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M6 Shutter bInnacuracyb vs M7 Electronic Shutter

Colin, I am not sure about the temperature.
But at 5,500 feet it was 29 degrees F at about 1:00 AM., and I took the shot at 11,000 feet in the morning at about 0900 AM.
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Assuming it was 15 degrees F (and it might have been less), that certainly is cold enough to affect the battery and if the camera had spent sometime outside the warmth of your coat, it could possibly cause some sluggishness in the shutter.
I don't know how Leica tests for cold weather performance but common sense dictates that in Arctic conditions, keeping the camera protected from the cold as much as possible is necessary. With my experiences at 40 below and greater, I have always kept the camera under my parka. On the occassions where it has exceeded 50 below,I have noticed that my leather camera case opens with a "crack" as all the oil in the tanning had frozen.Film advance is also a s-l-o-w and deliberate action. In addition, common sense dictates that one shouldn't be out in such conditions anyway.One's time is better spent indoors, reading a photographic book and sipping on a brandy!
 
Keeping in mind that Leica considered one 2000th to be unreliable, we are to assume that 1000th must be on the threshold of mechanical reliability,
so I decided to let it pass. Nonetheless, I had my camera checked here by a Leica serviceman, and he gave the report that my MP was all-OK, and indeed, the shutter being very accurate (btw, I watched his testing).
 
Colin -- That's great that you have the actual test results for the M6 (Classic) - the Pop.Photo. Report on the internet didn't retain the test results for that version of the camera - it simply said in the text that the shutter accuracy was not good, and then in the M6TTL report, which did contain the test results (which I thought were quite acceptable) it said they were much better than the M6! How odd. I do think the exposure readout does sound better on the TTL as you describe. Do you have a copy of the M6 test results you can mail? I already have the M6TTL results... On a second-hand camera, is it worth having the shutter speed adjusted? James
 
Colin: I almost forgot to share a little tale with many of you regarding batteries for the M7. While visiting Argentina and Chile a few months back, I noted the M7 finder telling me that my batteries were starting to draw down. I had thought I had changed them, as usual, just before leaving. Nevertheless, I always have a spare set. After inserting the new set, I thought it prudent ( since I was on the way to Bariloche and then over The Andes to Chile ) to have another back up set with me just in case. I cannot tell you how difficult a time I had finding a backup set of batteries in Buenos Aires. Of course, I don't know the city very well and perhaps I was unintentionally misdirected by the very helpful and friendly folks there. After lots of walking and some stress I found a back up set at, of course, at a much higher price then I would have found in Florida. I was not able to locate a large camera store, or even a small camera store which had batteries for the M7. Lots of batteries for digital cameras, etc., but none for the M7! If there are any colleagues from Argentina on this thread perhaps they might tell me where to find a camera store in Buenos Aires that routinely has batteries for the M7! The moral: Now I take....you guessed it....TWO back up sets of batteries for the M7 when going on vacation.

Elliot
 
Hi All -- Just to let you know that, although this debate may well continue (and why not?), my debate has ended as I've just ordered a second hand M6 Classic with 35mm F2 Summicron M lens, all for under £1000 from a specialist Leica premier dealer, who assures me they are perfect optically and mechanically (cosmetic signs of use, but nothing too drastic - so perfect for a working camera as it'll stop me being TOO precious about it!). They come with a ful l six-month warranty in any case. So I'm pretty happy, although my bank balance isn't! I'll let you know first impressions when I get the camera, hopefully tomorrow... Thank you all for your excellent, and interesting, responses and advice. I' m sure I shall be on the forum a lot from now on (asking a lot of questions about how to get the best from the camera no doubt) and this was a very nic e introduction to some apparently very pleasant and knowledgeable people. All the best, James
 
> [I have read with interest the exchange of suggestions regarding your > choice. You have made an excellent decision and will not regret it -- > except perhaps for not acting sooner. As a young man 40 years ago I had > the opportunity to use for a week or so an older M. I loved it but > dismissed owning a Leica as beyond my means. I always had cameras, mostly > Nikon SLR, and used them. About 18 months ago, I noticed some old rich > bugger snapping candid shots on our town square with his nifty M7. I > instantly went out and -- after the briefest research -- snapped up a > classic M6 and 50mm Summicron. I've since picked up another and a total of > eight lenses. I always have one at hand and have consumed more than 200 > rolls of film. My main regret is that I waited so long. Expensive? > Perhaps but money can be replaced while time without a Leica is lost > indeed]
 
>I have used my M2 in Alaska for 30 years. It takes more frequent maintenance to keep the second shutter from slowing down when quite cold, but properly serviced it is quite good. We are talking cold enough to break the film if one tries to transport it too quickly. I have also had good luck with my R3 and SL, but a shortened battery life (still quite good) with my R8. In contrast my digital Canon SLR is a bit of a wus in the cold.
 
James, An excellent choice. Congratulations. Good lens choice too.
If you want the test results for the M6 there are 2 choices...I can mail you a copy of Pop Photo's, or you could get a copy of the Amateur Photographer's test from Oldtimer Cameras in the UK.
If you contact me off line with your address, I'll be more than happy to send what I have.
 
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