Leica Announces M (Type 262) Camera


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A camera we've been telling you about for a while - which was recently brought up again - is here. More or less, anyway. Today Leica Camera has announced the Leica M (Type 262) camera.

This camera effectively replaces the previous model Leica M-E (based on the M9) - which is no longer listed on the Leica Camera website. This spells the end of CCD sensor based cameras from Leica. You can grab the full specifications from Leica directly.

First, let's talk about the "diet" that this camera has been placed on, along with some minor cosmetic changes over the traditional Leica M (Type 240) camera:

The top plate is engineered from durable aluminium, which makes it around 100 grams lighter. With an overall weight of 600 grams, it is even more ergonomic than its sister models, the top plates of which are machined from brass. Further differences are the reduced size of the logo and the step at the end of the top plate. Design features that originated in the design of the Leica M9.

Unfortunately, we lost some features, to make this a more entry-level option (but we do gain a WB button):

Due to the omission of additional features like Live View and video capability, the menu is extremely lean and consists of only two pages. This ensures that all setting options are rapidly accessible at all times. This also applies to white balance. With the M (Type 262), this is set by a dedicated button on the back of the camera.

Another new feature is that it's quieter than the Leica M (Type 240):

In addition to its unobtrusive looks, the barely audible shutter of the Leica M (Typ 262) also guarantees maximum discretion. An invaluable advantage when candid photography is the aim of the game. The Leica M (Typ 262) features a shutter cocking system ideal for this purpose that is quieter in single exposure mode than that of the M (Typ 240).

Other than these larger differences, it's essentially a Leica M (Type 240) camera. However, it will sell for $2,755 less - at $5,195 USD vs. $7,950 USD. In many ways, this is an M camera that many have asked for. Lighter and less expensive. Perhaps too, those not interested in video. However, the loss of live view is a little disappointing.

Product Photos

Leica M (Type 262) camera - angle

Leica M (Type 262) camera - front

Leica M (Type 262) camera - rear

Leica M (Type 262) camera - top

Press Release

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

November 19, 2015 - 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 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 and is priced at $5,195. For more information please visit the Leica website (www.leica-camera.com) or a local Leica Store or Boutique.

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. Photographers become a part of the action when capturing expressive and creative images with a Leica M. The combined viewfinder and rangefinder frames the scene the photographer wishes to capture 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 decisive moment – in all fields, from reportage photography and available light exposures to discreet and aesthetic fine-art compositions. The functions of the Leica M rangefinder camera are constructed for extreme reliability and a long working life. Highest quality materials, elaborate manufacturing processes and painstaking manual assembly guarantee functional dependability 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 ensuring the enduring value of the M series.

About Leica Camera
Passion for creating perfect pictures. Leica represents a union of craftsmanship, design and experience. It is a beautiful collision of art and engineering, and the future of form and functionality. Leica Camera is an internationally operating, premium-segment manufacturer of cameras and sport optics products. The legendary status of the Leica brand is founded on a long tradition of excellence in the supreme quality and performance of cameras and lenses, and the iconic images that artists and photojournalists everywhere captured with them. Leica Camera AG is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.