Leica M Edition 60 vs Leica M Typ 240: A Hands-On Comparison from a Seasoned Photographer

When Leica releases a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, photographers listen - not only because of the brand’s legendary status but also because these cameras often deliver a unique shooting experience that’s as much about craftsmanship as image quality. Today, I’m diving deep into two Leica M models that often share headlines but differ profoundly in approach and use cases: the Leica M Edition 60 (2014) and the Leica M Typ 240 (2012).

Having tested both extensively over years - on city streets and serene landscapes, in the studio and the wild - I’ll walk you through their real-world performance, technical nuances, and suitability for various photography genres. Whether you’re a Leica devotee considering an M upgrade or a curious rangefinder enthusiast weighing your options, this detailed comparison should help you make a well-informed choice.

Getting Physical: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling Experience

At a glance, the Leica M Edition 60 and M Typ 240 look almost identical - their iconic rangefinder design has barely changed. But as you pick them up side-by-side, subtle differences emerge in feel and control.

Both cameras weigh roughly 680 grams and share dimensions of approximately 139 x 80 x 42 mm - compact by full-frame standards but hefty enough to feel substantial. The M Edition 60’s body sports an elegantly pared-down aesthetic, with fewer buttons and dials - notably missing an ISO dial and some physical adjustments present on the M Typ 240. Conversely, the M Typ 240 offers a slightly more conventional layout that caters to photographers who want quick access to exposure compensation and playback controls without delving into menus.

The M Edition 60 leans into the purist experience - minimal distractions, manual controls only - which some photographers find liberating but others may see as frustrating in fast-paced scenarios.

For my hands, the M Typ 240 scores slightly higher on ergonomics due to more tactile controls and better button placement. But both cameras fit comfortably in the hand and feel solid, albeit without the muscular grip you’d expect on contemporary DSLRs or mirrorless bodies optimized for sports and wildlife.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

One of the most crucial comparison points for me - and any image quality obsessed shooter - is the sensor. Let’s examine how these two stack up.

Both cameras rock a 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 36 x 24 mm, delivering a healthy 5952 x 3976 pixel resolution. This sensor size ensures excellent light gathering and the ability to create shallow depth of field for artistic portraits or compressive telephoto shots.

However, Leica doesn’t publish extensive sensor details for the M Edition 60, and DxOMark hasn’t tested it. In contrast, the M Typ 240 holds a solid DxOMark score of 84, boasting a color depth of 24 bits, a dynamic range of 13.3 EVs, and a low-light ISO performance rating equivalent to ISO 1860. For practical terms, this means the M Typ 240 can handle demanding landscape scenes with high contrast and retain subtle color gradations, plus maintain image quality at moderately high ISOs.

The Edition 60’s sensor, while similar on paper, serves a different philosophy: it only supports ISO 100 to 6400, with limited boosting options, and the lack of electronic aids makes exposure precision paramount.

From hands-on experience, both produce superb image files with the classic Leica color signature - natural skin tones, subtle contrast, and sharp details. However, in challenging shadows or bright highlight scenarios, the M Typ 240’s sensor and processing advantage edges ahead slightly, providing more headroom before clipping and smoother tonal transitions.

Mastering Focus Without Autofocus: Manual Focusing Realities

Both Leica M cameras are manual focus champions - no autofocus modules here - leaning on rangefinder focusing and live view assistance.

Neither camera has autofocus points, face detection, nor eye tracking. Instead, focus is entirely manual, requiring photographers to listen to their inner zen master or rely on the viewfinder’s rangefinder patch overlay for precise alignment.

The M Typ 240 adds live view with a color LCD screen, aiding focus accuracy - especially in tricky lighting or when using macro lenses - while the M Edition 60 has a fixed 3” screen without touchscreen capabilities. Neither camera provides focus peaking, which would’ve been a welcome modern assist.

In practice, focusing speed boils down to your skill and lens choice. For street, portrait, and landscape shooters familiar with Leica’s M mount lenses, these cameras reward patience and precision. Wildlife and sports shooters, however, will find the manual focus limiting for fast action, unless paired with highly experienced technique and pre-focusing.

Viewfinder and Screen: Finding the Frame

The Leica M system is famed for its optical rangefinder viewfinder rather than an electronic one. Both cameras offer the classical 0.68 magnification rangefinder, but with notable differences.

M Typ 240 offers 100% viewfinder coverage, meaning what you see is exactly what you capture - a vital feature when framing precisely at wide apertures or with compact lenses. The Edition 60, by contrast, lacks viewfinder coverage data, but in use feels less forgiving for edge-to-edge composition.

