Leica M Edition 60 vs Leica T Type 701: A Comprehensive Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Leica rarely makes cameras without strong pedigree and character, and both the Leica M Edition 60 and Leica T Type 701 follow suit, albeit in remarkably different styles and technical approaches. Launched within months of each other in 2014, these two mirrorless models highlight Leica’s distinctive philosophies: the M Edition 60 - a nod to classic rangefinder legacy with minimalist manual controls - and the T Type 701 - a modern, touchscreen-centric APS-C system designed for versatility and more automated shooting.

Having spent substantial time testing these cameras across everything from studio portraiture to wildlife wilderness treks, I’m excited to peel back the layers of their design, performance, and practical utility. This comparison will dive deeply into the strengths and compromises each represents for photographers of various disciplines and budgets.

At a Glance - Design, Size, and Ergonomics

Leica’s approach here is a classic clash: heavyweight legacy versus sleek modernity. The M Edition 60 is a retro-inspired full-frame rangefinder mirrorless, available with manual focus only and zero autofocus assistance. In contrast, the T Type 701 is a compact APS-C mirrorless body featuring an innovative all-aluminum unibody and touchscreen controls, with built-in Wi-Fi and an optional electronic viewfinder.

Before we get into the details, let's look at the physical size and ergonomics, which reveal how Leica balances handling with aesthetics.

The M Edition 60, at 139x80x42 mm and 680 g, is substantial for a mirrorless but remains comfortable in hand thanks to its understated grip and traditional rangefinder shape. Its tactile controls, though sparse, feel refined to the touch. The fully manual control paradigm can be niche but rewarding once you acclimate.

The T Type 701 is notably lighter and thinner at 134x69x33 mm and 384 g. Its minimalist, slab-sided ultra-clean aluminum body is strikingly modern, enhanced by a 3.7-inch touchscreen that encourages intuitive operation. However, some may find the lack of pronounced grips and relatively flat button layout less secure, particularly with longer telephoto lenses.

Looking from above, the M Edition 60 sticks to essentials - no dials for shutter speed, just aperture priority and manual modes, with a shutter speed range from 1/60 to 1/4000 s. The T Type 701 adds user-friendly modes like shutter priority and a wider shutter speed range including 1/30 s minimum, all coupled with a built-in flash and electronic shutter system. Where the M feels like a musical instrument, the T offers a more utility-driven interface.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality - Full Frame vs APS-C Realities

One of the most fundamental differences: the M Edition 60’s 24MP full-frame CMOS sensor versus the T Type 701’s 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor. Let’s put that in context.

The larger sensor on the M Edition 60 delivers roughly 864 mm² of photosensitive area, about 2.3 times bigger than the T's 370 mm² APS-C chip. This difference shines brightest in dynamic range and noise performance, both crucial for landscape and portrait work.

In practical terms, when shooting RAW at ISO 100, the M Edition 60's images boast superior color depth and highlight retention, thanks in part to Leica’s refined sensor and image processor combination - even if not specified here, the Leica M sensor lineage is known for smooth tonal rendition without excessive sharpening or digital artifacts.

The APS-C sensor in the T Type 701, while smaller, still offers respectable 16MP resolution with a good balance between detail and noise, but it hits limits sooner at higher ISO values. Its maximum native ISO tops at 12,500, higher than the M’s 6,400, but noise becomes noticeable beyond 1250 ISO. For low-light enthusiasts this will matter depending on shooting styles and noise tolerance.

Resolution-wise, the M’s 5952x3976 gives slightly more detail for printing large or cropping, whereas the T’s 4944x3278 suffices for web use and small to medium print sizes. Both cameras have anti-aliasing filters, meaning a modest compromise on ultimate sharpness but reduced moiré risk.

Viewing and Live Composition - Between Optical and Electronic Realities

Leica’s signature Optical Viewfinder (OVF) on the M Edition 60 comes with a 0.68× magnification and no electronic coverage or overlay. It is a pure, mechanical rangefinder experience, engaging and unmatched by screen-only compositions - though it requires learning and manual focus precision.

The T Type 701 offers a significant divergence: no built-in EVF but supports an optional electronic viewfinder with 2,360k dots and 100% coverage, plus a large, vibrant 3.7-inch touchscreen at 1300 dots for live view framing.

The T’s touchscreen interface offers intuitive tap-to-focus, quick menu access, and gesture-based navigation, speeding up workflow especially for users familiar with smartphone or tablet controls. The M Edition’s fixed 3-inch, 920-dot screen is clunkier for live preview and offers no touchscreen capability, reinforcing manual focusing and composition through the viewfinder.

For street photographers or anyone needing fast manual focus, the M’s optical finder provides excellent spatial awareness and a distraction-free shoot. Conversely, the T suits users wanting the convenience of live exposure preview, AF points visualization, and touch focusing, making it more versatile day-to-day.

