Leica Announces the M-D (Type 262) Camera


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A camera we've been telling you about for a little while now - has been officially announced. The Leica M-D (Type 262) a.k.a. "poor man's M60." Essentially a mix between the Leica M (Type 240) and M (Type 262) - using the same 24MP sensor as both but without the live view and video as with the latter. What truly sets it apart is the lack of the LCD screen on the backside... Replacing it with an ISO dial (similar to the spendy Leica M "Edition 60"). The retail price is £4,650/€5,995/$5,995.

What do you think... Does the Leica M-D intrigue you? Vote now!

Due to popular demand, we are offering Leica M-D (Type 262) Conversion Kits in our online store...

Contents

Description

Reduced to the essentials both in features and design, the Leica M-D (Typ 262) embodies the essence of rangefinder photography. For features, it has setting options for ISO values, aperture and shutter speeds. Design wise, the camera excludes an LCD monitor, menu controls and Leica red dot logo. It features the classic step at the end of the top plate.

The images from the Leica M-D (Typ 262) are characterized by outstanding contrast, exceptional detail resolution and low image noise. It is ideal to shoot with available light.

The Leica M-D (Typ 262) features a shutter cocking system that is quieter than that of its sister models the M and M-P (Typ 240). In single exposure mode, the shutter release frequency is up to two frames per second. In continuous mode, the Leica M-D (Typ 262) has the same burst rate as its sister models and shoots up to three frames per second.

The discreteness and compact size of the camera allows photographers to not only get close to the action, but into the heart of where it’s happening.

Benefits at a Glance

  • Compact digital M camera concentrating solely on the traditional rangefinder focusing and picture taking methods
  • Quieter shutter mechanism for more discreet shooting
  • 24 megapixel CMOS sensor (still-pictures only) ensures exceptional image quality (same as M/M-P (Typ 240)
  • Leica Maestro processor for fast recording of captured images
  • ISO values up to 6400 ensure great quality images in low light
  • Fast and accurate manual focusing
  • All the essential controls and functions logically and ergonomically placed

The images from the Leica M-D (Typ 262) are characterized by outstanding contrast, exceptional detail resolution and low image noise. It is ideal to shoot with available light.

The Leica M-D (Typ 262) features a shutter cocking system that is quieter than that of its sister models the M and M-P (Typ 240). In single exposure mode, the shutter release frequency is up to two frames per second. In continuous mode, the Leica M-D (Typ 262) has the same burst rate as its sister model and shoots up to three frames per second.

The low noise and compact size of the camera allows photographers to not only get close to the action, but to the heart of where it is all happening.

Press Release

LEICA M-D – THE NEW DIGITAL LEICA RANGEFINDER WITHOUT A MONITOR SCREEN

With the Leica M-D (Typ 262), Leica Camera AG adds a further model to the Leica rangefinder system. Together with the Leica M and M-P (Typ 240), the Leica M (Typ 262) and the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246), this increases the number of digital M-Generation cameras to five.

The Leica M-D is the first serial production model of the digital M family to be made without a monitor screen. The usual location of the screen on the back of the camera is now taken by the ISO sensitivity setting dial – one of the few, but essential, features of the camera. Although the Leica M-D embodies the entire range of technical advantages perfected over decades in the Leica rangefinder system, it intentionally omits all but the most essential technical features. Radically reduced to the most important parameters required for photography – shutter speed, aperture, distance and ISO sensitivity – it promotes its users’ concentration on what is essential: the picture.

To a large extent, the technical features of the Leica M-D are based on those of the Leica M (Typ 262). Just like all other digital M-Cameras, the Leica M-D (Typ 262) features a high-resolution CMOS full-frame sensor, albeit one that is dedicated exclusively to rangefinder photography, and supports neither video recording nor Live View. Its 24-megapixel resolution ensures exceptional imaging quality and extreme sensitivity to light. At the same time, the camera’s Maestro processor guarantees fast processing of captured image data. Exposures are saved exclusively as RAW data in DNG format. This enables photographers to apply all typical adjustments for digital photographs that may be desired in post-processing software.

The tight focus on ‘Das Wesentliche’ is immediately recognisable in the design of the camera. The Leica M-D expresses purely functional, formal clarity and features design characteristics such as a top plate in brass with a step at the end citing the design of the Leica M9. The Leica red dot logo has been omitted from the front of the camera in favour of its unobtrusive appearance.

In addition to its purist looks, the hardly audible shutter of the Leica M-D also guarantees maximum inconspicuousness when shooting. An invaluable advantage in photographic situations where discretion is essential. As an aid to this, the camera features a shutter cocking system that is particularly quiet in single exposure and enables a shutter release frequency of up to two frames per second. In continuous mode, the M-D has the same sequential shooting speed as its sister model and shoots up to three frames per second.

The Leica M-D is now on sale. The camera package also includes a real-leather carrying strap in full-grain cowhide.

Downloads

Grab the Instructions and/or the Technical Data (both in English) for more info.

Specifications

Camera type: Compact digital rangefinder system still camera
Lens mount: Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit coding
Lens system: Leica M lenses
Top Cover: Brass top cover with integrated thumb rest
Material: All-metal case made of die-cast magnesium; synthetic leather covering. Base plate made of brass
Image Sensor: LEICA MAX 24 MP-Still 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: Not compatible
LCD Monitor: None
Shutter: Focal plane shutter for classic image exposure
Shutter Speed: 1/4000s – 60s (in Bulb), 1/180s flash synchronization
Burst rate: 3fps thanks to 1GB buffer size
Self timer: 2s / 12s

Storage Media:

SD / SDHC / SDXC Memory Cards
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
Exposure Metering: In classic viewfinder mode: Through the Lens (TTL) metering, center weighted with variable aperture.
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)
Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV, 1/3 f-stops
Exposure Bracketing: 3/5 frames, 0.5 / 1 / 2 / 3 f-stops
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 SF24D/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
Focusing Methods: Manual focus with optical rangefinder
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)
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)
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: 690 g
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 Adobe® Lightroom®
New optional accessories: 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, Ever-Ready Case M, Li-ion Battery BP-SCL2, Battery charger BC-SCL2

Photos

Leica M-D (Type 262) front view
Leica M-D (Type 262) rear view
Leica M-D (Type 262) front angle view
Leica M-D (Type 262) rear angle view
Leica M-D (Type 262) left side view
Leica M-D (Type 262) right side view
Leica M-D (Type 262) top view

Leica M-D (Type 262) ISO dial closeup

Video

Check out the accompanying article, "One city, three photographers and the Leica M-D - A journey with the Leica M-D through the streets of Porto" post on the Leica Blog as well.

Exploring Porto with the Leica M-D