Leica M – System

The new M unites decades of experience in rangefinder technology with groundbreaking digital technologies: It features a completely newly developed high-resolution full-format CMOS sensor that, in combination with its high-performance processor and the legendary M-Lenses, delivers outstanding imaging results. With Live View, video, and new additional focusing methods, it is also the M for photographers who do not wish to miss out on any of what modern digital technology has to offer.

Key Benefits

  • The M-Generation remains just as compact and discreet, just as robust and enduring, and just as simple and intuitive to use as all M-Cameras have been in the past.
  • Each new camera is a precision tool manufactured by hand using the finest materials, and also allows access to the best range of lenses in the world.
  • The new generation features a full-frame, 24 × 36mm sensor and benefits from rangefinder precision, as well as cutting-edge digital technology.

Why It Matters To Us…

Why has the Leica M endured? While it possesses ample technical features, it lacks some of the features many are use to from other leading digital mirrorless cameras. The Leica M was THE mirrorless camera decades before “mirrorless” became a thing.

A Leica M creates true desire. There is no camera like a Leica M camera. Nothing feels like it, nothing works like it. The discreet shooting mode, the minimilist approach. Isn’t that what photography is all about? Letting your thoughts dwell on the subject in front of you?

There are very few cameras that provide the feeling that comes from holding a Leica M in your hand. The weight and density of the material. While many cameras are not made from plastic, most feel like they are. A Leica M leaves no doubt. The obvious meticulous construction and craft that goes into making a Leica M are unique in the camera world.

Meet The Leica-M Family

The new Leica M10-P separates itself from other digital cameras with its almost inaudible mechanical shutter release and omission of the classic red-dot logo to covertly capture candid moments. Exceptionally discreet, the M10-P embodies the essence of the M philosophy and raises the traditional subtlety of the M series to an unprecedented level. The most notable feature of the Leica M10-P speaks volumes to the core philosophy of the M series, yet it is virtually silent to the ear. At the heart of this camera is the newly designed shutter, making the M10-P the quietest of all digital and analog M cameras ever made. Moments requiring utmost discretion can be captured unobtrusively with the nearly silent, fast and slim M10-P. The design of the Leica M10-P is classically minimalist, featuring only subtle Leica lettering on its top plate, and omitting the Leica red dot logo or any branding on the front.

The Leica M10 Monochrom touts a brand new 40-megapixel full-frame monochrome sensor that achieves new heights in sharpness, detail and resolution while also opening up newfound versatility with a lower base ISO of 160 and a higher maximum ISO of 100,000. With these new levels of performance, the M10 Monochrom is even more capable than its predecessors in any lighting scenarios while maintaining the film-like grain and beautiful contrast and sharpness it is known for, thanks to the removal of the color filter array from the sensor. The M10 Monochrom is the ideal camera for the most passionate and dedicated black and white photographers.

The Leica M10 is the slimmest digital M of all time. The new sensor design of the Leica M10 has made it possible to extend the ISO sensitivity range to values between 100 and 50,000 and also brings improved noise characteristics in exposures captured at higher ISO values. The Leica M10 opens up entirely new areas of photography and delivers exceptional imaging performance even in difficult lighting conditions.

