The M Film Era · 1954–2006

Leica M6 TTL

Notable
CameraLeica M mountMade in Germany1998–2002104331043410475
The final evolution of the mechanical metered film M — and the source of the Classic-vs-TTL distinction every used-market buyer must learn.

The M6 TTL is the camera the naming confuses everyone about. Both it and the original M6 meter exposure through the lens; what the "TTL" in the name actually refers to is TTL flash metering, which the original M6 lacks. Introduced in 1998, it drives compatible flashes (like the SF 20) with through-the-lens flash control.

Spotting one is easy once you know the tells: the top plate is 2 mm taller to house the flash electronics, and the shutter-speed dial is larger and turns the opposite way — deliberately matched to the direction of the meter arrows in the finder, which many shooters find more intuitive. It came in three finder magnifications: 0.58, 0.72, and 0.85.

For buyers: the community calls the 1984–1998 model the "M6 Classic" and this one the "M6 TTL" — listings that just say "M6" are usually the Classic, but check the top plate height and dial. The TTL is the more practical shooter's camera; the Classic has the purer original design and slightly smaller body.

Key specs

type
35mm rangefinder
meter
TTL exposure + TTL flash
finder
0.58 / 0.72 / 0.85 options
shutter
mechanical cloth, 1s-1/1000
production
1998-2002

Variants & finishes

Black chrome10416

The standard TTL in its most popular black finish. TTL means the flash exposure is metered through the lens at the film plane — more accurate with dedicated flash units.

Market value

Used-market price (USD, estimated median)

Estimates from auction and dealer records — condition and completeness vary.

View data
DatePriceSourceCondition
2016-01$1,300curated-estimateuser
2017-01$1,400curated-estimateuser
2018-01$1,600curated-estimateuser
2019-01$1,900curated-estimateuser
2020-01$2,800curated-estimateuser
2021-01$3,200curated-estimateuser
2022-01$3,800curated-estimateuser
2023-01$4,300curated-estimateuser
2024-01$4,200curated-estimateuser
2025-01$4,000curated-estimateuser
2026-01$4,200curated-estimateuser

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leica_M6

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