The GetDPI Photography Forum

Great to see you here. Join our insightful photographic forum today and start tapping into a huge wealth of photographic knowledge. Completing our simple registration process will allow you to gain access to exclusive content, add your own topics and posts, share your work and connect with other members through your own private inbox! And don’t forget to say hi!

Leica M-E press release

Guy Mancuso

Administrator, Instructor
PRESS RELEASE
NEW: THE LEICA M-E
The fascination of M-Photography reduced to essentials
Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012) - Leica Camera presents a new model in the Leica rangefinder
system, the Leica M-E. Possessing the high level of technology perfected in the nearly six decades
since the M-System’s introduction, the Leica M-E represents the essence of rangefinder photography.
Rather than offering all that is technically possible, it is limited to only those functions that create a
better image. These essentials include the M-System’s typical rapid manual focusing with the
viewfinder/rangefinder and the focusing ring of the lens, as well as the option of selecting
automatically determined or manually set shutter speeds. It is the ideal entry-level model for
photographers wishing to experience the fascination of M-Photography or require a secondary
camera that performs at an optimum level without fail.
Advantages of rangefinder photography include the ability for photographers to become a part of the
action and frame whatever they wish to capture in the viewfinder, while still perceiving what is going
on outside the viewfinder frame. The crucial moment becomes predictable, and can thus be captured
at precisely the right instant. Featuring the proven, high-resolution, 18 MP CCD sensor in full 35 mm
format, the Leica M-E offers maximum imaging quality. Perfectly attuned to its role in the extremely
compact M-System and the superior performance of M-Lenses, this particular sensor type possesses
a high sensitivity to light. These characteristics lead to an unmistakably individual kind of
photography.
The Leica M-E’s most distinctive feature is a minimalistic, purist, design statement. The top deck and
base plate are discreetly finished in unobtrusive anthracite grey. The application of a new leather trim
with enhanced grip characteristics ideally complements the camera’s timeless design.
The Leica M-System portfolio provides perfect tools for capturing a moment discretely, silently and
without hesitation, allowing photographers to become a part of the scene. Together with the new
Leica M and the Leica M Monochrom, the world’s first digital black and white camera in 35 mm
format, the latest digital generation of the Leica M now offers three rangefinder cameras.
Additionally, the Leica M-E package includes the latest version of Leica Adobe Photoshop Lightroom
to assist photographers with viewing, editing and managing digital images. The Leica M-E is available
now from Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC.
About the Leica M-System
Since 1954, the Leica M system has stood for an unmistakable, individual kind of photography and a
very conscious photographic style. Because, with a Leica M, the photographer becomes a part of the
action in the process of capturing challenging and creative images. The rangefinder frames precisely
the shot the photographer envisages while allowing a clear view of what is going on outside the
viewfinder frame. This allows the photographer to predict the decisive moment and capture it
discreetly and reliably at the right moment – in all fields, from photojournalism and ‘available light’
exposures to discreet and aesthetic fine-art images. The functions of the Leica M rangefinder camera
are consistently constructed for extreme robustness and a long working life. Highest quality
materials, elaborate manufacturing processes and painstaking manual assembly guarantee functional
reliability for decades to come. Full backward system compatibility – almost all lenses of the Leica M
range built since 1954 can still be used on the latest M camera models – is an important factor in the
enduring value of the M series.