  • Compact rangefinder camera
  • Range of resolution from 24MP – 40MP
  • Choice of Color or dedicated Monochrom models
  • Choice of Red Dot or Badgeless (no red Dot)
  • M10-P has the quietest shutter of any camera
  • Choice of Black or Chome bodies (except for M10-P)
Leica Technical DataLeica M10/M10-P/M10 Monochrom Specs
CAMERA DETAILS
Product NameLeica M10, M10-P, M10 Monochrom
Camera TypeCompact digital rangefinder system camera
Camera TypeMirrorless full-frame system camera
Body ConstructionAll-metal die cast magnesium body, synthetic leather covering. Brass top panel and base,
black and/or chrome plated finish
ProcesserLeica Maestro II
Aspect Ratio24mm x 36mm/2:3
Lens MountLeica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit coding
Buffer MemoryM10: 2GB / 10 pictures in series
M10-P/M10 Mono: 2GB / 16 pictures in series
IMAGE QUALITY
Sensor/ResolutionM10/M10-P: DNG: 5976x3992 pixels (24MP), JPEG: 5952x3968 pixels (24MP)
M10 Mono: DNG: 7864 x 5200 pixels (40,89MP), JPEG: 7840 x 5184 pixels (40,64MP),
5472 x 3648 pixels (20MP), 2976 x 1984 pixels (6MP)
File SizeM10/M10-P: DNG: 20-30 MB, JPEG depending on resolution and picture content
M10 Mono: DNG: 40-60 MB, JPEG (40MP) 10-20 MB: Depending on resolution and picture content
Dyanmic Range14 stops
ISO RangeM10: ISO 160 to ISO 100,000,
M10-P/M10 Mono: ISO 100 to ISO 50,000, adjustable in 1/3 ISO increments from ISO 200, choice of automatic control or manual setting
File FormatsDNG (raw data, lossless compression), JPEG
DNG/JPG ResolutionDNG: 8368 x 5584 pixels (46.7 MP) JPG: 8368 x 5584 pixels (46.7 MP), 6000 x 4000 pixels (24 MP),
4272 x 2848 pixels (12 MP)
White BalanceM10/M10-P: Automatic, manual, 8 presets, color temperature input
EXPOSURE /MODES
Exposure ModesChoice of automatic shutter speed control with manual aperture pre-selection - aperture priority A, or manual shutter speed and aperture setting
Exposure MeteringExposure metering through the lens (TTL), with working aperture
Metering MethodFor metering the light reflected by light blades of the 1st shutter curtain onto a measuring cell:
Strong center-weighted; for metering on the sensor: Spot, center-weighted, multi-field metering
Metering RangeAt room temperature and normal humidity for ISO 200, at aperture 1.0 EV-2 to EV19 at aperture 32. Flashing of the left triangular LED in the viewfinder indicates values below the metering range
Shutter TypeMetal blade focal plane shutter with vertical movement, near-silent operation
Shutter SpeedsM10/M10-P: 8 seconds to 1/4000th
M10 Mono: 16 minutes to 1/4000th
Shutter ButtonTwo-stage, 1st step: Activation of the camera electronics including exposure metering and exposure lock (in aperture priority mode), 2nd step: Shutter release; standard thread for cable release integrated.
Self TimerDelay 2s (aperture priority and manual exposure setting) or 12s, set in menu, indicated by flashing
LED on front of camera and corresponding display in monitor.
BufferM10/M10-P: 2GB / 10 pictures in series
M10 Mono: Approx. 5 pictures per second, 30-40 pictures in series
Picture SeriesM10-P: Approx. 5 pictures per second, 30-40 pictures in series
MONITOR AND VIEWFINDER
Viewfinder ConstructionLarge, bright line frame viewfinder with automatic parallax compensation
EyepieceCalibrated to -0.5 diopter; corrective lenses from -3 to +3 diopter available
Image Field LimiterBy activating two bright lines each: For 35 and 135mm, for 28 and 90mm, or for 50 and 75mm; automatic switching when lens is attached
Parallax CompensationThe horizontal and vertical difference between the viewfinder and the lens is automatically compensated according to the relevant distance setting, i.e. the viewfinder bright-line automatically aligns with the subject detail recorded by the lens.
Matching Viewfinder & Actual ImageAt a range setting of 2m, the bright-line frame size corresponds exactly to the sensor size of approx. 23.9 x 35.8mm; at infinity setting, depending on the focal length, approx. 7.3% (28mm) to 18% (135mm) more is recorded by the sensor than indicated by the corresponding bright line frame and slightly less for shorter distance settings than 2m
Magnification for all Lenses0.73x
LCD Monitor3” color TFT LCD with 16 million colors and 1,036,800 pixels, approx. 100% image field, glass cover of extremely hard, scratch resistant Gorilla glass, color space: sRGB, for Live-View and review mode, displays, level gauge display (M10-P and M10 Mono have touchscreen).
FLASH
Flash Unit ConnectorVia accessory shoe with central and control contacts
Flash Sync Time1/180s; slower shutter speeds can be used, if working below sync speed:
Automatic changeover to TTL linear flash mode with HSS compatible Leica system flash units
Flash Exposure MeteringUsing center-weighted TTL pre-flash metering with Leica flash units (SF40, SF64, SF26, SF60), or flash units compatible with the system with SCA3502 M5 adapter, 2 silicon photo diodes with collection lens on the camera base
Flash Exposure Compensation±3EV in1⁄3 EV increments
INTERFACE AND MEDIA
Storage MediaSD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. Recommendation: UHS II memory cards
WiFiComplies with IEEE 802.11b/g/n standard (standard WiFi protocol), channel 1-11, encryption method: WiFi-compatible WPA/WPA2 encryption, access method: Infrastructure mode, encryption method: WLAN-compatible WPATM/ WPA2TM, access method: infrastructure mode
GPSOnly with Leica Visoflex viewfinder attached, available as an accessory
POWER
Rechargeable BatteryOne lithium-ion rechargeable battery, nominal voltage 7.4V, capacity 1300mAh.; maximum charging
current/voltage: DC 1000mA, 7.4V; Model No.: BP-SCL5; Manufacturer: PT. VARTA Microbattery, Made in Indonesia, Operating conditions (in camera): 0°C - + 40°C
Charger Inputs: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, 300mA, automatic switching, or 12V DC, 1.3A; Output: DC 7.4V, 1000mA/max. 8.25V, 1100mA; Model No.: BC-SCL5; Manufacturer: Guangdong PISEN Electronics Co., Ltd., Made in China, Operating conditions: 0°C - + 35°C
MISC
Tripod ThreadA 1⁄4 DIN 4503 (1⁄4”) with stainless steel in the base
InterfacesISO accessory shoe with additional contacts for Leica Visoflex viewfinder (available as an accessory)
Operating Conditions0-40º C
Dimensions (WxHxD)139 x 80 x 38.5mm / 5.5" x 3.1" x 1.5"
WeightM10: Approx. 660 grams / 23.3 ounces (without battery)
M10-P/M10 Mono: Approx 680 grams / 24 ounces (without battery)
Software Leica FOTO App
Menu LanguagesEnglish, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Korean

