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The Leica M (Typ 240) Digital Rangefinder Camera in black is a conventionally fashioned M-series camera that mixes elements of Leica’s illustrious heritage with cutting-edge image technology to provide a unique photographic experience.
This camera is equipped with a full-frame Leica Max 24MP CMOS sensor and the Maestro image processor, which together provide images with high detail, low noise levels, and smooth color and tone gradations.
The sensor and CPU combination also enables the camera to shoot continuously at up to 3 frames per second, record full HD 1080p video, and achieve maximum sensitivity of ISO 6400, among other features. The M is one of the few digital cameras that preserves Leica’s inclination for a rangefinder design.
It features a 0.68x optical viewfinder with split and overlaid manual focusing, as well as automatic parallax correction, which makes it unique among digital cameras. Alternative options include live view shooting capabilities integrated into the M, with the added convenience of being able to check focus and composition on the 3.0″ 920k-dot LCD panel on the back of the camera.
As with previous M-series cameras, the M preserves the ability to use the extensive network of M-mount lenses, and it is also compatible with Leica R-mount lenses with the use of an extra adapter, just like its predecessors.
Due to the fact that focusing is done totally by hand when working in live view, focus peaking and a 10x live view zoom can be used to assure crucial focus when working in live view. As you look through the optical viewfinder, internal LEDs display shooting and camera information, as well as frame lines that correspond to the focal lengths of the lenses with focusing precision of up to 6.6′.
Although the M’s body design is built of die-cast magnesium alloy and coated in a synthetic leather covering, its upper and lower plate construction is made of machined brass, and its back LCD is protected by scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass.
Overall, its long-lasting construction is constructed to provide increased strength and resistance to splashes, dust, and adverse weather conditions. Rapid access to critical camera controls is made possible with an integrated thumb rest and a minimalistic, yet simple ergonomic control scheme.
In addition, a revised 1800mAh lithium-ion battery provides longer working periods and more dependability for all-day filming and videography.
Sensor with 24 Megapixels (CMOS)
With a newly built high-resolution 24MP CMOS sensor in the entire 35mm frame, the camera produces images of exceptional quality. Its sophisticated design and flat pixel architecture enable each individual pixel to collect a disproportionately huge quantity of light due to its flat pixel architecture.
As a consequence, photos with exceptional clarity and maximum resolution are produced. Even at higher sensitivity settings of up to ISO 6400, the new M produces photos that are very low in noise and rich in detail.
Photographer’s tool, the Leica Maestro image processor.
The Leica Maestro processor, when used in combination with the new sensor, enables extremely rapid picture processing performance.
When combined with the processor and sensor’s energy-efficient image circuitry, the Leica M’s new 1800 mAh lithium-ion battery provides a much longer battery life from a single charge.
Compatibility with Lenses
In order to accommodate the use of both Leica M and R lenses on the Leica M camera, the new CMOS sensor has been conceived and manufactured. With the new Leica R-Adapter, practically all Leica R heritage lenses can be used on the Leica M, allowing for a more versatile photographic experience.
Live View Capability, as well as Version 3.0 “LCD Display (Liquid Crystal Display)
The new Leica M is the first M camera to include live view and lives view focusing, making it the first of its kind. When using the actual picture generated by a lens, it is possible to construct images that have total control over the depth of field and exposure while also framing and focusing with precision.
The 3.0 is a high-resolution camera “The use of an LCD panel with 920,000 pixels enables for exact evaluation of the topic viewed through the lens. Live view, which was previously restricted by rangefinder constraints, now provides users of the M-series with a plethora of additional options, such as macro and telephoto exposures, as well as the ability to utilize the monitor as a viewfinder.
Both M and R lenses may be used with live view, and vice versa. It also enables owners of R lenses to use the optional Visoflex EVF2 electronic viewfinder, which is available for an additional cost. An R-adapter, R lenses and a viewfinder are all required to use the Leica M as if it were an SLR, and the monitor is not required to use it in this manner.
Zooming and focus peaking are available in real-time.
Using the new Live View Zoom feature, you may magnify the live view display by up to 10 times for more accurate concentration on minute details. Using Live View Focus Peaking, you can easily change the focus of your image by automatically emphasizing the image outlines in red color.
Because of the contour display, it is possible to check the precision of focusing with pinpoint accuracy. M camera users now have the option of selecting from a variety of focusing settings, depending on the scenario or the photographer’s preferences.
Viewfinder using an optical system
An LED-illuminated frame line and automated parallax adjustment are included in the Optical Viewfinder, which is a big, bright-line rangefinder. At a focusing distance of 6.6′ (2 m), the size of the frame lines corresponds to the size of the image sensor.
The magnification of the viewfinder is 0.68x, and the eyepiece is set to -0.5 diopters. Corrective lenses ranging from -3 to +3 diopters are provided as an option.
