The M Digital Rangefinder Camera (Silver) from Leica is a compact full-frame (24 x 36mm sensor) digital camera. As part of the Leica M-series, it is directly compatible with Leica M-series lenses and by utilizing the Leica R-adapter, is compatible with Leica R-series lenses. The Leica Max 24MP CMOS sensor and Leica Maestro Image Processor were developed together at Leica and produce richly detailed, low-noise images. The integrated imaging electronics provide particularly fast start-up and response times and the powerful image processor consumes minimal power while offering high speed performance. In combination with the new Lithium-ion battery, this allows for long battery life on a single charge.
The Leica M offers both rangefinder focusing through the optical viewfinder and Live View focusing and preview on the 3.0" LCD or an optional electronic viewfinder. The rangefinder provides fast and clear focusing with LED settings and the Live View offers Live View Zoom which magnifies the image 10x for precise focus and Live View Focus Peaking which displays a red contour highlighting on the image for accurate focus assessment.
The Leica M is also the first M series camera to offer Full HD 1080p video. Shoot videos with the "Leica Look" using any Leica M or R mount lens and preview and playback on the 3.0" 920,00-dot LCD or an optional electronic viewfinder. Shoot your videos in Live View mode to see them exactly as they will appear. A dedicated button will activate video mode in just one touch and manual exposure control allows for custom video capture. An optional microphone adapter set will record stereo audio with your videos.
A dual type focal plane shutter controls exposure and a new ergonomic design places buttons and dials in convenient locations on the camera body. An intuitive menu design offers a clear overview of all camera settings and user profiles can save personalized settings for easy set-up. Leica cameras are built to last and the M features a one piece full-metal body with solid brass top and base plates. Rubber seals protect against moisture and dust and the LCD monitor screen is made of scratch-resistant Corning 'Gorilla' glass.
The Leica M brings together 50 years of rangefinder design experience with state-of-the-art digital technology and an array of precise, compatible lenses to create an innovative, versatile and durable digital camera system that will provide high quality still and video images over a lifetime of use.
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 |
Hardware Top Cover Material | Milled brass top cover with integrated thumb rest 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 50 available, Auto ISO |
Imaging Platform | Integrated imaging circuit with Leica Maestro Image Processor |
Electronic Viewfinder | Optional available, can be used with Live View and Play functionality |
LCD Monitor | 3" TFT Display with 920,000 pixels, scratch resistant cover glass |
Shutter | Dual type focal plane shutter for classic image exposure and Live view |
Shutter speed | 1 / 4000s - 125s (in Bulb), 1/180s flash synchronization |
Burst rate | 3fps |
Self timer | 2s / 12s |
Storage media | SD / SDHC / SDXC Memory Cards |
Image file format | DNG (RAW data uncompressed or lossless compressed), JPEG |
JPEG Resolutions | 5952px3976px (24 MP), 4256px2832px (12 MP)/2976px1984px (6 MP)/1600PX 1080PX (1.7 MP) |
Color spaces | sRGB / Adobe RGB |
White balance | Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shadow / Tungsten / Fluorescent warm / Fluorescent cool / Flash / Manual (Grey card) /Kelvin 2000-13100 |
Other functions | Film modes, saturation, contrast, sharpening, shadow brightening |
Movie recording | Single frame video recording (Motion JPG), Quicktime format (mov) |
Movie resolution | 1080p, 720p, 640480 (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 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 multi-field measuring Center-weighted TTL metering for flash exposure with system-conformant SC-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 | -3EV to ± 3EV, 1/3 f-stops |
Exposure bracketing | 3 / 5 frames, 0.5 / 1/ 2/ 3 f-stops |
Flash exposure meeting | 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 sync time | 1 / 180 s |
Focusing methods | Manual focus with optional rangefinder, Live View, 100% Live View Zoom, Live View focus peaking, viewfinder focus confirmation |
Optical viewfinder | Large, light bright-line rangefinder with automatic parallax compensation, LED illuminated frame lines |
Optical viewfinder frame lines | Frame lines size matches image sensor size at 2m (6.5') 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 for 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 and for focus confirmation |
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) |
Start up time | < 1s |
Power supply | Li-ion battery (included), 7.4 V, 1800 mAh |
Horizon | Yes |
Sensor cleaning | Dust detection, manual cleaning function |
Operating Temperature | 0deg.C - 40deg.C |
Tripod Thread | A 1/4 (1/4") DIN made of stainless steel in base plate |
Dimensions | 139 x 42 x 80mm (5.47 x 1.65 x 3.14") |
Weight | 680g (23.9oz) |
Reviews Leica M (Typ 240) Digital Rangefinder Camera (Silver)