No Leica M10 – New LEICA M

 

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How hot were the discussions about the coming LEICA M10! Some of us saw no more potential for rangefinder cameras, others wrote long wish lists to Leica with urgently wanted features.

Leica now presents not a LEICA M10 but:

The New LEICA M

 • New CMOS 24 MP Sensor

 • Live View for additional focusing methods – 10x zoom and focus peaking

 • 1080p Full HD, video capability

 • Accessories expanding the opportunities of rangefinder photography

One thing you’ll miss: No more number suffix for Leica M cameras thus no LEICA M10 or M11. Leica wants to “emphasise the enduring and long-term significance of the respective systems”. In order to distinguish single Leica models will have a type code of three digits deriving from the internal numbering. The now introduced LEICA M is “type 240″, the LEICA M-E is “type 220″.

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The LEICA M in Detail:

CMOS Sensor

The new 24 MP, full 35 mm format CMOS sensor doesn’t come from one of the big manufacturers but was designed and constructed in collaboration with the Belgian company CMOSIS especially for the camera and its use with M and R lenses. Regarding to Leica the characteristic advantages of CCD sensors, such as colour rendition and impressive reproduction of details, were transferred to a CMOS sensor.

In combination with the high-performance, Leica Maestro processor that is also employed in Leica S cameras, this new, full format, sensor guarantees maximum imaging quality and speed


Live View And Live View Fokus

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One of the biggest advantages of a CMOS sensor is its live view ability. Now you can assess your image on the camera’s 3-inch, monitor screen with 920,000 pixels.


Additionally to the classical range finder the LEICA M offers two additional focusing methods

 • The new ‘Live View Zoom’ option enables up to 10 x magnification for precise

   focusing

 • The second focusing aid is ‘Live View Focus Peaking’. Here, contours in the subject

   are automatically displayed as red lines to allow simple and convenient focus

   assessment.

Leica M Video


The LEICA M is the first Leica rangefinder camera with video capabilities – up to 25 fps in 1080p in MOV and Motion JPEG. Sound is recorded via an internal mono microphone or an external stereo microphone adapter. The level can be adjusted automatically or manually while recording.


Leica M: Finally the “adequate solution for Leica R photographers”

Three years ago Leica’s Stefan Daniel promised a Leica camera allowing to use Leica R lenses digitally in full format.


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The LEICA M now finally fulfills this promise. With the new LEICA R adapter almost all Leica R lenses ever built can be mounted. The camera menu offers profiles for more than 20 R lenses completely with an individual calibrated workflow and EXIF lens recognition.

Leica M As Studio Camera

More accessories allow to use the LEICA M as studio camera


The multifunctional handgrip-M has a dedicated SCA hot shoe, a socket for a remote power supply and a DIN/ISO X-sync socket for studio flash systems. An optional remote power unit (DC Adapter) is also available.


The Leica M can also be connected directly to a computer workstation via the handgrip’s integrated USB socket. This allows full remote control of the camera with the ‘Leica Image Shuttle’ software package and the transfer of image files directly to the computer by USB cable.


The Leica M Outdoor

This was also on the wish list of many photographers: Special rubber seals now protect the camera body against dust, spray and moisture. The top deck and the base plate of the Leica M are machined from solid brass blanks and the full-metal chassis is a completely self-contained diecast element manufactured from high-strength magnesium alloy.

The multifunctional handgrip-M mentioned above has an integrated GPS module. Thus users can save exposure location information in the EXIF image data.

LEICA EVF2 Visoflex Viewfinder

The high-resolution electronic Visoflex viewfinder Leica EVF2 has a resolution of 1.4 megapixels and a 90° swivel action for capturing images from unusual angles. It allows to use the LEICA M like a DSLR.

LEICA M – Summary

Leica claims the LEICA M “remains true to the legendary values of the M-System, while expanding the opportunities offered by rangefinder photography.” As far as we can judge it from the information available until now we can agree upon that: The new LEICA M and its accessories make the camera a great tool not only as reportage camera but also in the photo studio, for macro and tele photography.

The CMOS sensor with live view, the additional focusing methods, the EVF and the Leica R adapter make the LEICA M the long awaited option to use the outstanding quality of LEICA R lenses in digital full format.

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And I’m really looking forward to LEICA M videos – full format, extremely fast lenses and the unobtrusive look of the camera will generate a video look of its own and completely new.

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[The new milestone]

The LEICA M – digital rangefinder technology in perfection

Leica Camera AG, Solms, presents a groundbreaking milestone in the history of the Leica rangefinder system at the photokina in Cologne (18 to 23 September 2012): The Leica M. As the first camera to implement a newly designed and constructed CMOS image sensor and to feature additional focusing methods and functions like Live View and Full HD video capability, it is the most versatile model ever in the history of Leica rangefinder cameras and sets entirely new standards. It unites the numerous advantages of innovative digital technology with a rangefinder technology that has been continuously perfected over decades. At the same time, it remains true to the legendary values of the M-System, while expanding the opportunities offered by rangefinder photography – and, for the first time, offers compatibility with Leica R legacy lenses.