Leica M High Speed Prime Lenses

At its maximum aperture, the Summicron-M 28mm f/2 ASPH. already delivers impressively rich contrast, differentiated reproduction of even the finest structures, a soft and smooth bokeh and extremely high resolution. This is due to its recalculated optical design, which almost completely eliminates the astigmatic differences in the image field caused by the cover glass of the sensor to ensure excellent image quality from corner to corner in every picture.

The Summilux-M 21mm f/1.4 ASPH. consists of ten lenses in eight groups and incorporates five separate lenses with anomalous partial dispersion. As a result, vignetting and distortion are both excellently corrected. The floating element retains the lenses’ high resolution, even in the close-up range. A patented, rectangular lens hood fits Series VIII filters.

The Summilux-M 24mm f/1.4 ASPH.’s aspherical lenses are created with state-of-the-art blank-press methods, consisting of ten lenses in eight groups, and incorporating five separate lenses with anomalous partial dispersion. The correction of colour, vignetting and distortion are extremely precise. Rectangular lens hoods fit Series VII filters.

The lens consists of ten lenses in seven groups. It holds an aspherical lens-element and a floating element, which guarantee a high image quality to its minimum focusing distance of 0.7m. The lens ensures a superb color correction with its three cemented elements and seven lens-elements with anomalous partial dispersion. Reaching from infinity to its minimum focusing distance the lens offers exceptional imaging performance with high contrasts across the complete focusing range.

To achieve outstanding imaging performance at closer focusing distances, the lenses behind the aperture blades are constructed as a floating group. This group changes its position relative to the front lens group during focusing. Another new feature is a full-metal, rectangular, screw-mount lens hood that contributes significantly to the compact dimensions of the lens.

As the world’s highest-speed aspherical lens, the Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH exceeds the perception of the human eye. State-of-the-art optics and mechanical technologies have created a noticeable increase in lens speed, and a floating element retains high image quality even in the close-up range. Vignetting and distortion are even better than former Noctilux generations.

The Summilux-M 50mm f/1.4 ASPH. delivers high-contrast images with high-resolution detail – even at its widest aperture, or down to its minimum focusing distance. This is made possible by a number of factors including the use of a floating element, special glass types with unique refraction properties, and elements with aspherical surfaces.

The optical design of the Leica Noctilux-M 75mm f/1.25 ASPH. features nine elements in six groups. Two aspherical elements are included in the design to ensure optimum imaging performance across the entire frame. Thanks to a floating element, accurate and sharp focusing is maintained from the minimum focusing distance of 0.85m all the way to infinity.

This compact lens uses all of today’s technical possibilities to achieve high speed and remarkable imaging quality. It features aspherical surfaces, special glass types with partial anomalous dispersion and floating elements. It is the ideal lens for delivering intimate views of scenes, nature, landscapes and people, whether at infinity or at close-focus range.

The optical design of the Summilux-M 90mm f/1.5 ASPH. is at the cutting edge of the latest lens technology and developments, delivering outstanding levels of optical performance even at its widest f/1.5 aperture. Its telephoto focal length and fast aperture are ideal for capturing perfect portraits even with available light, while its minimum focus distance makes it possible to get close enough to bring each and every fine detail to life.

Apochromatic color correction and an aspherical lens surface are combined for the first time in the Apo-Summicron 90mm f/2 ASPH. Of its individual elements, two are made of high-refraction glass, while two others feature anomalous partial dispersion. Its brilliance and quality of resolution are exemplary even at full aperture.

Leica M Fast Compact Lenses

This lens is optimised for digital photography and has significantly reduced image field curvature in comparison to the previous model. This results in considerably improved image performance with high resolution and extremely impressive reproduction of details. The Elmarit-M 28mm f/2.8 ASPH. is practically distortion-free from infinity to its closest focusing distance of 0.7 meters, and provides an exceptionally clear view through the viewfinder of M cameras.

