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Leica Announces New Leica M (Typ 262)
19 November 2015
Leica has announced a Leica M that "stands for the M philosophy in its purest form" by including only essential photographic functions. The Leica M (Typ 262) rangefinder features a 24-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor but skips movie recording and Live View. With just Manual and Aperture Priority options, the shooting menu is only two pages. A dedicated button sets white balance.
The Leica M (Type 262) carries this streamlining to its design as well, with a smaller logo and step at the end of the aluminum top plate. Using aluminum reduces the weight of the camera by 100 grams.
The nearly silent shutter of the Leica M (Typ 262) is complemented by 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," the company said. In Continuous mode, the M (Typ 262), like its sibling models, shoots up to three frames per second.
The German-made Leica M (Type 262) will be available at the end of the month for $5,195. For more information see the news release below.
Leica also announced it was expanding its à la carte customization program to the Leica M (Type 240). See the second news release below for details.
Leica Camera Introduces The New Leica M (Typ 262):
A Digital Rangefinder Camera With Only the Essential Functions
Leica launches digital rangefinder camera in its purest form to allow for ease of use and handling
Leica Camera presents a new digital rangefinder camera, the Leica M (Typ 262). Together with the Leica M (Typ 240), M-P (Typ 240) and the M Monochrom (Typ 246), this new camera rounds out the digital rangefinder family and stands for the M philosophy in its purest form. Its concentration on the essence of rangefinder photography and intuitive handling makes it an ideal tool for experiencing the pure enjoyment of photography.
The Leica M (Typ 262) digital rangefinder camera embodies all the essential advantages of the Leica rangefinder system, while foregoing certain functions that some users may find extraneous. Just like all other digital M-Cameras, the Leica M (Typ 262) features a high-resolution CMOS full-frame sensor, albeit one that is dedicated exclusively to capturing photos; eschewing features such as video recording and Live View. Its 24-megapixel resolution ensures exceptional image quality and extreme sensitivity and makes the Leica M (Typ 262) ideal for photography in available light situations. At the same time, the camera's Maestro processor guarantees fast processing of captured images and immediate readiness to shoot.
The clear and functional lines of the Leica M (Typ 262) design reveal its concentration on essential controls and handling. The top deck is made from durable aluminium, which makes the camera around 100 grams lighter and even 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 the highest level of craftsmanship just as all M cameras in the Leica line.
In addition to its purist looks, the hardly audible shutter of the Leica M (Typ 262) also guarantees maximum discreetness when shooting. An invaluable advantage in photographic situations where blending into the scene is vital. 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) fulfils the demands of what photographers expect from a Leica M. This 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 two 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 and is priced at $5,195. For more information please visit the Leica Web site or a local Leica Store or Boutique.
Leica Camera Introduces the Leica M (Typ 240) à la carte: A Made-to-Measure Rangefinder Camera
Leica expands à la carte program to the Leica M (Typ 240) digital rangefinder camera allowing users to create a bespoke camera based on their personal style and preferences
Leica Camera announces the expansion of its successful Leica à la carte program to include the Leica M (Typ 240) digital rangefinder camera. Leica M (Typ 240) fans and photography enthusiasts now have the opportunity to customize and create their ideal digital Leica M camera by choosing from a wide range of personalized camera options, including stylish camera body finishes and a variety of technical features.
The standard model of the Leica M (Typ 240) à la carte, without any added options, offers all of the technical advantages of the Leica rangefinder system in addition to a two gigabyte buffer memory; twice the capacity of the standard Leica M (Typ 240) model for double the amount of continuous burst shots.
Those looking to personalize their camera can choose from a variety of elegant finishes for the body; including black chrome, silver chrome or black enamel. New stylish trim and camera strap options are also available outside of the standard black leather trim, including colored cowhide options in gray, red, dark blue, khaki, brandy, boysenberry and coffee bean, as well as classic options embossed with lizard and ostrich leather patterns.
Users can also customize the technical features of their M à la carte camera. Choices include the addition of a frame selection lever that simulates six different focal lengths in the viewfinder and the option to include or omit video capabilities. Additionally, there is an option to choose which type of glass cover plate protects the camera's LCD screen -- a scratch resistant glass cover in Corning "Gorilla "Glass or an almost unbreakable sapphire glass cover.
To create the ultimate bespoke camera, users can also engrave their signature, a personalized message or even a special mark to the top or back of the camera's top deck.
Consumers interested in purchasing their own Leica M (Typ 240) à la carte can browse through an online configurator on the Leica Web site that allows visitors to view all possible customizable options. Product orders for personalized Leica M (Typ 240) à la carte cameras are handled by Leica Stores and Boutiques. The Leica M (Typ 240) à la carte will be available at the end of November, starting at $6,380.