Leica M6J (1994)

Name: Leica M6J
Brand: Leica

The Leica M6J is a limited-edition variant of the M6, released in 1994 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Leica M series. It was sold as a kit, set number 10440, paired with an Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8 lens. The examples that surface today typically include the retail box, presentation box, certificate of authenticity, and matching lens accessories.

Documentation on the M6J is thin. Leica never published an extensive spec sheet for it, and most of what circulates comes from auction listings and collector forums rather than official materials. It was a special production run, not a mainstream model. A unit with serial number 1994-10 surfaced at the Leitz Photographica Auction as a charity item, fetching €9,000, with proceeds going to “Licht ins Dunkel.” diyphotography.net covered that sale and noted the same figure. Other examples have appeared on the used market in the $10,000 range for complete kits.

The M6J is a fully usable camera, not only a collector’s piece. A user report on 35mmc.com describes shooting a roll of Kodak TMAX-100 with it, setting the built-in meter’s ISO to about 650 to push the film, and mounting a Summicron 50mm f/2 instead of the kit Elmar. The same writer chose the camera for candid street portraits. It is a functional rangefinder, compatible with the full range of M-mount lenses.

Known specs are sparse, but the following is documented:

35mm rangefinder camera, Leica M-mount
Limited edition released 1994, commemorating 40 years of the M series
Kit set number 10440, including Elmar-M 50mm f/2.8 lens
Built-in light meter
Sold as a body-and-lens set; examples appear with certificate of authenticity and presentation box

Beyond that, the record is quiet. No official production numbers, no original retail price, and no detailed body specifications have surfaced in the available sources. The serial number on the top plate matters to some buyers, and collectors have been known to seek out specific units for personal reasons, as one forum member did with serial number 1991-21.