Leica M2 vs M4 vs M6 Any Real Difference in Optical Results?

[RezaLoghme]

Hi all,

I’m considering buying another Leica M (film) body — probably an M2, M4, or M6 — and I have a fairly straightforward question:

Assuming the same lens, film, and lab/scanning process are used, will these bodies produce identical optical results, or are there meaningful differences in the final images?

I’m not talking about metering convenience or handling (I’m aware the M6 has a built-in meter, etc.), but rather whether factors like viewfinder magnification, rangefinder base length, or mechanical differences can actually lead to variations in sharpness, focus accuracy, or image rendering.

In other words: is the choice between these bodies purely about ergonomics/features, or can it actually affect the look of the images?

Would love to hear from people who’ve shot multiple of these side by side.

Thanks in advance!

 

[MattKing]

In the context of other cameras - I've only demonstrated and sold Leica rangefinders, never used them for my own photography - ergonomics and features interact with me as the operator, so yes those characteristics do affect the final images.
Much of that interaction is, of course, personal to the operator.

 

[RezaLoghme]

My question was specifically aimed at the bodies mentioned.

 

[MattKing]

Understood - but you may have difficulty separating the role played by the camera bodies and the role played by the needs and desires of the photographers using them.
For example: the different viewfinders may impact eyeglass wearers in different ways than they impact those who need no vision correction or wear contact lenses.

 

[GregY]

Hi all,

I’m considering buying another Leica M (film) body — probably an M2, M4, or M6 — and I have a fairly straightforward question:

Assuming the same lens, film, and lab/scanning process are used, will these bodies produce identical optical results, or are there meaningful differences in the final images?

I’m not talking about metering convenience or handling (I’m aware the M6 has a built-in meter, etc.), but rather whether factors like viewfinder magnification, rangefinder base length, or mechanical differences can actually lead to variations in sharpness, focus accuracy, or image rendering.

In other words: is the choice between these bodies purely about ergonomics/features, or can it actually affect the look of the images?

Would love to hear from people who’ve shot multiple of these side by side.

Thanks in advance!

All things being equal... that is working properly ...... no difference
but the subtle differences may matter to the user

 

[4season]

Provided that they are functioning properly, I've never noticed the slightest difference in picture quality between any of my Leica film camera bodies.

 

[Alan9940]

Theoretically, if you put the same lens on any Leica M body the resulting image will be the same. However, there are other factors involved in perceived image quality. For example, if you like to use longer lenses (90 - 135mm), then the higher viewfinder magnification of the M3 or the 0.85 M6 will provide more precise focus accuracy. If you prefer wide angles, the 0.58 or standard 0.72 viewfinder may suit you better. As others have already mentioned, these "use factors" are something only you can answer for yourself.

 

[beemermark]

People are struggling to define a difference but there isn’t any.

 

[RezaLoghme]

So there is ZERO difference in image quality?

 

[haw]

Cameras are similar to automobiles and other mass produced items--they're subject to quality control processes, and there may be QC issues between different models and batches of the same model manufactured at different times. For instance, historically, Leica has dealt with pressure plate defects in certain batches of the M6 and MP, among others--these were widely publicized, you can Google it. I'm sure the pressure plate design has changed (albeit ever so slightly), too, from the 1960s to today. This is absolutely something that can affect the results from optics to film, as it impacts film flatness. Tolerances generally can also affect optical results. I'm sure the rangefinders today are constructed with much tighter tolerances owing to better machinery, meaning modern focusing mechanisms may be a little more precise. That said, I used to shoot with both an M4 and an MP and would swap lenses between them. I never noticed any meaningful differences between bodies when using the same lens and settings (at least, that was not something that occurred to me), which suggests they weren't all that significant.

 

[Pieter12]

The distance between rangefinder windows can affect the accuracy of focusing. I am unsure if that is identical between the models you cite.

 

[Alan9940]

It's actually the Effective Base Length one might consider between various Leica M models which is Base Length x Magnification.

For example, the M3 has a base length of 68.5mm with 0.91 magnification providing an EBL of 62.3mm vs, say, the M6 (0.72) with its base length of 69.3mm and magnification of 0.72 providing an EBL of 49.8mm, Therefore, one could make the argument that more accurate focus could be achieved with an M3 vs an M6.

Matt Osborne did a nice write-up here and provides a table of several rangefinder cameras for comparison:

Most Accurate Rangefinder Camera? (Effective Base Length, EBL) - Leica Blog (Matt Osborne)

Best Rangefinder Camera? Calculate: EFFECTIVE BASE LENGTH (EBL) = Base Length (distance between the 2 windows on your camera) x Magnification

mrleica.com

 

[4season]

So there is ZERO difference in image quality?

Why is that so hard to believe?

Back in the days when Leica dealers used to host "clinics", they'd check shutter speeds. My friend's brand-new special-edition M6 body was +/- 1 stop accuracy at all speeds, about what you'd expect for a mechanical shutter. But my old M3 had been fine-tuned by the master (Focal Point, since retired) and it was almost perfect at every speed. This despite my M3 having less than 1/5th the market value. Some Leica enthusiasts spend thousands of dollars for variations, such as tiny engravings, or an uncommon finish, because they are rare, not because they take better photographs.

 

[Don_ih]

No difference between a Leica III and any other film Leica in terms of the photo you'll get. M Leicas can use M lenses - that's the only difference. No difference in image quality if all cameras are using the same lens. Competently, that is, and assuming all cameras are working properly.