M6 'Electronic'

Prototype M6 with electronic shutter, produced 1981 from a design of Peter Loseries, using the Minolta XD-7 main chassis including the Seiko-shutter, which was already used for the Leica R4. The mirror-reflex-housing and the penta prism was cut off, a M-rangefinder was built in. The result was a M-Leica with TTL meter and automatic exposure control. The camera could be used with data back and R4 motor drives. The so-called “M6 electronic” was finished by late 1981 and only four complete prototypes were produced. None of these remained at Leica company and only two of them are known to exist. The M6 which finally went to production in 1984 was completely different from this first concept. The offered prototype is engraved with prototype number 12345678. It comes with prototype motor winder no. 000008 and a very unusual prototype Elmarit-M 2.8/28mm. This lens with prototype no. 5001632 has a very compact design and a built-in square hood. It was constructed by Rolf Crema - only two of these lenses were assembled. It never went in production. The outfit is in excellent condition and was never offered at an auction before.