Site Progress Update 30.10.2008 1st Draft
LEICA M6J 40th Jahre Leica-M Photography, 1994
In German, "Jahre" means
Years. The "J" used in this model can mean "Jahre" or "Jubilee"
where the latter term used is also appropriate as the camera model was meant to commemorate
40th Jubilee year since the LEICA-M was first introduced.
I have read a reference where a Japanese site has indicated the "J" was
for Japan as it was Japanese users group who had provided such a unique configuration
for the M6J. Anyway, barring patriotism, Leica is a universal brand and since we
think this interpretation has a more logical explanation, we will just accept the
"J" means Jahre i.e. a uniquely-spec Leica M6 by Leica AG to commemorate
the 40th years of Leica-M photography; full stop. The
LEICA M6J has a very unique design philosophy. It was introduced roughly 10 years
after the LEICA M6 was introduced, and over a decade, probably everyone has been
already very familiar with the usual design of the M6. Prior to its release, we had
witnessed a series a small quantity of Leica special releases in different configurations
as well as the purposes for their introduction. |
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Most of these special issues were mainly introduced to
entertain individual requests rather than official releases. There was one exception
with Special Edition LEICA M6 Platinum
to commemorate 150 years of photography
and 75 years of Leica photography w/matching Platinum-finish Summilux-M
1.4/50mm issued back in 1989.
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| The 1,250 units Platinum M6 was the largest
single-batch Special M6 edition issued by Leica AG after their earlier attempt in
1979 with the 1,000 units of LEICA
M4-2 Oskar Barnack 100th year 1879~1979 Gold-plated limited edition, which was introduced
10 years before the M6 Platinum series. So, technically at the time of its introduction,
this Special Edition of LEICA M6J with a total quantity of 1,640 units could be ranked
as the largest single-batch release of a special commemorative rangefinder camera
model. |
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Even for the current LEICA M6 owners,
the LEICA M6J would look very different from a standard production M6. For those
who had a Leica M3 before, it would probably be somewhat familiar, because the M6J
was like a hybrid between M3 and an M6. Judging by its technical specifications,
it can also be regarded as a meterless M3 outfit merging with a modern M6 capabilities.
The camera was sold as a kit with an unusual matched optic, a collapsible Elmar-M
1:2.8/50mm lens. Standard component in the kit includes a wooden presentation box,
a leather camera case and two smaller secondary leather cases as well as a metal
lens hood and lens cap. |
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| The M6J only was only being produced
in silver chrome finish only and no known black version has surfaced so far. The
original price for a complete kit was rather on a high side, and even today most
of the units for sale with "nice numbers" can still fetch slightly above
USD7,000-00. There were instances where they were being sold at USD4,500-00~US6,000-00,
but that was not indicative of the whole batch price. Strictly speaking, the M6J
has presumably a less glaring body spec than a comparable LEICA M6 Platinum and/or
some of the Leica M6 collectibles such as Gold Edition bodies; it may make you wonder
why would it be still having such an extra premium ? NOTE: Considering a typical
standard LEICA M6 silver chrome model which typically retails between USD1,800-00
~2,300-00, that is quite a difference. |
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To be begin with, here are a few photos
of a typical M6 Classic chrome and two early versions of LEICA M3 bodies. Despite
all the years of LEICA-M development, most Leica faithful always have a soft spot
in their heart for the classic M3. The M6 with its sleek, simple, elegant look and
no frills controls, technically, is still a direct descendant of the earliest Leica
designs. One way another, it gives you such a feeling of connection with the past.
I guess all along, Leica AG always knew this strong attachment and had in mind what
the users expected. |
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| So when a commemorative theme for 40
years of Leica-M photography was considered, Leica didn't adopt the usual luxurious
packaging for the planned release of a commemorative limited edition M6; instead,
the eventually released M6J had surprised most people as it had a seemingly M3 look
with core M6 features, with a few revised old features. Basically, the M6J shares
same design aspiration and quality build as one of those Leica M's which appeared
during the 50's and 60's, while it retains most operational convenience of a modern
LEICA M6. |
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From the business point of view, the
LEICA M6J was a tremendous success; so successful that some even thought the core
design of the M6J would be used as the basis to replace the M6 design. But fortunately
it didn't - because to me the entire edition was just using the string of sentimental
reasons and brand loyalty as the main tool for marketing the series. Basically, there
is nothing wrong with the M6 and it didn't make any sense to revert the design back
to M3 look and expect the users to turn around and change their M6 back simply because
it looked like the M3. Besides, I guess such a theme can only be used once, as the
entire issued quantity was said to be 1640 units, with 40 units per year. I am not
sure if my calculation was weak or what, and couldn't get the numbers right, 40x40
that only makes 1,600...unless it is 40 +1 = 1640.