LEICA M-E
Product
Unique Product
Name:
Leica M-E (Typ 220), anthracite grey paint
Camera type: Compact digital view and rangefinder system still
camera
Lens mount: Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit
coding
Lens system: Leica M lenses
Top Cover: Milled brass top cover with classic Leica M
design
Material: All-metal case made of die-cast magnesium;
synthetic leather covering. Cap and base plate
made of brass
Image Sensor: KAF -18500 18 MP CCD Sensor
Number of effective Pixels: 18 Million Pixels
Sensitivity range: ISO 160 – ISO 2500, Pull 80 available, Auto ISO
Imaging Platform: DSP based computing platform with Leica
imaging algorithms
LCD Monitor: 2,5” TFT Display with 230.000 Pixels
Shutter: Closed type focal plane shutter for classic image
exposure, with external cocking mechanics
Shutter Speed: 1/4000s – 240s (in Bulb), 1/180s flash
synchronization
Burst rate: approx. 2 fps
Self timer: Off / 2s / 12s
Storage Media : SD / SDHC Memory Cards
Imaging functions
Image File Format: DNG™ (RAW data uncompressed or nonlinear
compressed), JPEG
File Size: DNG: 18 MB (compressed)/36 MB
(uncompressed), JPEG: Resolution and image
content dependent
Available JPG Resolutions: 5212 x 3472 (18 MP), 3840 x 2592 (10 MP),
2592 x 1728 (4.5 MP), 1728 x 1152 (2 MP),
1280 x 846 pixels (1 MP)
Color Spaces: sRGB / Adobe®RGB
White Balance: Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade /Tungsten /
Fluorescent 1 / Fluorescent 2 / Flash / Manual
/ Kelvin 2000-12800
Other functions: Saturation, Contrast, Sharpening
Exposure Control
Exposure Metering: Through the Lens (TTL) metering, centerweighted
with variable aperture
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, AMode
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: 3/5/7 frames, 0.5 / 1 / 1.5 / 2 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
Optical Viewfinder: Large, light bright-line rangefinder with automatic
parallax compensation, optical illumination
Optical Viewfinder
frame lines:
Framelines size matches image sensor size at 1m
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), 3.7V, 1860 mAh
User Profiles: 4 Profiles
Sensor cleaning: Manual cleaning function
Tripod Thread: A 1/4 (1/4") DIN made of stainless steel in base
plate
Dimensions: (W x D x H) approx. 139 x 37 x 80 mm
(5.5 x 1.7 x 3.1 in.)
Weight: 585 g (20.6 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, Body cap
Software licenses
Supplied: Adobe® Lightroom®
Optional accessories:
All accessories that are made for the Leica M9/
M9-P
 

jlm

Workshop Member
"Shutter: Closed type focal plane shutter for classic image
exposure, with external cocking mechanics"
ya mean a lever??
 

dude163

Active member
SO this is like a M9 Lite? what is the drawback to this over a M9 ? or should I say, why would I pay more for an M9 when I could have this?
 

Knorp

Well-known member
A lever would have been pretty cool, but alas - no such device here.
Admittedly, I find that "external cocking mechanics" also confusing.

All the best.
 

Peter Klein

New member
They talk about the M-E's quiet shutter, but they don't say that it's new or any different than the M8.2/M9 shutter. And they don't talk about new M's the shutter at all. So I'm not clear on what's going on there.
 

Knorp

Well-known member
SO this is like a M9 Lite? what is the drawback to this over a M9 ? or should I say, why would I pay more for an M9 when I could have this?
Good question, but this is what you get:

"What you get is a full frame digital LEICA M camera with the specifications of the previous top model LEICA M9.
Technically only the USB port and the image field selector are missing.
The LEICA M-E might be interesting too for design purists as it has an own anthracite grey finish and a new leather trim with enhanced grip characteristics.
Additionally it has no engravings on camera front or top deck plate."​

Apparently M9/M9-P are no longer produced.

All the best.
 

Aaron

New member
The cheapest piece of crap point and shoot has a better lcd than this new Leica, there's really no excuse, I can't even imagine where they can still source such an outdated piece of technology.
 

dude163

Active member
I thought the M9 and M9P were still produced ?

they mentioned 3 leica M products on their site

the New M , the ME and the M9P? ahh wait a second......

M MM ME , you are correct , M9 and M9P MIA
 

Kokoshawnuff

New member
I'm guessing prices for the now new/old stock M9s will continue to decrease and the ME (basically just a blue/gray M9) will be more expensive than an M9P...
 

Bob

Administrator
Staff member
A lever would have been pretty cool, but alas - no such device here.
Admittedly, I find that "external cocking mechanics" also confusing.

All the best.
single stroke or double stroke?
 

Shashin

Well-known member
The cheapest piece of crap point and shoot has a better lcd than this new Leica, there's really no excuse, I can't even imagine where they can still source such an outdated piece of technology.
Well, if I were you, I would not buy one. That will fix them!
 

Lars

Active member
"230 000 Pixels"
Most manufacturers talk about "dots" so you have to multiply by three to compare. So perhaps this is 690K dots - somewhat better but still not excusable for a $5K camera.
640x360 pixels?
 

Aaron

New member
Well, if I were you, I would not buy one. That will fix them!
Well 'being me' I won't, but your right- it won't help as you probably will buy it and encourage Leica to keep sticking 50 dollar parts on a 5,000 dollar product. :p
 
Top