURE ................................................................29
PHOTOGRAPHY ...................................................................................30
ISO SENSITIVITY.............................................................................................. 30
IMAGE COMPOSITION .....................................................................................31
IMAGE FIELD (BRIGHT-LINE FRAME) ....................................................................31
FOCUSING ........................................................................................................ 33
SUPERIMPOSED IMAGE METHOD (DOUBLE IMAGE) ................................................... 33
SPLIT IMAGE METHOD.................................................................................................. 33
EXPOSURE........................................................................................................ 34
EXPOSURE METERING METHOD.......................................................................... 34
EXPOSURE METERING ...........................................................................................35
EXPOSURE SETTING...............................................................................................35
AUXILIARY EXPOSURE DISPLAYS................................................................................. 35
CHALLENGING SHOOTING CONDITIONS.............................................................36
EXTRA BRIGHT OR DARK OBJECTS ............................................................................... 36
OBJECTS WITH VERY HIGH CONTRAST SCOPE ............................................................ 37
LONG-TERM EXPOSURE (B)...................................................................................37
FLASH PHOTOGRAPHY................................................................................... 38
COMPATIBLE FLASH UNITS...................................................................................38
ATTACHING FLASH UNITS .....................................................................................39
CARE/STORAGE ..................................................................................40
INDEX ...................................................................................................42
TECHNICAL DATA ................................................................................44
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD............................................................................................ 2
SCOPE OF DELIVERY ............................................................................ 2
REPLACEMENT PARTS / ACCESSORIES ............................................ 3
LEGAL INFORMATION........................................................................... 4
SAFETY REMARKS ................................................................................ 6
GENERAL INFORMATION..................................................................... 8
WARRANTY............................................................................................ 9
TABLE OF CONTENTS .........................................................................10
PART DESIGNATIONS .........................................................................12
DISPLAYS .............................................................................................16
PREPARATION .....................................................................................18
ATTACHING THE CARRY STRAP..................................................................... 18
INSERTING/REMOVING THE BATTERY......................................................... 18
LENS...................................................................................................................19
COMPATIBLE LENSES.............................................................................................19
LENSES WITH LIMITED COMPATIBILITY...............................................................19
INCOMPATIBLE LENSES.........................................................................................19
CHANGING THE LENS ............................................................................................20
DIOPTER COMPENSATION ..............................................................................21
CAMERA OPERATION .........................................................................22
CONTROL ELEMENTS ..................................................................................... 22
SHUTTER BUTTON..................................................................................................22
SHUTTER-SPEED DIAL ...........................................................................................22
ISO SETTING DIAL ..................................................................................................23
FILM ADVANCE LEVER ...........................................................................................23
REWIND CRANK......................................................................................................24

TABLE OF CONTENTS 11
LEICA CUSTOMER CARE.....................................................................48
LEICA ACADEMY .................................................................................49
Definition of the various categories of information found in
this manual
Note
Additional information
Important
Failure to comply with instructions may result in damage to the
camera, the accessories or the recordings
Attention
Non-compliance may result in personal injury

PART DESIGNATIONS
12
PART DESIGNATIONS
17
18
20
19
20
22 20a
9
8
15
16
613
10
11 6
12
7
1
2
3
4
5
3a
14

PART DESIGNATIONS 13
LEICA M6
1Shutter button
2Film advance lever
3Shutter-speed dial with stop positions
aAlignment point for shutter-speed dial
4Accessory shoe
5Fold-out rewind crank
6Strap lugs
7Exposure counter
8Rewind locking lever
9Rangefinder window
10 Illuminating window for bright-line frame
11 Viewfinder window
12 Image field selector
13 Lens release button
14 Leica M bayonet
15 Battery compartment with cover
16 Bottom cover locking point
17 Viewfinder eyepiece
18 Contact jack for flash units with cable connection
19 Rear cover (hinged)
20 ISO setting dial
aScale
21 Tripod thread A ¼, DIN 4503 (¼”)
22 Locking toggle for bottom cover

PART DESIGNATIONS
14
LENS*
26
23
24
25 25a
26a
26b
26c
24a
23 Lens hood
24 Aperture ring with scale
aIndex for aperture values
25 Focus ring
aFocus tab
26 Fixed ring
aAlignment point for focusing
bDepth of field scale
cAlignment button for lens replacement
*Not included in the delivery. Representative image. Technical designs may vary
depending on included features.

15

DISPLAYS
16
DISPLAYS
1
2
4
1Bright-line frame
2Metering field for focusing
3LED display
– Concurrently as light balance for exposure compensation. The
triangular LEDs give the direction of rotation of the aperture
ring and shutter-speed dial to adjust the exposure.
– Warning before the measuring range is undercut
(triangular LED on the left)
4Battery warning indicator
3

DISPLAYS 17
BATTERY WARNING INDICATOR
Die Battery warning indicator in the viewfinder indicates the charge
level of the battery while the shutter button is tapped and held.
Display Charge level
Only the light balance
appears.
The charge level of the
battery/batteries is
good.
The battery-shaped LED
is lit in addition to the
light balance.
The batteries will have to
be replaced soon. Pre-
cise exposure metering
will continue to be guar-
anteed regardless.
Only the battery-shaped
LED is lit (or no displays
at all appear).
The batteries need
replacing.

