Leica M6 “Electronic”

By end of the 1970s most 35mm photographers eyesight severely faded, to the point that about no one could shoot properly exposed photographs anymore. Resolving the issue was one of the most important challenges for the Leitz designers spread around the globe (Germany, Canada, Portugal, etc..), to integrate a TTL metering into the Leica M camera.

Leitz designer Peter Loseries had the idea of using the Leica R4 with its Seiko shutter as a basis. Mirror box and penta-prism were taken off and instead a rangefinder was set on. The result ought to be a Leica M with TTL metering, optional automatic exposure and a large camera rear door opening horizontally. The R4 data back, as well as winder and drive should be compatible.
What sounds so simple, in fact was almost an entirely new design. For various reasons this camera never went into commercial production. Only a few complete sample units do exist, one of which is shown here.

Photo credit: © WestLicht Photographica Auction