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THE NEW LEICA M Press Release

Guy Mancuso

Administrator, Instructor
PRESS RELEASE
NEW: THE LEICA M
The perfection of digital rangefinder technology
Solms, Germany (September 17, 2012) - Leica Camera presents a groundbreaking milestone in the nearly 60 year history of the Leica rangefinder system: The Leica M. Setting entirely new standards, the Leica M unites the ultimate in rangefinder precision with cutting edge digital technology. As the first camera to implement a newly designed CMOS image sensor and to feature additional focusing methods and functions such as Live View and Full HD video capability, it is the most versatile Leica rangefinder model ever. Remaining true to the legendary values of the M-System, the Leica M not only provides the advantages of rangefinder photography, but also for the first time, offers compatibility with Leica R legacy lenses. As with every innovation and development since the flagship line’s inception, the Leica M was created to capture fleeting moments of time and transform them into living history.
The Leica M also marks the beginning of a new era in the Leica product naming policy. In future, Leica M and S model names will omit the number suffix to emphasize the enduring and long-term significance of the respective systems.
In every respect, the new Leica M is the most innovative and versatile model the modern M-System has ever created. Looking to the future, the Leica M is the first in a long line of Leica rangefinder cameras to feature a completely new development in sensor technology; the Leica Max CMOS image sensor. This 24 MP, full 35 mm format sensor was designed and constructed in collaboration with CMOSIS especially for the camera and its use with M- and R-Lenses. This new development successfully transfers the characteristic advantages of CCD sensors, such as natural and brilliant color rendition and impressive reproduction of details, to a CMOS sensor.
In combination with the high-performance Leica Maestro processor that is also employed in Leica S cameras, this new full format sensor guarantees maximum imaging quality and speed. Now, all elements in the image creation chain, from the lens to the image file, are under complete control of the Leica engineers. This guarantees the ultimate in imaging performance and quality. An additional highlight is the low power consumption of the components that, in conjunction with the particularly high capacity of the battery, ensures outstanding performance over a long period of use.
In 1954, the launch of the M-System opened new horizons in reportage and artistic photography. Now at the dawn of a new era in the system’s technology, the Leica M offers a multitude of new features. The first of these are Live View and Live View Focus. Image composition can now take place in real time with the view of the subject through the lens. The sharpness, exposure and color content of images can now be precisely assessed on the camera’s large, 3-inch, high-resolution monitor screen with 920,000 pixels. The glass covering plate of the monitor screen is manufactured from particularly tough and scratch-resistant Corning®Gorilla®Glass. The new Live View function allows photographers to have access to entirely new opportunities that, in combination with the outstanding performance of Leica M- and R-Lenses, go far beyond the classical capabilities of rangefinder photography. This applies particularly to macro and telephoto photography, but also allows even more discreet shooting. In combination with M- and R-Lenses, the camera’s new 1080p Full HD video capability also opens up further opportunities to record memories as they happen.
Ever in pursuit of capturing Henri Cartier-Bresson’s “Decisive Moment,” the Leica M offers two additional focusing methods that can be activated quickly and easily with the new focus button. M-Photographers now have even more options for capturing outstandingly sharp images. The new ‘Live View Zoom’ option enables up to 10 x magnification for precise assessment of the sharpness of subject details or the close focusing limit. The second aid to focusing is ‘Live View Focus Peaking’. Here, contours in the subject are automatically displayed as red lines to allow simple and convenient focus assessment. Focusing precision can be assessed on the basis of the intensity of the lines displayed.
The Leica M’s features are optimally combined with the typical values of the Leica rangefinder system and guarantee the accustomed dependability of the Leica M in all photographic situations, from available light photography to discreet and aesthetic fine-art image composition. In line with the principles of the M-Philosophy, all functions and features are designed and constructed for absolute robustness and a long working life. The top deck and the base plate of the Leica M are machined from solid brass blanks and the full-metal chassis is a completely self-contained diecast element manufactured from high-strength magnesium alloy. Special rubber seals protect the camera body against dust, spray and moisture.
The new rangefinder camera is also a typical M due to its intuitive handling concept with direct manual setting options and fast access to functions. The enhanced layout and particular user-friendliness of the menu interface guarantees a clear and uncomplicated overview of all camera settings at all times.
Dedicated button controls have been provided for the Live View and new focusing functions. Live View Zoom and Live View Focus Peaking can be selected with the new focus button on the front of the camera. User profiles can be programmed with any camera and shooting settings, stored under an arbitrary name. They can be accessed quickly whenever required for particular situations and can now also be saved to an SD memory card. For increased comfort in use and harkening to the film advance lever of Leica film cameras, the Leica M now provides an ergonomically formed thumb rest with an integrated setting dial at the top right on the back of the top deck. This ensures that the camera can be held securely in even the most demanding situations.
A wide range of optional accessories is also available for the new Leica M. A particular highlight of the range is a new Leica R-Adapter M that allows almost all R-Lenses ever built to be mounted on the camera. The use of Leica R-System lenses now opens up vast new possibilities for zoom, telephoto and macro photography.
Further accessories are the Leica EVF2, Visoflex electronic viewfinder and a multifunctional handgrip-M with an integrated GPS module that, in combination with optional finger loops in various sizes (S, M and L), helps to ensure safe and steady handling of the camera and lens system. The range also includes a Leica Microphone Adapter set for perfect sound with video recordings.
The Leica M will be available from Leica dealers, including the Leica Store Washington DC, in early 2013 in a choice of black paint or silver chrome finish.




