User's Manual

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Rangefinder
Thanks to its high effective base line value, the
rangefinder of the two LEICA M6 TTL models
permits very precise control. This is particularly
advantageous when wide-angle lenses, which
provide a relatively large depth-of-field, are
used. The larger magnification of the 0.85-fold
viewfinder with its longer base line leads to
even higher accuracy:
Mechanical base line
(distance between
the optical axes of
the viewfinder
and the rangefinder
window
x Viewfinder
magnification
= Effective
base line
LEICA M6 TTL
with 0.72x
viewfinder 69.25 mm x 0.72
Approx.
= 49.9 mm
LEICA M6 TTL
with 0.85x
viewfinder 69.25 mm x 0.85
Approx.
= 58.9 mm
The rangefinder field is the bright rectangle in
the centre of the viewfinder field. If you cover
up the large viewfinder window (14), only the
bright-line frames and the rangefinder field
remain visible. The bright, sharply defined
rangefinder field permits the use of either
coincidence or split-image rangefinder focu-
sing.
Coincidence (double image) focusing
In most cases, and particularly for pictures of
people, the coincidence or double-image
method is preferable because it requires no
straight lines in the subject. Simply cover the
most important part of the subject with the
rangefinder field, turn the focusing ring of the
lens until the double image merges to one, and
recompose (if necessary) to make the
exposure.
Split-image focusing
For pictures of buildings or other subjects
containing straight vertical lines, position the
rangefinder field such that it is intersected by a
line. Now turn the focusing ring of the lens until
one continuous line is formed.
In practical use, it may be advantageous to
combine both methods.
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