Integrated inside the Optical Viewfinder is a four-digit, seven-segment LED digital display, which also has a brightness adjuster. An LED sign indicates whether or not the flash is on, as well as whether or not exposure adjustment is required.
Automatic shutter speed is likewise displayed in automatic mode, as is an advisory highlighting the usage of metering memory lock with manual exposure setting when the camera is in manual mode.
Rangefinder
A bright area in the middle of the viewfinder image indicates the presence of a split or overlaid image rangefinder. The effective metering basis for a rangefinder is 47.1 mm (mechanical metering basis 69.25 mm x viewfinder magnification of 0.68x).
Video in Full High Definition (1080p)
This Leica M is the first M-series camera to capture full HD 1080p video while employing a rangefinder or Live View focusing, making it the first of its kind. Full-HD 1080p video recording is used to create videos that are intended to have the “Leica Look.” With a single press of a dedicated button, video recording is initiated.
Controls that are easy to use and a menu that is intuitive
Its control features, which include easy handling, direct manual setting choices, and quick access to all of the camera’s major photography capabilities, distinguish the Leica M from its competitors.
Manual focusing, direct aperture, and shutter speed setting choices, as well as an ergonomically positioned control wheel on the top plate and straightforward menu navigation, form the backbone of the Leica M operating concept, which also includes autofocus and continuous shooting.
This is made possible by the newly designed and user-friendly menu system, which is presented on the big back LCD and allows for a clear overview of all camera settings at all times. Each of the features, including the video and Live View capabilities, as well as the new focus functions, has its own set of controls.
Together with the control wheel, the new focus button on the front of the camera enables for the option of Live View Zoom and Live View Focus Peaking, as well as quick and easy exposure tweaks when using the Live View Zoom feature. A dedicated button is also provided for controlling the ISO sensitivity levels.
At the top-right end of the top plate, the Leica M is additionally equipped with an ergonomically shaped thumb rest for added comfort. Consequently, even under the most difficult shooting scenarios, optimal grip and stability are ensured.
Exposure metering is a technique used to measure the amount of light entering a camera’s lens.
In the traditional viewfinder mode, the following metering is used: Through the Lens (TTL) metering, center-weighted, variable aperture.
In Live View and advanced viewfinder modes, you can see the following: Through the Lens (TTL) metering, center-weighted metering, spot or multi-field metering are all possibilities.
Construction with a High Degree of Resilience
The Leica M has been designed for optimal stability and tight sealing during its entire life. Its cap and base plates are machined from solid brass, and its full-metal body is constructed of high-strength magnesium alloy in a single piece for strength and durability.
Rubber seals that have been specially engineered to protect the camera body from dust and water spray. Thumb rest is built into the top cover, which is made of milled brass.
The glass covering plate of its high-resolution LCD screen is made of Corning ‘Gorilla’ Glass, which is exceptionally robust and scratch-resistant. With a 1/4″ DIN stainless steel thread and synthetic leather covering, this tripod has a professional appearance.
Battery Life is Extensive
Using the new lithium-ion battery (1800 mAh) in the Leica M, you can shoot for longer periods of time without having to recharge or swap out your batteries.
The high-performance rechargeable battery, energy-saving exposure metering circuits, the Leica Maestro Image Processor, and the new sensor allow for a large number of exposures to be captured on a single charge, which is particularly handy for shooting in isolated regions.
User Profiles
Up to four sets of camera and exposure settings may be kept under a user-selected profile name and retrieved quickly whenever they are needed in the future. These profiles can be stored on an SD card to make them more accessible in the future.
Functions that are not listed above
Saturation, contrast, and sharpening are all options for film emulation.
Menu Chinese (Traditional and Simplified) and English are the languages spoken in the world.
Leica M (Typ 240) Specs
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Max resolution | 5952 x 3976 |
| Other resolutions | 4256 x 2832, 2976 x 1984, 1600 x 1080 |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
| Effective pixels | 24 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| ISO | Auto, Pull 100, 200-6400 |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 100 |
| White balance presets | 6 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, Standard |
| Digital zoom | No |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Lens mount | Leica M |
| Focal length multiplier | 1× |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 920,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT color LCD |
| Live view | Yes |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (rangefinder) |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.68× |
| Minimum shutter speed | 60 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | No |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Subject / scene modes | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (Hot-shoe) |
| Flash modes | Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync |
| Continuous drive | 3.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
| Metering modes | Center-weighted |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | No |
| Resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (25,24 fps), 1280 x 720 (25, 24 fps) |
| Format | Motion JPEG |
| Microphone | Stereo |
| Speaker | Mono |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| Storage included | None |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| HDMI | No |
| Remote control | No |
| Environmentally sealed | Yes |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery & charger |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz) |
| Dimensions | 139 x 80 x 42 mm (5.47 x 3.15 x 1.65″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | No |
| GPS | Optional |