LEICA M

Unique Product Name:
LEICA M (Typ 240), black paint
LEICA M (Typ 240), silver chrome
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
Top Cover:
Milled brass top cover with integrated thumb rest
Material:
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 100 available, Auto ISO
Imaging Platform:
Integrated imaging circuit with Leica Maestro® Image processor
Electronic Viewfinder:
Optional available, can be used for Live View and Play functionality
LCD Monitor:
3” TFT Display with 920.000 Pixels, scratch resistant cover glass (Corning®Gorilla®Glass)
Shutter:
Dual type focal plane shutter for classic image exposure and Live view
Shutter Speed:
1/4000s – 60s (in Bulb), 1/180s flash synchronization
Burst rate:
3fps
Self timer:
2s / 12s
Storage Media :
SD / SDHC / SDXC Memory Cards
Imaging functions
Image File Format:
DNG™ (RAW data uncompressed or lossless compressed), JPEG
File Size:
DNG approx. 20 Mbyte – approx. 30 Mbyte (compressed)/ 48.2 MByte (uncompressed), JPEG: Resolution and image content dependent
Available JPG Resolutions:
5952px*3976px (24 MP), 4256px*2832px (12 MP)/ 2976px*1984px (6MP) / 1600px*1080px (1,7MP)
Color Spaces:
sRGB / Adobe®RGB
White Balance:
Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shadow / Tungsten / Fluorescent warm /Fluorescent cool / Flash / Manual (Greycard) / Kelvin 2000-13100
Other functions:
Film Modes, Saturation, Contrast, Sharpening
Movie recording
Movie Recording:
Single frame video compression (Motion JPG), Quicktime format (mov)
Movie resolution:
1080p, 720p, 640*480 (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 Control
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 multifield measuring.
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, A-Mode 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 frames, 0.5 / 1 / 2 / 3 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, Live View, 100% Live View Zoom, Live View focus peaking
Optical Viewfinder:
Large, light bright-line rangefinder with automatic parallax compensation, LED illuminated frame lines.
Optical Viewfinder frame lines:
Framelines size matches image sensor size at 2m 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), 7.4V, 1800 mAh
Horizon:
Yes
User Profiles:
4 Profiles, exportable
Sensor cleaning:
Dust detection, manual cleaning function
Tripod Thread:
A 1/4 (1/4") DIN made of stainless steel in base plate
Dimensions:
approx. 139 x 42 x 80 mm (5.5 x 1.7 x 3.1 in.)
Weight:
680 g (23.9 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, Accessory port cover, Body cap
Software licenses
Supplied:
Adobe® Lightroom®
New optional accessories:
Electronic Viewfinder (EVF-2), Multifunctional Handgrip M, Handgrip M, SCA Adapter Set for Multi-functional Handgrip M, Power Adapter for Multi-functional Handgrip M, Finger loop for Multi-functional Handgrip M, Size S / M / L, Leica Microphone Adapter Set, Leica M-Adapter R, Ever-Ready Case M, Li-ion Battery BP-SCL2, Battery charger BC-SCL2
 

Knorp

Well-known member
Availability is scheduled for early 2013 with a retail price of $6,950 in the US and £5100 in the UK.
(source: dpreview)
 

Hosermage

Active member
Nice that they kept the price about the same... can't wait to see some image samples from the new CMOS sensor. I'm slightly relieved... a few more lenses should be enough to keep my GAS down :)
 

philber

Member
Am I sick if I suggest that the spec sheet is pretty close to that of a just-announced Nikon D600? Same Sony-sourced sensor, Liveview, video, blah blah blah. Of course, the rangefinder is very different from autofocus, but that does not affect IQ. Lenses will be the only real differentiator in terms of IQ. And the price is going to be mildly different, methinks...
 
