[Leica] M6 Shutter Speed Dial

[John Campbell <jkcampbell@mmm.com>]

With all this interest in the special M6 models I finally went and took
a look at the new "Millennium" model. The one thing that struck me as a 
vast improvement was the larger shutter speed dial. I've always had trouble
turning the shutter dial while looking thru the viewfinder on my older M6. 

The M5 addressed this problem by putting the dial around the advance
lever and letting it hang out over the edge of the body. I've never
used an M5, but it seems as you would normally hold the camera the shutter
dial would be right there under your index finger, making it very easy
to adjust the speeds without taking your eye away from the viewfinder.

The dial on the new M6 doesn't hang out over the edge of the body, but
it at least comes close. Of course this started me thinking maybe I can
put the new dial on my old M6! Comparing my old M6 and photos of the 
Millennium M6 and the M6TTL, not only is the dial larger, but the 
center of the dial appears to be more forward and closer the the rewind
lever. 
How can this be? OK, my thought process is now kicking into overtime. 
On the older M series cameras the shutter dial is connected directly 
to the shaft of the shutter timing gears (yes I take my cameras apart 
all the time). Either the whole shutter timing system has moved or the 
new shutter dial is no longer connected directly tho the shaft but to 
something else and geared to the timing shaft. Or maybe its all just 
an optical illusion. Anyone got any answers? Maybe someone could "lend"
me a "Millennium Special" I could take apart and see how it works. I
promise to put it back together. Thanks jc