The eleven blades of the iris of the new Summicron-M 35mm f/2 ASPH. create a circular aperture. This lends the out of focus areas of subjects a smooth and harmonious look. The newly designed and constructed lens delivers pin-sharp pictures with rich contrast and almost complete freedom from distortion – at all apertures and distances – and even when wide open.

Due to a patented, space-saving, yet extremely effective lens hood, this lens successfully merges wide-angle photography with the very best of optical quality and compact design. Its retrofocus-like architecture features eight lens elements, one of which boasts two aspherical surfaces to ensure outstanding image quality, even at open aperture.

The sophisticated design and construction comprises eight elements – including one with two aspherical surfaces and another four with anomalous partial dispersion – and plays a decisive role in reducing distortion and vignetting to an absolute minimum. The lens is supplied with a metal, screw-mounted lens hood to prevent flare effects and ensure perfect image sharpness.

Contrast and detail rendition are excellent even at its maximum aperture of 3.8. Stopped down to medium apertures, the depth of field is so great that wide-ranging vistas will be in focus from close distances to infinity. All these properties make it an outstanding choice when used in combination with the Leica M in snapshot mode.

The Summarit-M 35mm f/2.4 ASPH offers all users of rangefinder cameras, with access to Leica M-Bayonet, the smallest and lightest 35mm lens available. Special, high-refraction glass with anomalous partial dispersion guarantees a level of color correction otherwise unattainable with standard glass types, resulting in outstanding image quality.

The well-balanced design makes this ideal standard lens an outstanding choice in terms of all criteria, including image quality, speed, size and weight. Stopping down to f/2.8 or f/4 brings only a minimal increase in contrast. Distortion is extremely low, practically invisible.

This exquisitely compact lens offers state-of-the art construction and a very useful maximum aperture. In addition to excellent overall image quality, it provides very good contrast, outstanding flatness of field, impressive chromatic correction, and minimal distortion.

The Leica Summarit-M 75mm f/2.4 is a double Gauss lens incorporating six lenses in four groups. There are three lenses each placed on the front and the back the aperture, with the lens reducing the field curvature arranged closely to the image plane. Four lenses are made of special glass types with anomalous partial dispersion, two of which have a very high refractive power.

With its combination of long focal length and wide maximum aperture, it embodies the tradition of classical spherical design and adds state-of-the-art technology and superb performance. Its compact construction keeps viewfinder obstruction to a bare minimum, while the choice of glass types employed guarantees outstanding color fidelity.

Even at full aperture, there is no fall-off at the edges in the MTF curves. Furthermore, the finest details are rendered with more than 50% contrast, enabling sharp images with superb corner-to-corner detail rendition in all photographic situations. The apochromatic correction of the lens minimizes chromatic aberration to ensure natural rendition of every detail.

The Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 and the Macro-Adapter-M form together a convenient solution for close distance photography using the live view function of the Leica M (Typ 240).

The adapter is designed to be mounted between the camera and the Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4. Its integrated helical screw system allows a variable extension of the lens of between 18 and 30mm and thus enables the variation of the reproduction ratio. When mounted on the adapter, the Leica Macro-Elmar-M 90mm f/4 can also be used in its collapsed position for exposures up to infinity. Thanks to a new locking function, this allows photographers to set any distance from 41cm (reproduction ratio 1:2) to infinity without having to dismount the adapter.

As a telephoto lens of uncompromising quality, the APO-Telyt 135mm f/3.4 offers optimal resolution, contrast and sharpness at all apertures. With the apochromatic color correction, minimal distortion and little light fall-off even at maximum aperture, the lens delivers top pro-level image performance. It also renders the finest details clearly and in rich contrast.

Leica M Zoom & Classic Range Lenses

The ultra compact shape is achieved by two aspherical elements. A new design of the interior focusing significantly enhances the quality in the close-focus range through an adaption of the floating element principle. Brilliant depth of field can therefore be used from a distance of 0.33m for hyperfocal photography.

The optical design of 6 elements in 4 groups arranged symmetrically around the iris of the Leica Summaron-M 28mm f/5.6 is identical to that of its ancestor. In contrast to the legendary classic, the new model features an M-bayonet mount with 6-bit coding to enable identification of the lens by the camera.

The Thambar’s distinctive, dreamily romantic look and unmistakeable bokeh are created by deliberately under-corrected spherical aberrations, along with a 20-bladed aperture for the circular rendition of out-of-focus highlights. Because the aberration increases towards the periphery of the optical system, both the extension of the depth of field and the degree of diffusion can be precisely controlled via the step-less aperture ring.

Widening the aperture increases the soft focus, whereas stopping down reduces the effect.  The opaque area at the center of the included soft focus spot filter prevents the axial rays, which generate sharp focus, from reaching the sensor – resulting in an even more intense soft focus appearance.

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