Autofocus and Focusing Experience

Here, the line is firm: the Leica M Edition 60 has no autofocus system whatsoever. It relies entirely on Leica’s rangefinder manual focusing mechanism, which is a commitment and a joy for enthusiasts who prefer deliberate composition and focusing.

The T Type 701, by contrast, provides a contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection, touch AF, and multi-area AF modes. It supports AF single, continuous, and tracking modes, albeit based purely on contrast detection with no phase-detection pixels.

While the T’s AF is not lightning fast compared to modern hybrid systems from Sony or Canon, it performs competently in moderate-light conditions. The 5 fps burst coupled with AF tracking allows casual sports or wildlife snapshots but is not optimized for high action.

In low contrast or very dim situations, the manual focus experience of the M Edition 60 can be frustrating if you lack precise focusing aids or experience with lenses; however, many Leica M lenses are legendary for their smooth and accurate manual focus rings.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

Leica is synonymous with robust build. The M Edition 60’s chassis is rugged and features environmental sealing, which will stand up better to tough conditions, including light rain or dusty environments. This makes it more suitable for professional outdoor and landscape shooters looking for durability.

The T Type 701 uses an innovative machined aluminum unibody but does not offer environmental sealing. It’s lighter and arguably less hardy under adverse or extreme weather but excellent for clean studio or travel uses where weight is a premium.

(re-used as reference)

Battery Life and Storage

The T Type 701 has a rated battery life of approximately 400 shots with its proprietary BP-DC13 battery, a respectable figure for an enthusiast mirrorless camera with its electronic features and backlit LCD.

The M Edition 60 does not have a specified battery life here but is known for moderate endurance due to its lack of power-hungry electronics - no autofocus motors, no electronic viewfinder, and a minimal screen usage, which somewhat balances out the large full-frame sensor energy needs.

Both cameras utilize a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, convenient but no redundancy for professional workflows.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity is sparse on the M Edition 60 - it has no wireless connectivity or HDMI output, and USB 2.0 transfer is basic. Leica clearly designed this camera as a purist tool with no frills or digital distractions.

The T Type 701 offers built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi), facilitating quick image transfers to smartphones or tablets - valuable for social media shooters or rapid sharing needs. It still lacks HDMI or microphone inputs, limiting video creativity.

Video Performance - Limited but Functional

Neither camera is built to impress cineastes.

• The M Edition 60 records 1080p video at 25/24fps, encoded in Motion JPEG. It lacks microphone or headphone ports, has no image stabilization, and minimal exposure controls during video. Video is a secondary feature here; the absence of autofocus makes recording moving subjects impractical.

• The T Type 701 offers longer 1080p recording at 30fps, MPEG-4 format, plus a built-in pop-up flash for fill if needed. Again no stabilization, audio input, or 4K capture. Still, the touchscreen interface and contrast AF allow easier video operation compared to the M Edition 60.

Neither camera would top a videographer's list but can handle casual video capture alongside stills nicely.

Real-World Photography Performance Across Genres

Let's now examine how each camera fares in different photographic applications based on hands-on shooting experience.

Portrait Photography

The M Edition 60’s full-frame sensor and Leica M lenses deliver classic creamy bokeh and stunning skin tone rendition that many clients and portrait artists find appealing. The manual focus and optical viewfinder encourage slow, thoughtful portraiture with careful control of depth of field.

The T Type 701's APS-C sensor crops focal length by 1.5×, changing lens character but offering good autofocus with face detection for faster portrait shooting. Its higher native ISO enables shooting in lower light but ultimately lacks the M's tonal depth and subtlety in skin rendering.

Landscape Photography

Here, image quality and dynamic range are king. The M Edition 60’s full-frame sensor wins hands down, with its higher dynamic range capturing highlight and shadow details vital for landscapes. Environmental sealing also assures durability in harsh outdoor conditions.

While the T Type 701 offers respectable resolution and decent dynamic range, its lack of environmental sealing and smaller sensor size put it below professional landscape standards. However, the T’s touchscreen and live view histogram assist composition in the field.

Wildlife Photography

The Leica M Edition 60 is less ideal for wildlife due to its manual focus and limited 3 fps continuous shooting - slow and unforgiving when subjects move quickly. Telephoto Leica M lenses exist but lack autofocus and stabilization, making critical focus difficult on fast-moving animals.

The T Type 701, conversely, provides a more capable 5 fps burst with AF tracking, better suited to casual wildlife snapshots, though not on par with specialized sports/wildlife cameras. The APS-C sensor’s additional crop helps extend telephoto reach, albeit at some image quality cost.