PREPARATION ▸ ATTACHING THE CARRY STRAP / INSERTING/REMOVING THE BATTERY
18
PREPARATION
ATTACHING THE CARRY STRAP
Attention
• Once you have attached the carry strap, please make sure that the
clips are mounted correctly to prevent the camera from falling.
INSERTING/REMOVING THE BATTERY
The Leica M6 requires two silver oxide coin batteries (PX76/SR44)
or one lithium battery (DL1/3N) for exposure metering.
Fig. 1 Fig. 2
▸ Unscrew the cover over the battery compartment in counter-clock-
wise direction
• Depending on the country version, a tool (a flat-tip screwdriver,
a coin or similar) may be required to open/close the cover over
the battery compartment.
▸ Place the battery with the plus pole facing the opening into the
battery compartment (fig. 2).
• Any residual oxidation on the battery must be removed before
inserting the battery.
▸ Position the cover over the battery compartment correctly
▸ Reattach and screw in the locking screw in clockwise direction
Note
• Ensure that the cover over the battery compartment is sufficiently
tightly attached.

PREPARATION ▸ LENS 19
LENS
COMPATIBLE LENSES
LEICA M LENSES
Most Leica M lenses can be used with any lens equipment (with or
without 6-bit encoding in the bayonet).
Please read the following sections for details on the very few excep-
tions and limitations.
Notes
• Leica M lenses come with a control curve that mechanically trans-
fers the set distance to the camera to allow manual focusing via
the rangefinder of the Leica M camera. Please note the following
when using the rangefinder with wide-aperture lenses (≤ 1.4):
– The focusing mechanism of every camera and every lens is
adjusted individually at the Leica Camera AG factory in Wet-
zlar with the greatest possible precision. Extremely narrow
tolerances are adhered to in this process, which allow precise
focusing of every camera/lens combination in photography.
– If wide-aperture lenses (≤ 1.4) are used with an open aperture,
the then sometimes resulting very low depth of field, and inac-
curacies in focusing with the rangefinder may lead to setting
errors resulting from the (added) overall tolerance of the cam-
era and lens. It can therefore not be ruled out that a specific
camera/lens combination may result in systematic deviations.
– We recommend having the lens and camera checked by Leica
Customer Care if you notice a general deviation of the focal
position in a specific direction over time. Our technicians will
ensure that both products are calibrated within the permissible
overall tolerance. However, a 100% match of the focal position
cannot be achieved for all pairings of cameras and lenses.
LENSES WITH LIMITED COMPATIBILITY
COMPATIBLE, BUT MAY POSE RISK OF DAMAGE TO THE
CAMERA AND/OR LENS
– Lenses with retractable tube must only be used with the tube
extended, i.e. never attempt to retract the tube while the lens
is attached to the camera. This does not apply for the current
Makro-Elmar-M 90 f/4 model, as its tube will not retract into the
camera itself and can therefore be used without restriction.
– When using heavy lenses attached to a tripod-mounted camera,
e.g. Noctilux 50 f/0.95 or Leica R lenses with an adapter: Make
sure that the tilt of the tripod head cannot move inadvertently
when the camera is not held. A sudden tilt and impact could result
in damage to the lower edge of the camera bayonet. That is why
you should always use the tripod mount on relevantly equipped
lenses.
COMPATIBLE, BUT EXACT FOCUSING MAY BE LIMITED
Despite the high precision of the rangefinder on the camera, exact
focusing with 135 mm lenses with an open aperture cannot be guar-
anteed due to the very low depth of field. We therefore recommend
stopping down by at least 2 steps.
INCOMPATIBLE LENSES
– Hologon 15 f/8
– Summicron 50 f/2 with close-up function
– Elmar 90 f/4 with retractable tube (manufactured 1954-1968)
– Some examples of the Summilux-M 35 f/1.4 (non-aspherical,
manufactured 1961-1995, Made in Canada) cannot be attached to
the camera or cannot focus to infinity. Leica Customer Care can
modify these lenses for use with the camera.

PREPARATION ▸ LENS
20
CHANGING THE LENS
LEICA M LENSES
ATTACHING
▸ Hold the lens by the fixed ring
▸ Position the alignment button on the lens opposite the release
button on the camera housing
▸ Attach the lens in this position
▸ Turn the lens clockwise until you hear and feel it click into place
DETACHING
▸ Hold the lens by the fixed ring
▸ Press and hold the release button on the camera housing
▸ Turn the lens counter-clockwise until the alignment button is op-
posite the release button
▸ Detach the lens
Important
• Make sure to always have a lens or the camera bayonet cover
attached to prevent dust or other foreign bodies penetrating the
camera.
• That is why you should always replace lenses quickly and in a
dust-free environment.
• When film is loaded, the lens should be changed in the shadow of
the body, as light could fall through the shutter in direct sunlight.