The Leica M also marks the beginning of a new era with regard to the Leica product naming policy. In future, Leica M and S model names will omit the number suffix to emphasise the enduring and long-term significance of the respective systems. A further intention of this policy is to reinforce perceived value following the launch of new product generations.

The Leica M is the first in a long line of Leica rangefinder cameras to feature a completely new development in sensor technology; the Leica Max CMOS image sensor. This 24 MP, full 35 mm format, sensor was designed and constructed in collaboration with CMOSIS especially for the camera and its use with M- and R-Lenses. This new development successfully transfers the characteristic advantages of CCD sensors, such as natural and brilliant colour rendition and impressive reproduction of details, to a CMOS sensor. In combination with the high-performance, Leica Maestro processor that is also employed in Leica S cameras, this new, full format, sensor guarantees maximum imaging quality and speed. This now also means that all elements in the image creation chain, from the lens to the image file are under complete control of the Leica engineers and therefore guarantee the ultimate in imaging performance and quality. Another particular highlight is the low power consumption of the components that, in conjunction with the particularly high capacity of the battery, ensures outstanding system-autonomy.


The Leica M offers a multitude of new features. The first of these are Live View and Live View Focus. Image composition can now take place in real time with the view of the subject through the lens. The sharpness, exposure and colour content of images can now be precisely assessed on the camera’s large, 3-inch, high-resolution monitor screen with 920,000 pixels. The glass covering plate of the monitor screen is manufactured from particularly tough and scratch-resistant Corning®Gorilla®Glass. Thanks to the Live View function, photographers now have access to entirely new opportunities that, in combination with the outstanding performance of Leica M- and R-Lenses, go far beyond the classical capabilities of rangefinder photography. This applies particularly to macro and telephoto photography, but also allows even more discreet shooting. In combination with M- and R-Lenses, the camera’s new, 1080p Full HD, video capability also opens up totally new horizons.


The Leica M offers two additional focusing methods that can be activated quickly and easily with the new focus button. So now, M-Photographers have even more options for capturing outstandingly sharp images. The new ‘Live View Zoom’ option enables up to 10 x magnification for precise assessment of the sharpness of subject details or the close focusing limit. The second aid to focusing is ‘Live View Focus Peaking’. Here, contours in the subject are automatically displayed as red lines to allow simple and convenient focus assessment. Focusing precision can be assessed on the basis of the intensity of the lines displayed.

All the new features are optimally combined with the typical values of the Leica rangefinder system and guarantee the accustomed dependability of the Leica M in all photographic situations, from available light photography to discreet and aesthetic fine-art image composition. In line with the principles of the M-Philosophy, all functions and features are designed and constructed for absolute robustness and a long working life: The top deck and the base plate of the Leica M are machined from solid brass blanks and the full-metal chassis is a completely self-contained diecast element manufactured from high-strength magnesium alloy. Special rubber seals protect the camera body against dust, spray and moisture.


The new rangefinder camera is also a typical M with regard to its intuitive handling concept with direct manual setting options and fast access to functions. The new layout and particular user-friendliness of the menu interface guarantees a clear and uncomplicated overview of all camera settings at all times. Dedicated button controls have been provided for the Live View and new focusing functions. Live View Zoom and Live View Focus Peaking can be selected with the new focus button on the front of the camera. User profiles can be programmed with any camera and shooting settings, stored under an arbitrary name, and accessed quickly whenever required for particular situations, and can now also be saved to an SD memory card. For increased comfort in use, the Leica M now provides an ergonomically formed thumb rest with an integrated setting dial at the top right on the back of the top deck. This ensures that the camera can be held securely in even the most demanding situations.


A wide range of optional accessories is also available for the new Leica M. A particular highlight of the range is a new Leica R-Adapter M that allows almost all R-Lenses ever built to be mounted on the camera. Further accessories are the Leica EVF2, Visoflex electronic viewfinder and a multifunctional handgrip-M with an integrated GPS module that, in combination with optional finger loops in various sizes (S, M and L), helps to ensure safe and steady handling of the camera and lens system. The range also includes a Leica Microphone Adapter set for perfect sound with video recordings.

The Leica M will be available from authorised dealers in early 2013 in a choice of black paint or silver chrome finish.


Technical Data LEICA M


[Product]

Unique Product Name

LEICA M (Typ 240), black paint

LEICA M (Typ 240), silver chrome

Camera type

Compact digital view- and rangefinder system still and video camera


Lens mount

Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit coding


Lens system

Leica M lenses, Leica R lenses with optional Leica R-Adapter M


Top Cover

Milled brass top cover with integrated thumb rest


Material 

All-metal case made of die-cast magnesium; synthetic leather covering.

