Marrying minimalist design elements with celebrated image quality, the silver chrome Leica M-P (Typ 240) Digital Rangefinder Camera pairs a full-frame image sensor with the quality and tradition Leica's reputation was founded upon. Featuring a MAX 24MP CMOS sensor and Maestro image processor, the M-P realizes rich image quality with low noise levels and smooth color and tonal gradations. The sensor and processor combine to also avail a top sensitivity of ISO 6400, full HD 1080p movie recording and 3 fps shooting for up to 24 consecutive frames. Unique among digital cameras, this camera maintains Leica's preference for a rangefinder design and incorporates a 0.68x optical viewfinder with split and superimposed manual focusing, automatic parallax correction, and manual image field selection. Conversely, the camera also features a 3.0" 920k-dot LCD with sapphire glass covering to maintain the overall durability of the magnesium alloy and brass body. Distinguishing itself through unobtrusiveness, the M-P also carries the select designation of no front-facing Leica logos in favor of an engraved Leica script on the top plate.
As with past M-series cameras, the M-P retains the ability to utilize the vast network of M-mount lenses and is also compatible with Leica R-mount lenses via an optional adapter. When working in live view, and since focusing operation is entirely manual, focus peaking and 10x live view zoom can be utilized to ensure critical focus. An ergonomic body design places all of the necessary camera controls within reach during shooting, including top shutter speed and drive mode dials, as well as rear menu navigation buttons and selection dial located atop the thumb rest. The rugged metal body also integrated rubber seals throughout its design to render the M-P dust- and weather-resistant for sustained use in trying conditions.
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-P (Typ 240) Digital Rangefinder Camera (Silver Chrome)