Mirrorless Camera News

Leica Camera just launched the new Leica M (Typ 262) digital rangefinder camera. Together with the Leica M (Typ 240), M-P (Typ 240) and the M Monochrom (Typ 246), this new camera rounds out Leica's digital rangefinder family.

Just like all other Leica digital M cameras, the Leica M (Typ 262) features a high-resolution CMOS full-frame sensor, dedicated exclusively to capturing photos; eschewing features such as video recording and Live View. Its 24-megapixel resolution is designed to ensure image quality and sensitivity, and makes the Leica M (Typ 262) ideal for photography in available light situations. At the same time, the camera’s Maestro processor offers fast processing of captured images and immediate readiness to shoot.

The design reveals its concentration on essential controls and handling. The top deck is made from durable aluminium, which makes the camera around 100 grams lighter and more ergonomic than its sibling models. Further design differences are the reduced size of the logo and the step at the end of the top plate. Differences aside, the Leica M (Typ 262) is made in Germany with a high level of craftsmanship.

In addition to its looks, the hardly audible shutter of the Leica M (Typ 262) also offers discreetness when shooting. As an aid to this, the camera features a shutter cocking system that is considerably quieter in single exposure mode than that of the M (Typ 240) and enables a shutter release frequency of up to two frames per second. In continuous mode, the M (Typ 262) has the same sequential shooting speed as its sibling models and shoots up to three frames per second.

The handling concept of the Leica M (Typ 262) includes the tried and true manual focusing process with the coupled rangefinder and exposure options of full manual control or Aperture Priority automated shooting. Due to the omission of Live View and the video function, the menu is extremely lean and concise, consisting of only 2 pages that ensure all settings are quickly accessible. A dedicated button on the back of the camera now sets the white balance value, giving full-time access to this often-used function.

The Leica M (Typ 262) will be on sale end of November 2016 for $5,195.

More info on the Leica M (Typ 262) here.