Cap and base plate made of brass


Image Sensor

LEICA MAX 24 MP CMOS Sensor

Number of effective Pixels

24 Million Pixels

Sensitivity range

ISO 200 – ISO 6400, Pull 100 available, Auto ISO

Imaging Platform

Integrated imaging circuit with Leica Maestro® Image processor


Electronic Viewfinder

Optional available, can be used for Live View and Play functionality


LCD Monitor

3” TFT Display with 920.000 Pixels, scratch resistant cover glass (Corning®Gorilla®Glass)

Shutter 

Dual type focal plane shutter for classic image exposure and Live view


Shutter Speed

1/4000s – 60s (in Bulb), 1/180s flash synchronization


Burst rate

3fps 


Self timer

2s / 12s


Storage Media

SD / SDHC / SDXC Memory Cards


[Imaging functions]

Image File Format

DNG™ (RAW data uncompressed or lossless compressed), JPEG

File Size

DNG approx. 20 Mbyte – approx. 30 Mbyte (compressed)/ 48,2 MByte (uncompressed), JPEG: Resolution and image content dependent

Available JPG Resolutions

5952px*3976px (24 MP), 4256px*2832px (12 MP)/ 2976px*1984px (6MP) / 1600px*1080px (1,7MP)


Color Spaces

sRGB / Adobe®RGB

White Balance

Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shadow / Tungsten / Fluorescent warm /Fluorescent cool / Flash / Manual (Greycard) / Kelvin 2000-13100

Other functions

Film Modes, Saturation, Contrast, Sharpening

[Movie Recording]

Movie Recording

Single frame video compression (Motion JPG), Quicktime format (mov)


Movie resolution

1080p, 720p, 640*480 (VGA)

Movie sampling rate

25 fps, 24 fps, 30 fps (VGA only)

Microphone 

Mono, stereo microphone adapter optional available

Audio recording

Auto level adjustment, manual level adjustment (available while recording), concert preset

[Exposure Control]

Exposure Metering

In classic viewfinder mode: Through the Lens (TTL) metering, center weighted with variable aperture.

In Live View and advanced viewfinder mode: Through the Lens (TTL) metering, center weighted, spot or multifield measuring.

Center-weighted TTL metering for flash exposure with system conformant SCA-3000/2 standard flash units.

Exposure setting

Manual shutter speed setting with direct dial, A-Mode with direct dial

Exposure Modes

Automatic shutter speed (A-Mode), Manual Exposure (M-Mode)

Exposure Compensation

-3 EV to +3 EV, 1/3 f-stops

Exposure Bracketing

3/5 frames, 0.5 / 1 / 2 / 3 f-stops

[Flash exposure Control]

Flash exposure metering

Control with center-weighted TTL pre-flash metering (with SCA-3501/3502 adapter, or SCA-3000 standard flash unit such as Leica SF 24D/Leica SF 58).

Hot shoe

SCA-3502 compatible hot shoe, with center contact

Flash Synchronization

Optional triggered at first or second shutter curtain

Flash Synch time

1/180s 

[Viewfinder / Focusing]

Focusing Methods

Manual focus with optical rangefinder, Live View, 100% Live View Zoom, Live View focus peaking

Optical Viewfinder

Large, light bright-line rangefinder with automatic parallax compensation, LED illuminated frame lines.

Optical Viewfinder frame lines

Framelines size matches image sensor size at 2m focusing distance

Optical Viewfinder correction

Eyepiece adjusted to -0,5 dpt. Corrective lenses from -3 to +3 dpt. available (optional)

Optical Viewfinder Magnification

0.68x 

Optical Viewfinder Displays

In the viewfinder LED symbol for flash status (at bottom). Four-digit seven-segment LED digital display, brightness adapted to ambient conditions, for: Warning in case of exposure correction; display of automatic shutter speed in automatic mode; advisory indicating use of metering memory lock LED exposure monitor with two triangular and one central circular LED with manual exposure setting

Rangefinder 

Split or superimposed image range finder shown as a bright field in the center of the viewfinder image


Rangefinder effective metering Basis

47.1 mm (mechanical metering basis 69.25 mm x viewfinder magnification 0.68 times)

[Others]

Start up time

<1s

 

Power Supply

Li-ion battery (included), 7.4V, 1800 mAh

 

Horizon 

Yes 

 

User Profiles

4 Profiles, exportable

Sensor cleaning

Dust detection, manual cleaning function

Tripod Thread

A 1/4 (1/4″) DIN made of stainless steel in base plate

Dimensions 

approx. 139 x 42 x 80 mm<br/ > (5,5 x 1,7 x 3,1 in.)

Weight 

680 g (23.9 oz)

Operating Temperature

0°C – 40°C

Menu languages

English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese


Accessories Included

Battery, Charger with power cables for EU and USA (different in some export markets), 12V charging cable, Carrying strap, Accessory port cover, Body cap

Software licenses Supplied

Adobe® Lightroom®

New optional accessories

Electronic Viewfinder (EVF-2), Multi-functional Handgrip M, Handgrip M, SCA Adapter Set for Multi-functional Handgrip M, Power Adapter for Multi-functional Handgrip M, Finger loop for Multi-functional Handgrip M, Size S / M / L, Leica Microphone Adapter Set, Leica M-Adapter R, Ever-Ready Case M, Li-ion Battery BP-SCL2, Battery charger BC-SCL2


 by Andreas Jürgensen, Photokina 2012