Re: [Leica] How does a Leica M6 age?

[tedgrant@islandnet.com (Ted Grant)]

Alex Brattell wrote:

<<<<to last until eternity and beyond, blah blah, etc etc, but what is the
reality? They certainly seem well built, but what are the parts that fail
first, what are the signs of wear, just how much (ab)use can they take?
>
>Does the colour of the white metering spot on the shutter curtain of the M6
>change with age and is it enough to affect the metering accuracy? How
>permanent is the white stuff, and what is it anyway?
>
>Does anyone with any of the early M6's have any thoughts on this?

Hi Alex,

Mine have been hammered along since 1985 (3 bodies) and I haven't had
anything fail period. Other than a view finder eye piece came loose the
other day and fell off, probably my fault for not doing a bit more
maintainence checking.

The meters are right on the mark and anytime they've been quick tested by a
Leica tech they are right on the mark for shutter speeds and whtever else
they check.

They are hardy machines and can take a bunch of banging around. However,
and  I hate to mention this, given the posts of late, " a reasonable amount
of dropping" Well once anyway depending on what height! :)

I'm sure there are others who have tales of breakdowns and demise, but as
far as I'm concerened my should be good for another 30 years. And I've put
a lot of film through them in various weather, climate and temperature
conditions since '85.
ted

Ted Grant
This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler.
http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant