Robin Harrison
aka Harrison Cronbi
This must be a much revisited and esentially boring topic and I apologise for bringing it up, but I've just bought an M6 and want to make sure everything is in working order.
The shutter sounds on 1/15 and 1/30 sound strange to me. The sound of
the shutter is followed by a little 'TICK tick-tick' sound.
Faster than 1/30 the shutter sounds like a click. Slower than 1/15 it
sounds like a two-part whir. These other two are altogether
different. Is this normal? I know the best way to test this would be to run a quick film through it, but the seller is fine with providing a refund so long as I make my decision quickly.
This page talks of 'bouncing' sounds being OK, and this page says a lack of post-shutter noise is a bad thing. Neither of them talk about these intermediate sounds being different.
Can someone please confirm whether their M6 has distinctive sounds at 1/15 and 1/30 compared to the other slow speeds?
Much appreciated.
Robin.
The shutter sounds on 1/15 and 1/30 sound strange to me. The sound of
the shutter is followed by a little 'TICK tick-tick' sound.
Faster than 1/30 the shutter sounds like a click. Slower than 1/15 it
sounds like a two-part whir. These other two are altogether
different. Is this normal? I know the best way to test this would be to run a quick film through it, but the seller is fine with providing a refund so long as I make my decision quickly.
This page talks of 'bouncing' sounds being OK, and this page says a lack of post-shutter noise is a bad thing. Neither of them talk about these intermediate sounds being different.
Can someone please confirm whether their M6 has distinctive sounds at 1/15 and 1/30 compared to the other slow speeds?
Much appreciated.
Robin.
chendayuan
Established
1-/15 is controled by slow speed mechinism, a clock like stuff, so tickticktick
1/30 above clikclickclik.
1/30 above clikclickclik.
This is normal. At speeds of 1/50th, the first curtain moves across the film gate followed immediately by the second curtain. At 1/30th and slower a timer mechanism delays the second curtain. It is normal for the timing mechanism to "count on" after the shutter has closed.
Ben Z
Veteran
The sound you are hearing at 1/15 (like the pea settling into the slot on a roulette wheel) is not only ok, but is the tell-tale sound people who know Leicas listen for to make sure the shutter gears are clean and properly lubricated. Failure to hear the aftersound at 1/15 is a good indicator the camera is due for an overhaul.
vha
Isn't it coffee time ?
Had the same thoughts myself during the first rolls of films, but it´s normal.
Have to say it sounded a bit creepy the first frames,this is a bit strange i thought, after 2nd roll i did not think more of it.
vha
Have to say it sounded a bit creepy the first frames,this is a bit strange i thought, after 2nd roll i did not think more of it.
vha
Robin Harrison
aka Harrison Cronbi
Thanks all! The 'roulette wheel' analogy is right on the button - the best description I have read. I can now shoot in confidence!
JNewell
Leica M Recidivist
Nearly all of my M bodies make precisely that sound. It's fine.
peter_n
Veteran
As everyone says its normal Robin so enjoy the whirring! 
Fred
Feline Great
To my (limited) knowledge the only M that does not make the whirring sound is the M7 as it's got an electronic mechanism.
Enjoy the M6 all 'sounds' well.
Enjoy the M6 all 'sounds' well.
saxshooter
Well-known
Reminds me when I got my first Leica (an M6) back in 1993, and at that time not knowing much about them. I was alarmed at the strange sound at 1/15. I rang up Ken Hansen's shop (it was still in NYC then) and fired the shutter at 1/15 over the phone. I was relieved when the voice on the other end said it was supposed to sound like that!