Born in 1984, the Leica M6 was the brand’s first “everyman” rangefinder. Gone were the brass top plates of the M3/M4; in came zinc alloy, plastic counters, and TTL metering. Purists howled, but photographers voted with their wallets – 20 years of production (1984-2003) cemented its status as Leica’s best-selling M. The genius of the M6? It made the unattainable attainable by wrapping professional-grade optics in a blue-collar shell.
For those who enjoy shooting with Leica lenses at wide apertures, ISO 100 film remains a popular choice that offers greater convenience than ISO 400, particularly when using large apertures like f/0.95 or f/1.4. Furthermore, ISO 100 film can produce much finer image quality than ISO 400 film. The Rollei RPX film boasts a remarkably flat base, which allows for easy scanning without the need for flattening. This is a feature that I personally love.
However, while ISO 100 film is generally considered to be fine-grained, the grain may still be noticeable to some extent. Established brands such as Kodak, Ilford, and Fuji have invested considerable efforts in fine-grain technology. Nevertheless, the RPX film has several advantages: it is affordable, easy to develop, and has good tolerance. By contrast, many ISO 100 films have poor tolerance, particularly the Fuji Acros 135 and Ilford Pan 100. Rollei RPX, on the other hand, has a level of tolerance that is more commonly associated with ISO 400 films. The contrast of RPX 100 is also medium to high.
So why has Rollei resumed film production, offering various types of film including ISO 25, ISO 50, and ISO 100, all produced in Europe? According to the packaging of MACO PHOTO PRODUCTS, the company is located in Stapelfeld, Germany and is a subsidiary of Hans O. Mahn Gmbh & Co. KG, with a 36-year history of producing film. Interestingly, it comes from the same factory as Ilford and Kentmere in the UK, with only different formulations.
Rollei RPX 100 is a traditional medium-speed black and white film. This film is suitable for a wide range of photographic and scientific applications. Particularly portrait and landscape photography, architecture and product photography. The popularity of this film confirms its high quality. It is a fine grain film that enables good sharpness and a broad tonal range with good contrast.Continue reading Rollei RPX100 black and white film
I’ve always cherished Leica cameras for their blend of beauty and utility, and the Leica M6 stands out as a masterpiece. It’s intuitive, reliable, and—for me—the heart of my collection alongside the M3, M2, and CL.
In film photography, exposure is everything. The M6’s built-in TTL (Through-The-Lens) metering system is a revelation—precise and stable, reading light off the shutter curtain with uncanny accuracy. Forget the “Sunny 16” rule’s guesswork; this camera gives me confidence to nail every shot, especially when transitioning from digital to film. It’s a trusted ally for capturing fleeting moments without second-guessing.
The M6’s look is pure Leica: sleek lines, a bold red dot, and a choice of silver TTL or black Classic finishes. I started with the silver TTL, but the black body’s mystique won me over—its understated elegance keeps my focus on the frame. At 580g (body only), it’s hefty yet balanced, a tactile reminder of German craftsmanship.
My Leica journey began with the groundbreaking M3, moved to the compact CL, and peaked with the M6. That red dot isn’t just a logo—it’s a symbol of my devotion to photography’s art. After a decade with these cameras, the M6 remains my go-to for its blend of legacy and function.
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