Both have a 3" fixed LCD with 920,000 dots resolution - but the M Typ 240’s screen uses TFT color LCD technology, providing better visibility in varied lighting (though still not brilliant in direct sunlight). The Edition 60’s display is more rudimentary, suitable primarily for image review rather than critical focusing or live composition.

The lack of touchscreen in both means menu navigation relies strictly on physical buttons and dials - less user-friendly by modern standards but fitting Leica’s minimalist ethos.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for Real-World Use?

An area where Leica often shines is in their build quality and durability, and neither model disappoints.

Both the M Edition 60 and M Typ 240 feature magnesium alloy chassis with robust weather sealing - though Leica doesn’t advertise these as fully waterproof or shockproof. They can handle dust, slight moisture, and typical outdoor shooting scenarios without fuss.

If you’re seeking a camera to withstand serious weather or rugged conditions (rain, dust storms, cold), these cameras hold up well for street and landscape portfolios but aren’t geared toward extreme environments like some adventure or wildlife bodies.

Lens Compatibility: The True Leica Experience

These cameras mount Leica M lenses, tapping into a collection of 59 lenses spanning wide-angle to telephoto, many handcrafted with superb optics.

Lens compatibility is identical on both cameras - no surprises there - giving you access to one of the richest manual focus lens lineups in photography.

Whether you’re after the bokeh-rich 75mm Summilux for portraits or the razor-sharp 28mm for landscapes, these cameras let you enjoy classic Leica rendering.

Autofocus, Burst Rates, and Video: The Missing Pieces?

Here, the Leica M Edition 60 and M Typ 240 show their lineage clearly: these are not modern autofocus beasts or video powerhouses.

• Continuous shooting speed maxes out at 3 fps on both, which is barely enough for slow-moving subjects.
• No autofocus of any kind, as mentioned earlier.
• Video capability is limited: full HD recording at 1920 x 1080 at 24/25 fps, in Motion JPEG format - no 4K, no professional codecs, no external mic input.
• No built-in flash; external flashes supported with limited sync modes.

This makes both cameras less suitable for sports, wildlife, or demanding video work, unless manual focus and a static setup suffice.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations

Battery life is better documented for the M Typ 240, rated at about 500 shots per charge per CIPA standards - respectable for a rangefinder. Leica doesn’t provide explicit figures for the M Edition 60, but anecdotal user reports suggest somewhat limited endurance - likely due to their minimalist energy management and older battery technology.

Both use a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, compatible with contemporary fast cards, though professional workflows may feel hampered by the lack of dual card slots for redundancy.

Real-World Use: Strengths and Weaknesses by Photography Genre

Let’s break down how these cameras perform by discipline, reflecting both hard specs and hands-on experience.

Portrait Photography

• Image Quality: Both deliver exquisite skin tone rendition and natural color gradations.
• Bokeh: Full-frame sensor allows creamy background blur with fast lenses.
• Eye Detection & Focus: Manual focus only; no eye detection means skill required.

Verdict: Ideal for deliberate, slow portrait sessions where you can focus carefully. The M Typ 240’s live view aids focusing here more than the Edition 60.

Landscape Photography

• Excellent dynamic range on the M Typ 240 helps capture shadows and highlights.
• Superior weather sealing benefits outdoor shooting.
• High-resolution 24MP sensor for large prints.
• Both cameras lack built-in GPS, but external units are compatible.

Verdict: Solid landscape tools, with the M Typ 240 edging ahead in versatility and handling.

Wildlife Photography

• No autofocus or fast burst modes.
• Manual focus and 3 fps frame rates insufficient for action.

Verdict: Not recommended if you rely on quick acquisition; only suitable for static or cooperative subjects.

Sports Photography

• Similar limitations as wildlife.
• Insufficient frame rate and no autofocus.

Verdict: Avoid if capturing fast-moving events is your priority.

Street Photography

• Small form factor and discreet design ideal.
• Manual focus can become a speed bump but encourages thoughtful composition.
• M Edition 60 offers a quieter, pared-down experience without extra digital distractions.

Verdict: Both are excellent street cameras for enthusiasts craving the Leica shooting style.

Macro Photography

• No dedicated macro features or focusing aids.
• Manual focus challenges small subject work.
• No image stabilization.

Verdict: Possible but tricky - better with macro-aperture primes and practice.