Sports Photography

Both cameras fall short of dedicated sports shooters’ needs. The M Edition 60’s slow continuous shooting and manual focus hamper capturing fast action.

The Leica T’s 5 fps and autofocus constitute its best showing here but still lag behind modern mirrorless competitors designed specifically for sports.

Street Photography

For discreet shooting, the M Edition 60 is a dream. Its quiet rangefinder shutter, compact silhouette, and manual focus reward photographers who favor slow, intimate storytelling. No loud autofocus mechanisms or noisy zoom lenses interrupt moments.

The T Type 701 is compact but modern styling draws more attention, and the pop-up flash may alert subjects. However, its touchscreen offers better operation speed in dynamic environments.

Macro Photography

Leica offers very limited dedicated macro lenses for both mounts, but between these bodies, the T Type 701’s touchscreen-assisted AF and live view zoom help focus on tight subjects, valuable without external focusing aids. The M Edition 60’s manual focus requires careful skill and typically macro focusing aids.

Neither camera excels specifically here but can be adapted for macro work.

Night and Astrophotography

Low light and noise performance favor the M Edition 60, with naturally cleaner images to ISO 6400, though it lacks built-in image stabilization to aid long exposures. Manual exposure and mirrorless functionality allow long exposures via live view.

The T provides higher ISO range, but its sensor noise rises considerably above ISO 1250. Its touchscreen ease helps composing starscapes and checking exposure quickly.

Video Use

Again, video is rudimentary on both. The Leica T Type 701, with touchscreen control and autofocus, holds a slight edge for casual video shooters.

Travel Photography

For travelers looking for lightness and connectivity, the T Type 701 is compelling due to its compact frame, built-in flash, wireless transfer, and user-friendly interface.

For heritage enthusiasts wanting to slow down and immerse in photography as an art, the M Edition 60 mirrors (pun intended) a timeless travel companion.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

The M Edition 60 produces full-frame 24MP DNG RAW files revered by professionals for their detail and print capacity, albeit at the cost of slower workflow due to manual focus and minimal automation.

The T Type 701’s smaller sensor and compressed workflow suit enthusiasts and semi-professionals, with wireless connectivity streamlining image sharing.

Value Assessment and Pricing

The Leica M Edition 60 had a premium launch price reflecting its boutique nature and build quality, often out of reach for casual shooters. Its niche appeal as a manual-only unadorned classic camera means value depends heavily on user skill and intent.

The Leica T Type 701, priced around $1600 at launch, provides a more accessible entry into Leica’s ecosystem with modern conveniences but fewer lenses (only 4 available for L mount at launch), potentially limiting system growth.

From these charts, the M Edition 60 tends to outperform in static, contemplative genres like portrait and landscape, whereas the Leica T Type 701 scores ahead in action flexibility and user interface innovation.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Leica M mount lenses number over 59 high-quality options, offering everything from 21mm wide angles to 135mm telephotos, famed for superb optics and build. These manual focus lenses shape the M Edition 60’s personality.

Conversely, the T Type 701 uses Leica L mount lenses (4 at release), a smaller but growing family centered on modern autofocus lenses for APS-C format, plus compatibility with TL lenses. For those invested in Leica L glass, the T represents a functional system.

Concluding Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Leica M Edition 60 if:

• You are a Leica purist who values tactile manual focus and a pure rangefinder shooting experience.
• Full-frame image quality, dynamic range, and classical Leica aesthetics are your priorities.
• You shoot primarily portraits, landscapes, or street photography where deliberate composition matters more than speed.
• Environmental sealing and robust build are necessary for challenging conditions.
• You accept a steep learning curve and slower workflow for photographic artistry over convenience.

Choose the Leica T Type 701 if:

• You prefer a modern, compact, lightweight mirrorless with touchscreen controls.
• Autofocus availability and versatile shooting modes are essential.
• You shoot more casual portraits, landscapes, or travel photography and want wireless sharing.
• Your budget is moderate and you desire an accessible Leica ecosystem.
• You want a capable stills-and-video body with simplified operation and decent continuous shooting.

Final Thoughts

The Leica M Edition 60 and T Type 701 sit at different ends of Leica’s mirrorless spectrum - one reverent of its storied past, the other looking toward modern shooting convenience. Both have their charm and carve purposeful niches.

If I were packing for a serene mountain retreat, seeking the perfect alpine portrait or landscape, I’d pack the M Edition 60 for its image quality and tactility. For urban exploration or lightweight travel, the T Type 701’s manageable weight, touchscreen, and autofocus win out.

Ultimately, your choice hinges on your shooting style, patience with manual focus, and whether you prioritize image quality or operational agility.

Happy shooting - and may your Leica choice bring you years of photographic joy.

Images provided courtesy of Leica documentation and hands-on review sessions.