V

Vivek

Guest
Am I sick if I suggest that the spec sheet is pretty close to that of a just-announced Nikon D600? Same Sony-sourced sensor, Liveview, video, blah blah blah. Of course, the rangefinder is very different from autofocus, but that does not affect IQ. Lenses will be the only real differentiator in terms of IQ. And the price is going to be mildly different, methinks...
It isn't a Sony sensor.

See: Leica M - die Wünsche wurden erhört | photoscala
 

rayyan

Well-known member
A very sensible product offering ( no, not the x2!! ). And sensible pricing, for a Leica.

The M is very interesting to me. Shall wait for some friends to give us their reports and show us some samples from the new CMOS sensor.

Well done Leica.
 

rayyan

Well-known member
Am I sick if I suggest that the spec sheet is pretty close to that of a just-announced Nikon D600? Same Sony-sourced sensor, Liveview, video, blah blah blah. Of course, the rangefinder is very different from autofocus, but that does not affect IQ. Lenses will be the only real differentiator in terms of IQ. And the price is going to be mildly different, methinks...
Just mistaken, methinks.
 
V

Vivek

Guest
I find a couple of things very useful:

1. Allowing the use of a flash when an EVF is attached! :thumbs:

2. One can use a cheaper Olympus EVF (same as the X2)! :thumbs:

Overall, quite nice! :thumbs:

Check this out: http://vimeo.com/49464083
 

weinschela

Subscriber Member
Just what my aging eyes need. I am happy this is incremental and happy they have done live view for when you need it. I've put myself on my dealer's list.
 

jlm

Workshop Member
"Electronic Viewfinder:
Optional available, can be used for Live View and Play functionality"

like that used in the Nex 5?
 

Paul Spinnler

Well-known member
Beside the concept that one might own a leica camera as a value in itself, I don't see any differentiator that warrants the high price of the camera. First of all, it seems to be a CMOS full-frame sensor like most other sensors you can find nowadays in 2k USD cameras (D3x, D600, Sony 24MPx cameras etc.) so unlike at the time when the M9 came out, it isn't as astonishing. I would've suspected a 30+ sensor here for the 7k USD price point.

Secondly, if Sony comes out with a NEX that has interchangeable lenses, i.e. an RX1 variation, then Leica has NO differentiator whatsoever besides the brand or looks.

I bet that in 2013 we will see a more compact sony 24 MPX Nex that will take Leica M glass via adapter and even R glass via Leicas adapter attached to an M adapter.

If the RX1 is a hint as to the size of such a new camera, it will have the advantage of even smaller dimensions. I bet the price point will be around 2500 USD to 3000 USD.

So basically 7k buys us pretty mundane spec sheet in photokina 2012 world but with a nice package.

The M9 still has a ccd sensor which arguably has its own look, so in a sense this new product is nice but not WOW.
 

Paratom

Well-known member
my first thoughts...
in one way Leica listened to customers (live few, focus peaking, soluting for R-lenses)
my second thought...the simplicity of the M3-M9 is gone because they tried to pack too much in it. Even if the Leica tele R glass is great I would prefer a Nikon D4 or EOS D1xxx with a fast AF Tele lens for fast AF and for a balanced handling between body and lens.
But then they still offer the ME for the purist.
I am interested to see how both products will sell.
I dont feel the need to upgrade from my M9/MM any time soon.
Strangest thing is that from my stomach the "x2-neon" looks fun to me.

PS: I dont like giving up the number in the name. It is giving up a long tradition. It is a one time cool announcement...we finally present the "M" or the "S" but thats it.short term marketing effect IMO.
 

Peter Klein

New member
The prices are still Leica prices, but at least they didn't go up exponentially again.

The new M looks like they've actually listened to photographer's needs and responded as they can. The real question is going to be how the new sensor compares to the competition. The lack of stupid-high ISOs like 12,800 and up probably won't be an issue to real photographers, especially with f/1.4 lenses. If it delivers a clean 3200 and a decently usable 6400, I think a lot of Leica users will be satisfied.

Or should I say, "a lot of Leica users who can afford it will be satisfied."?
 

Christopher

Active member
It certainly is a very good step in the right direction. NOW the question is, if this "3rd" party CMOS can deliver similar quality we are used to from Sony or Canon. I really hope so, but I have my doubts when it comes to DR and Noise.
 

Godfrey

Well-known member
This camera is right on target for me. Next year or the year after. No need to rush, my M9 is still practically new.

But: Yes, thank you for listening, Leica.

Now about that CL Digital... ;-)
 
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