Watched from beginning to end. What an amazing story!! I feel inspired 😌 congrats on the Leica!! Also shoutout to Chris and Rafael! 🎉

I loved hearing this story! In 2016 I started picking up photography, and then my dad found out I was interested so he started getting back into film photography with me! He was always collecting Leica cameras like the M3 and Leica ii, which also got me interested in them. We had talked about which Leica I should get if I saved up enough money and the Leica M6 ttl with the .72 viewfinder in black was the ideal pick. It always felt like some far-off goal because of the price tag. When I was about to graduate college, my dad asked me what I would like as a graduation gift! He said, "Alright, I could help you out with getting a car, or the M6." Before he even finished his sentence I just interrupted and said "Oh my god definitely the M6!" Graduation came and he handed me this cardboard box that looked like it had traveled all over the world. I opened it up and there it was!! Crisp and clean! This camera is always on me now. I love it not only for how I like to use it but also because it's like a token from my dad and that makes it that much more precious to me.

Nobody deserves this more than you Joan! You are an incredible person and an incredible Visual artist!

Red dot! So happy to be a small part of your Leica journey, JV! Can’t wait for all the art you make with your M6!

Enjoyed your story great friends you have

My first Leica was an M1 that I used on a microscope while I was in college. Years after I graduated, I purchased an M6 with the following M lenses: Leitz 90mm f/2 Summicron Zeiss 35mm f/1.4 Distagon Leitz 21mm f/1.4 Summilux I used mine primarily for reportage.

I remember when I got my M6 for less than $1000, and how it felt to have it and use it for the first time. Its a great camera!! (thou I love my M4/M3 more lol) I hope you enjoy it for years to come :D

Very cool! Thanks for the story. Trying to figure if I should get film camera or not.

It’s so pretty! Welcome to the club!

Congratulations on your first Leica. It reminded me of my experience of getting my first Leica back in July of this year.

Congrats! Super cool story!!

Congrats on your M6! It is a great camera. Enjoy!

Great storytelling ! Another Leica Journey. Cheers ✌

I still remember the first time I held one, definitely a nice time 😊 feels like something that can last a lifetime.

Am legit crying for you man it’s my goal to buy a Leica my self and to see someone get it just make me happy inside congrats ❤

Still saving for a Leica m6 I’m 25 going to be 26 soon and wanted one since I’ve been 14 hopefully before I’m 30 like youself

Congratulations on the new Leica! I bought my dream camera the leica M6 in January 2021 after saving up in 2020 during lockdown. I then bought a Leica MP-240 in December 2021! I still can't believe I own two Leica's lol

Congrats, Joan! :)

Lucky is a very famous and long history high end camera shop in Tokyo Japan. If you could find a good deal there then it's good to take the chance. Congratulation to join the Leica world. There are so many options of good old lenses LTM/M-mount you could choose from to pair with you M6.

Congrats 🎉🎉

Congrats on your new acquisition. Looks good in black! I don't know if different versions of the M6 work differently, but I've had the same battery on mine for about a year and I don't put mine in Bulb mode when not in use. The light meter doesn't turn on unless I cock the shutter and half press the release button. Maybe your version stays on?

...and tt artisan or 7 artisans have a very cool light meter that you put in the hot shoe, low profile

Wow!!! Lucky is a Lucky camera store!!. I kick myself for not buying an M6 in London (Camera Exchange ) while i was there on Vacation in 2018, they wanted 2,000 Pounds, it was silver but was very clean. I eventually got a mint M7 but it was nowhere near 2,000 Pounds lol.

Have fun with your M6! Don't think of yourself as an impostor. You paid for the camera and you have every right to own and use it. In whichever way you like! Do what you want with it and shoot what you want with it. Nice that you were able to finally get your M6! I've heard about the battery draining issue. But that must be some issue with a certain batch of Classic M6s? I've last changed the battery about 4 years ago...despite shooting at least every week.I don't set it to bulb when I'm not using it. I don't have the 1/3N battery though, I use two LR44s. Cannot imagine that making a difference though...

The most exciting FaceTime call to Japan ever.

Glad i got to be part of this historic event!

Nobody gonna show some love the the M5?

I always feel bad when I see videos like this. The classic M6 is fine but definitely not worth the money. The M6 TTL has an electronic component in the light meter that has a lifespan of about 25 year so the light meters on these are all dying now. Even unopened new models. The new M6 fixes a lot of the old M6s problems but it’s not as amazing as the old Leicas. They used to make much better cameras back in the day. Their manufacturing process was much more focused on making the best cameras instead of a luxury fashion accessory. The M2, M3, M4, and very especially the M5 are so much better cameras. I own two M5s and it truly is the best camera ever made. It has the best ergonomics, most precise light meter, the best 0.72x view finder together with the new M6 and MP, and it’s definitely the most durable if you get a good serviced one. I’ve shot with the M6 for a year and the much nice M2 as well. I even had the M3 for a few months and that it also one of the best cameras ever made. But the M5 is just so fantastic. Even with film prices and mathematical film emulation, there wouldn’t be another camera I’d rather be having around my shoulder every day. The meter only engages the battery if you half press the shutter button and it should only stay on for 10 seconds. If you have problems I can really recommend you have your camera checked out by Sherry Kräuter in upstate New York. She‘s the best. But be warned she‘s gonna tell you the same thing about the M6 and M5. She was trained in Germany by Leitz when they first released the M5. Also when looking for lenses I really recommend the new stuff Voigtländer makes if you like modern lenses that still have character. They really sharp without being clinical and give you Leica level colors. If you want more character and especially flare the old Canon lenses for Leica threat mount are a great deal. They have gorgeous vintage character without being soft or soapy. I mean much like Leica they made some of the best lenses at the time. The 35mm f2 is really nice and there is company in the UK that mods the to focus closer than 1m. You said you don’t like 50mm but the Canon 50mm f1.4 LTM is so good that I’m actually selling my Voigtländer 50mm f1.5 Nolton Asph to buy the new Voigtländer 35mm f1.5 Nokton Asph. I‘m testing it right now and it’s one of the nicest lenses I‘ve used so far. And the includes some modern Leica glass.

Congrats dude! $2500-ish is a STEAL for an M6.

Why does one need approval or validation to buy whatever they want? It's entirely your business. I can't believe how insecure people are.