[Leica] M6 TTL RF misalignment

["Dr. Joseph Yao" <yaojkfdr@netvigator.com>]

Pieter,

Thank you for your suggestions.  The Metz flash probably did put enough
pressure on the camera to mess up its RF.  I say this not because the
flash is that heavy, it is probably because the M6 top cover is not as
strong as it should be.  I have since fixed the RF misalignment.  What
did I do?  I used my thumb and pressed hard on the camera top cover and
put the RF back in alignment.

You are right that the 40 MZ-3 is clumsy and unbalanced, rather
front-heavy.  I also find its recycling rather slow.  It is a much
better flash for the R8 than for the M6.  I bought it because I have
many different camera systems and in the long run it is cheaper to buy
the Metz with many different SCA modules than buying different flash
units from various manufacturers.  Perhaps we are not supposed to use
flash with our Ms after all!

Joseph

> Sorry to hear about your RF problem.  The M6 TTL must be new enough that
> you can get it repaired under warranty.
> 
> I have one of these Metz units.  Although it provides high-quality light
> output and has mega-features, it is bigger than the M6, heavy, and worst
> of all, its weight is totally unbalanced.  A clumsy design -- it will put
> serious torque on the hotshoe for instance when you pick up the M6+Metz
> combination.
> 
> But will it put enough pressure on the camera to screw up the RF?
> Don't know.
> 
> Try using the Metz off-camera, such as on a bracket.  Or put a low-powered
> lightweight flash on the M6 (for fill light only), and put the Metz on a
> stand, slaved.
> 
> - -- 
> Pieter Bras