In addition to the Leica M,
Leica announced another new M camera, the Leica M-E. It is meant as an entry level camera, slated
below the Leica M with a lower price.
The camera is essentially the same camera as the previous M9, with the
same 18 megapixel sensor, but with no viewfinder frame preselector level and no
USB port.
Here is Leica’s introduction:
The fascination of M-Photography reduced to essentials
Solms, Germany (September 17,
2012) - Leica Camera presents a new model in the Leica rangefinder system, the
Leica M-E. Possessing the high level of technology perfected in the nearly six
decades since the M-System’s introduction, the Leica M-E represents the essence
of rangefinder photography. Rather than offering all that is technically
possible, it is limited to only those functions that create a better image. These
essentials include the M-System’s typical rapid manual focusing with the
viewfinder/rangefinder and the focusing ring of the lens, as well as the option
of selecting automatically determined or manually set shutter speeds. It is the
ideal entry-level model for photographers wishing to experience the fascination
of M-Photography or require a secondary camera that performs at an optimum
level without fail.
Advantages of rangefinder
photography include the ability for photographers to become a part of the
action and frame whatever they wish to capture in the viewfinder, while still
perceiving what is going on outside the viewfinder frame. The crucial moment
becomes predictable, and can thus be captured at precisely the right instant.
Featuring the proven, high-resolution, 18 MP CCD sensor in full 35 mm format,
the Leica M-E offers maximum imaging quality. Perfectly attuned to its role in
the extremely compact M-System and the superior performance of M-Lenses, this
particular sensor type possesses a high sensitivity to light. These
characteristics lead to an unmistakably individual kind of photography.
The Leica M-E’s most
distinctive feature is a minimalistic, purist, design statement. The top deck
and base plate are discreetly finished in unobtrusive anthracite grey. The
application of a new leather trim with enhanced grip characteristics ideally
complements the camera’s timeless design.
The Leica M-System portfolio
provides perfect tools for capturing a moment discretely, silently and without
hesitation, allowing photographers to become a part of the scene. Together with
the new Leica M and the Leica M Monochrom, the world’s first digital black and
white camera in 35 mm format, the latest digital generation of the Leica M now
offers three rangefinder cameras.
Additionally, the Leica M-E
package includes the latest version of Leica Adobe Photoshop Lightroom to
assist photographers with viewing, editing and managing digital images. The
Leica M-E is available now from Leica dealers, including the Leica Store
Washington DC.
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. Because, with a Leica M, the photographer becomes
a part of the action in the process of capturing challenging and creative
images. The rangefinder frames precisely the shot the photographer envisages
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 right moment – in all fields, from
photojournalism and ‘available light’ exposures to discreet and aesthetic
fine-art images. The functions of the Leica M rangefinder camera are
consistently constructed for extreme robustness and a long working life.
Highest quality materials, elaborate manufacturing processes and painstaking
manual assembly guarantee functional reliability 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 the enduring value of the M series.
Technical Data:
Unique ProductName: Leica M-E (Typ 220), anthracite grey paint
Camera type:
Compact digital view and rangefinder system still camera
Lens mount:
Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit coding
Lens system:
Leica M lenses
Top Cover:
Milled brass top cover with classic Leica M design
Material:
All-metal case made of die-cast magnesium; synthetic leather covering. Cap and
base plate made of brass
Image Sensor:
KAF -18500 18 MP CCD Sensor Number of effective Pixels: 18 Million Pixels
Sensitivity range: ISO 160 – ISO 2500, Pull 80 available, Auto ISO
Imaging Platform: DSP based computing platform with Leica imaging algorithms
LCD Monitor:
2,5” TFT Display with 230.000 Pixels
Shutter:
Closed type focal plane shutter for classic image exposure, with external
cocking mechanics
Shutter Speed:
1/4000s – 240s (in Bulb), 1/180s flash synchronization
Burst rate:
approx. 2 fps
Self timer:
Off / 2s / 12s Storage
Media : SD /
SDHC Memory Cards Imaging functions Image
File Format:
DNG™ (RAW data uncompressed or nonlinear compressed), JPEG File Size: DNG: 18
MB (compressed)/36 MB (uncompressed), JPEG: Resolution and image content
dependent Available JPG Resolutions: 5212 x 3472 (18 MP), 3840 x 2592 (10 MP),
2592 x 1728 (4.5 MP), 1728 x 1152 (2 MP), 1280 x 846 pixels (1 MP)
Color Spaces:
sRGB / Adobe®RGB
White Balance:
Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade /Tungsten / Fluorescent 1 / Fluorescent 2 /
Flash / Manual / Kelvin 2000-12800
Other functions: Saturation, Contrast, Sharpening Exposure Control
Exposure Metering: Through the Lens (TTL) metering, center-weighted with variable
apertureCenter-weighted TTL metering for flashexposure 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
Considering that this is essentially the same camera as the M9, won't this make some of the M9 owners quite angry, considering that many of them paid about 7 thousand dollars for their camera. It seems to me Leica is taking quite a chance here.
ReplyDeleteWhile I can certainly see some complaints, this is essentially no different from other manufacturers who have come up with new models, but maintained the older ones in their line-up at a lower cost. Take Apple for instance, they have done this for years. As I understand it, the new iPhone 5 is not replacing the iPhone 4, it will remain available as a lower cost alternative.
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