M6 quieter than M2 or M3?

[russell_brooks]

I have an M2 and M3. I just got the M2 back from a full revision and the shutter sounds normal. The M3 sounds almost the same. Normally I owuld be happy with it. But when I listen to my friend's brand new M6 TTL his sounds much more quieter! Any ideas why?

[victor_randin]

The design of all M-Leica�s shutters is identical. The quiet shutter

sound depends on how accurate the shutter was adjusted: the tension

of the main springs, and the 1st curtain�s brakes. The tension of the

main springs must be minimal but sufficient to guarantee a 16-

millisecond speed of the curtains and to activate the slow speed

governor. For accurate adjusting it�s important to catch the moment

when the brakes almost fully dampers the first curtain while the slow

speed governor is working yet at 1 sec.

[michael_darnton1]

I just bought an M2, and everything about it is noisier than my M4-2--

shutter and film winding, both. I was wondering if different

materials in the top plate and body covering could make the

difference. The M4-2 almost sounds as if it was lined with felt,

whereas the older one sounds much more like a piece of machinery.

Exactly the same sounds are there, but louder and harsher in the M2.

[steve_lehuray1]

This is pretty interesting because I have two M2s, an M3 and two M6TTLs

and the shutter noise from all of them sound and feel the same to me.

With my eyes closed I can not tell any of them apart.

[steve_hoffman]

Strange. My M4 is much quiter than my M6 classic or dual stroke M3.

I mean, they are all darn quiet, but the M4 is the clear winner in

the "shhh" department.

[timothy_nelson]

I think this variation in sound is due in part to when the last CLA was

performed and by whom. If you test a few M2/M3/M4/M6's side by side at

a dealer, there is variation in sound independent of the model number.

My M3 has been my benchmark for quietness. My M6 became nearly as quiet

when it got a CLA last year. At the time, Sherry Krauter mentioned that

M6's tend to be sold "drier" than what we are used to after a CLA.

Also, the different materials in the M6 give it a little different

sound signature from the M2/M3/M4--are you sure your friend's M6 is

actually quieter, or does it just sound different?

[richie chishty]

My two M3's (1955 DS and 1961 SS) are both quieter than my year 2000

M6 TTL. Both M3's were CLA'd by Leica USA this year. I assume the

shutter mechanism for the M6 is different in terms of materials and

design from the ones used in the M3................................

[andy_piper2]

It may "sound" kind of obvious, but I've noticed my cameras are

quietest at the sync setting - 1/50. I don't know why this should be

true especially, but it's just slightly noticeable with both M4-x

bodies.

[jason]

I have m2m3m6. they all sound different! My M6 is not yet even 1 year

old but its definitely the quitest.They all feel different as well,

winding and shooting.The results are all the same,outstanding.

[jeff voorhees]

Andy, I have an M6ttl and I agree with you. It seems quieter at 1/50

than any other speed.

[craig_zeni]

When I bought my M4, there was also an M2 and an M6 in the

case...pricing issues aside I went for the M4 as it was the quietest

and smoothest of the three...though it's not like any of them were

exactly deafening...

[russell_brooks]

As I said in my orginal question: the strange thing is I just got

back my M2 from a full "revision" from Leica. And I trust they did a

good job. So that still leaves the question of why my friend's new M6

ttl's sound quieter! baaaa. Now I am thinking of having to buy one of

these new fangled battery sucking Ms...

[Rob F.]

I compared my M6 classic to my just-CLA'd (by John van Stelton) M2.

At shutter speeds from 1/8 to 1/125, the M2 has a noticeably brighter

sound. That is, it contains more higher-frequency overtones compared

to the M6. The M6 sound is a bit duller by comparison, but not

quieter. The M2 sound is a "click"; the M6, a "cluck". Pretty much

the same volume, but a different timbre.

[rolfe_tessem]

Well, everyone seems to have a different story :-).

 

<p>

 

I just had both an M3 and an M6 Classic CLA'd by Sherry Krauter. The

M6 came back quiter and smoother than before the CLA, but the M3

definitely had a smoother film advance and quiter shutter than the M6.

 

<p>

 

As always, YMMV.

[john_alfred_tropiano]

I have used both an M3 (double stroke) and an M6 which I purchased

new about four years ago. It seems to me the shutter sound with the

M6 is "softer". Not really a click, more of a wooooooosh! Does anyone

hear the same or is it time for me to visit the audiologist once

again?

[roberto_watson_garc_a]

I own four diferent bodies, well diferent in their conditions, let me

explain, an almost new M4P (no more than 50 rolls through it), a M4P

just CLA by Krauter (a nice work), a M3 SS just overhouled by Leica

USA, and a very beat up M3 DS; the quietest of this is the overhouled

M3, and both M4P sound quite the same, just M4P have a more "metalic"

sound, wile M3 is more silky. M3 DS has a quiter winding sound

quiter. M4P´s have a harsher winding feel.

[Rob F.]

In order to do a scientific comparison, the two shutters should be

released in close succession, because the brain does not retain the

impression of the sound for very long. Also the effects of

extraneous variables must be controlled for. Releasing the two

shutters in quick succession calls for holding one camera in the left

hand, the other in the right. However, this necessarily involves

using a different grip on each camera. This in itself will alter the

sound, since the pressure of the hand exerts a damping effect on the

vibrations, which will differ a bit with the different grip of the

two hands. We could place the cameras on a table, but the drumming

effect of the table-top would add its own sound, confounding the

experiment. It would also introduce a condition not present during

hand-holding. We probably mostly care about the sound during hand-

holding. The difference in sound between left and right might also

be influenced by hearing differences left and right; and by room

acoustics.

 

<p>

 

So what to do? Use an A-B-B-A method like scientists do. First fire

camera A in the left hand, and B in the right. Then exchange cameras

and fire again. This will help to cancel out the extraneous

variables. Ask a friend to be the judge.

 

<p>

 

Alternative: load up one of the Leicas and go take some pictures!