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Other than the usual elegant look, it the M6J offers
some hybrid features / designs between an old M3 with a TTL capable M6. It was the
first M6 Classic model before 1998 that has incorporated with a high magnification
finder 0.86X. Built-in bright lines frames were affected in some ways, so it only
caters for 35, 50, 90 & 135mm lenses; other focal lengths may have to make use
of finder accessories
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How to identify the serialized number
for each unit ? Leica cleverly engraved each calendar year and followed by the production
number i.e. 1960-xx; the arrangement created extra excitement among buyers who could
choose the serial number based on individual preferences, such as year of birth or
specific number of significant meaning to individual etc.
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Each issued unit bears a unique number
on the camera body, with the same number repeated on the matching Elmar-M 50/2.8
lens. Some serial numbers which carried unique meaning in relation to Leica can even
fetch slightly higher premium in today's used equipment market. Well, I have to compliment
Leica on how they came with a very innovative arrangement in this respect where they
had managed to create something extra out of nothing from the conventional numbering
method. However, unlike Special Editions, where sometimes users can request a special
number, in this edition nobody knows how the distribution of Edition S/N works.
The selection of an ELMAR-M 1:2.8/50mm was debatable. It differs from the current
ELMAR-M as it uses the old-style focusing tab but good point is, it uses a collapsible
design which compliments the old classic feel of the M6J. A more original idea would
be a f/2.0 50mm Summicron-M in similar collapsible design where it would also have
been seen as Leica putting an extra effort in this special edition. Further, from
practical usage point of view, f/2.8 is still relatively slow for a 50mm lens for
wide scope of handheld available light photography.
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When it is retracted, the collapsible
ELMAR 50mm f/2.8 lens actually looks very tiny on the M6J, the only picture I can
get from open source with such a view was HERE.
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LEICA has a few lens accessories for
the collapsible ELMAR 50/2.8. It was supplied with a metal lens hood (12549) as well
as the old-style LEICA metal lens cap. The accompanying leather case can be used
for the lens and other accessories. The lens has very well laid out features, especially
the excellent illustrated depth of field scales engraved on the outer ring –
which is a feature that has all but vanished on modern autofocus lenses.
Overall, the LEICA M6J is considered to be a very attractive option of a LEICA M6.
The excessive price tag was the only negative issue, as even in well preserved, used
condition it is still considered to be on a high side. |
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Some may argue it has tremendous collectible
value, but I am not sure if anyone has ever thought this model was just a basic,
non-precious metal coated rangefinder camera. If your intention is just to have a
rangefinder camera for personal photography, all you will ever need is just an “ordinary”
M6, where you can literally get one at 1/3 of the price of this collectable model.
But if your intention is to acquire an M6J and are hoping the price will appreciate
in time to come, which I think it CERTAINLY WILL but not as fast you thought it will
be. Reasons:- The M6J edition was issued in a rather large quantity and the market
may take a little longer time to digest.
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| I am not sure if anyone has ever made
any comparisons with an alternate Nikon SP Black Limited Edition with a W-Nikkor.C 35mm f/1.8, which can generally be found cheaper,
at USD5,000 entry price. Anyway, a LEICA is a LEICA - the M6J is still ranked as
one of the most beautifully engineered M6 designs in the recent years: its elegant
look and rugged build quality added a touch of an old feel, which, with the usual
unobtrusiveness factor, presents itself as an excellent and a very practical imaging
tool. Well, I don't intend to dampen your high spirit as I guess it is something
like a decision between the heart and the soul. |
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Photo Showcase on
Selective S/N for LEICA M6J Kit
1954~1959 | 1960~1969 | 1970~1979 | 1980~1989 | 1990~1994
Recommended External Links/Resources:
Stephan Gandy's LEICA M6J resources | LEICA M6J Instruction Manual
(6.3 MB) download
(Summilux-net); Alternate Source:- Diplodocs.CN (6.3
MB)
Main Index Page
- Leica M6-series models / Main Index Page - Leica-M Series
Rangefinder camera Models
Standard Nomenclature
/ Main Reference Map for Leica M6 Standard Model(s) | Leica M6 TTL Model(s)
Other M6 Instruction Manuals:- Leica M6 Classic in PDF (3.8mb) by Niels
H. S. Nielsen; Leica M6 TTL 3.6 Mb
PDF) by Joe Chan
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