Leica M6 chrome, 1992 &
1994 models
Both of the cameras shown here were
only separated by difference in stages/serial numbers.
Almost identical in nature. Just as a visual reference only. If you trust the serial
number provided online, it reads:
4/3/1992 M6 chrome 1914001~1915000 1000
4/28/1992 M6 black 1915001~1918000 3000
6/1/1992 M6 chrome 1918021~1919020 1000
9/4/1992 M6 chrome 1926001~1928000 2000
10/27/1992 M6 chrome 1928001~1931000 3000
12/10/1992 M6 chrome 1931001~1932000 1000
Ref:- Leica M 1954/1999 (Cameraquest).
One interesting note provided by the Stephen's
references is,
as if the batches were not in accordance with the serialized number. Leica does
provide an online search of serial numbers:
Leica M-lens coding PDF
(84k) download
(Leica, AG);
Leica Camera/Leitz
Lenses S/N check (requires registration) at Owners Support@LEICA camera, AG
The S/N of the M6 chrome below is 190389x
as furnished by the auction house. It didn't appear in the list. Instead, it was
listed as
8/22/1991 M6 chrome 1903501~1904500 1000; although
this is not an important issue as these resources should be more than good enough
as a quick refernces, but IF it really matters a lot, I would prefer to use LEICA
AG owners' support area as a guide.
Leica M6 black,
1995
There are two 1995
M6 here, one with a Leica M-grip (14405) while another is a bare basic model. Both
fall between price range of EURO 1,100~1,300* .
* NOTE;- Indicative price(s) herein is/are based original
prices published on previous auction literature/references. Prices may vary according
to gradual yearly premium, supply/demand equations, and/or other renewed valuation
methods.
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Leica M6 black,
1996
In comparison, shown
below is a typical LEICA M6 black of 1996 production. In a similar condition as the
1992/5 mint body above, this Leica M6 classic
black, with a condition like new in an original (plastic) maker's box, with all corresponding
papers would have a higher start up price of EURO 800-00 and an even higher hammer
price at EURO 1,313-00*. Somehow, market interpretation may suggest a black M6 has
a slight price edge over standard chrome bodies.
* NOTE;- Indicative price(s) herein is/are based original
prices published on previous auction literature/references. Prices may vary according
to gradual yearly premium, supply/demand equations, and/or other renewed valuation
methods.
After 1988, sales of M6 were going
moderately well, with 1991 and 1994 within shooting target of reaching 10K. The years
1995 and 1997 had even surpassed 10,000 units again (Reflected as record profits
in financial year 1996*). Citing all these years under the shadow of the awesome metering
capabilities as well as fully autofocus SLR cameras, the fact that an M6 with a bare
basics camera controls and metering function can still withheld its own territory
as a rangefinder camera, was simply amazing. I guess one of the landmarks for Leica
was the successful IPO listing of Leica AG on Frankfurt Stock Exchange (stock quote
LCAGH.De) in 1996. Models produced during this period had no significant differences
from earlier ones. Except after the IPO, Leica had access to public funding and more
focus in their business nature. A typical pre-IPO M6 and a M6 introduced during IPO
in 19996 as followed.
This 1994 set with an excellent rated
mint condition had an indicative auction start price of
EUR 600 with buy-now price at EUR 1.140-00.
*
Related:
A good article on Leica AG's path from privately held entity
to IPO in 1996.
Towards the end of millennium, the emergence of digital
cameras has brought a strong change in the direction of analogue cameras, and the
M6 was not spared. The subsequent years saw there was a slower sales figures on this
evergreen classic rangefinder body by Leica AG. However, during this period we also
witnessed the emergence of a series of special edition M6 cameras with higher sales
premium, to supplement the conventional sales to boost profit.
The production of M6 classic body is believed to have ceased in 1998/1999, and replaced
with an
M6, which had different viewfinder magnifications and hence named them as M6 TTL
w/0.X indication.
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previous | Next | 3/4
A very interesting visual guide on a Leica M6 Pre-M6TTL model w/0.85x Finder magnification
Fragile info on Leica M6 prototype |
Part 1 | Part
2 | Part 3
| Part 4
Nomenclature / Main Reference Map for Leica M6 Standard Model(s) | Leica M6 TTL Model(s)
Instruction Manuals:- Leica M6 Classic in PDF (3.8mb)
by Niels H. S. Nielsen; Leica M6 TTL 3.6 Mb PDF) by Joe Chan
Main Index Page
- Leica M6-series models / Main Index Page - Leica-M Series
Rangefinder camera Models
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