Night and Astro Photography

• Moderate max ISO (6400) and no extended boosting limit low light capability.
• M Typ 240 sensor offers better noise performance.
• No built-in intervalometer or exposure stacking.

Verdict: Ok for semi-advanced night photography, though astro-specific tools are elsewhere.

Video Capabilities

• Basic HD capture; no 4K, no professional audio inputs.
• No in-body stabilization.

Verdict: Video is an afterthought here; these are still photographers’ cameras.

Travel Photography

• Compact size and reduced weight boxes.
• Excellent build quality.
• Battery life better on the M Typ 240.
• Lens versatility strong.

Verdict: Great companions for thoughtful travel shooters prioritizing image quality and style over speed.

Professional Work

• Reliable build and file quality.
• Limitations in workflow integrate no autofocus, limited video, and single card slot.
• Custom white balance and RAW support.

Verdict: Good for fine-art, documentary, or studio work where Leica’s signature style is desired - less so for fast-paced commercial jobs.

User Interface and Controls: Tactile Experience Matters

Using the cameras side-by-side reveals that Leica tailored each for different types of users.

The M Typ 240 has a more complete control setup, including exposure compensation and playback buttons - elements that speed up operation in real scenarios.

In contrast, the M Edition 60 is minimalist: no autofocus, no ISO dial, no electronic menu fancy buttons. This can feel liberating but also limiting for users accustomed to more comprehensive controls.

Sample Image Quality Showcase

I captured several test images with both cameras under identical lighting and lens configurations.

Leica M Edition 60 front Leica M Typ 240 screen back

Observe how:

• Both deliver sharpness and detail expected from Leica optics.
• Color fidelity is strong.
• M Typ 240 files better hold highlight detail and shadow nuance.
• Grain and noise visible at ISO 3200 in Edition 60 more pronounced.

Final Scores and Value Assessment

Here’s an overall performance rating summary based on sensor, build, ergonomics, and versatility:

And here’s a breakdown by photography types, helping you see which camera fits your genre:

Given the lack of autofocus, these cameras compete primarily on build quality, manual control experience, and image files. For most shooters, the M Typ 240 provides a better balance of usability and performance, while the M Edition 60 appeals to purists or collectors valuing minimalism and exclusivity.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Leica M Edition 60

Pros:

• Minimalist, distraction-free design
• Classic rangefinder experience with manual focus
• Robust build with weather sealing
• Strong Leica lens ecosystem
• Unique collector appeal (limited edition)

Cons:

• No autofocus or focus aids
• Simplified controls limit speed in dynamic shooting
• Lower battery life (unknown but reported)
• No modern connectivity or ports
• Limited video capabilities

Leica M Typ 240

Pros:

• Improved sensor quality and dynamic range
• Live view for manual focus assistance
• More complete control layout
• Weather-sealed, durable build
• Better battery life (500 shots)
• Compatible with extensive M lens lineup

Cons:

• Still manual focus only (could frustrate newcomers)
• No built-in flash or advanced metering
• Basic video features with no external mic or 4K
• Single SD slot limits professional redundancy

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

If you’re a Leica loyalist who values the pure, stripped-down shooting experience, delighting in the tactile feel of manual photography and isn’t bothered by missing autofocus or modern bells and whistles, the M Edition 60 is a rare gem - especially if you appreciate its limited edition cachet.

On the other hand, if you want the unmistakable Leica rendering but require a bit more usability - particularly live view for focusing, longer battery life, and slightly better image quality - the M Typ 240 is the more practical everyday camera. For street, landscape, and portrait shooters who prefer a traditional rangefinder experience but with contemporary convenience, it’s a judicious buy.

Wrapping Up: Trusting Your Leica Journey

Leica’s rangefinders have never been mass-market specs kings; they’re tools for photographers who want to engage intimately with the image-making process - choices you make carefully and thoughtfully.

From my extensive hands-on testing, these cameras exemplify that spirit in different ways: the M Typ 240 is the all-arounder in the M lineup, balancing classic charm with subtle modern benefits; the M Edition 60 channels purity and exclusivity at the cost of less versatility.

I hope this guide has shed light on their key differences and helped you figure out which Leica fits your style, needs, and budget. Choosing either means committing to a manual, thoughtful photographic approach - something increasingly rare and rewarding in this autofocus-crazy world.

Happy shooting, and may your next Leica bring countless memorable frames!

Disclosure: I have used both cameras extensively over years on paid assignments, personal projects, and workshops. Photos included are my original shoots.