By Josh Lehrer
Today, Leica Camera has
announced the Leica M-D (Typ 262), a full-frame digital M rangefinder camera
with no rear LCD screen, live view, video or electronic viewfinder
compatibility. The camera features similar specifications to the M (Typ 240)
with a finish in black paint, brass construction (same 690 gram weight as the
M240), a 1GB buffer and 3 frames-per-second continuous shooting. However, it
does have a quieter shutter mechanism like the recently released M (Typ 262).
The M-D (Typ 262) follows
the limited-edition M Edition 60, which was the first Leica digital M camera to
have no rear LCD screen. Like the M60, the M-D (Typ 262) has a beautifully
finished metal ISO dial on the back of the camera in place of a display,
putting all three exposure controls (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) right at
your fingertips. A welcome addition not found on the M60 is a rear thumb dial
to adjust exposure compensation. Unlike the M (Typ 262), the M-D is styled more
like the M-P (Typ 240) with no red Leica dot and the classic white Leica script
engraving on the top plate.
Since the announcement of
the M Edition 60 at the last Photokina, many users requested a non-special
edition M that would have a similar design philosophy, one that would reduce
the camera down to the bare essentials of rangefinder photography. With the
release of the M-D (Typ 262), Leica shooters looking for the pure M experience
who still want the benefits of Leica’s latest digital technology now have their
wish granted.
The camera is priced at $5,995. For full specifications or to place an order, you can check out the M-D at Leica Store Miami here: Leica M-D (Typ 262). First deliveries of the camera are expected in early May 2016.
The camera is priced at $5,995. For full specifications or to place an order, you can check out the M-D at Leica Store Miami here: Leica M-D (Typ 262). First deliveries of the camera are expected in early May 2016.
The full press release,
from Leica:
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 (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.
________________________________________________________________________________________
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Harry Mueller wrote:
ReplyDeleteI wish it to be smaller!
You are not alone. That might even have been possible, however, that also would have required a complete redesign which would have made the camera definitely more expensive.
DeleteTadeáš Plachý wrote:
ReplyDeleteI shoot film only, so I maybe not very qualified to comment on topic of digtal cameras, but digital without a display seems just plain stupid to me...
I don't agree. This camera allows to use a digital camera just like any of the film cameras but offers the ease of working digitally - no need to buy film no need to develop film no need to scan or print negatives. All else is the same.
DeleteTadeáš Plachý replied:
DeleteSo instead of gathering strenght to stop chimping you will buy new camera?
Nobody is forcing anyone to buy a new camera, but for those that are interested in a film like operation of a digital camera, this is an option not offered by anyone else.
DeleteMatthew Fleming wrote:
ReplyDeleteHow do I calibrate the white balance? Or change from JPG to DNG? Or even change the internal clock?
Rather than making things simpler, the M-D is adding layers of complexity that don't need to be there!
Of course, no one is being forced into buying this, but I think the idea that the M-D is "film like" in operation is ludicrous.
A good camera shouldn't get in the way of making a good photo.
Considering that so far you haven't had the camera in your hands, your assessment of the camera getting in the way of a good photo is hasty at best. The functions you are looking for are set, in the viewfinder, by the thumbwheel in back of the camera and by the button to the right of the shutter release.
DeleteDavid Mateu wrote:
ReplyDeleteBonjour Mr Heinz Richter j'ai essayé un M6 et je voudrais acheté un numérique pouvez vous me conseillé ! je travaille le nu, portrait, reportage, et bien sur paysage et ville quand je me déplace !
Hello, Mr. Heinz Richter I tried a m6 and i wish I bought a digital can you advise me! I'm working the nude, portrait, reportage, well on landscape and city when I'm moving!
Your interests are very much like my own. I used to own a Leica M6 and have since changed to an M8. The M8 is serving me very well, as a matter of fact, I think the relatively modest resolution of 10 MP belies its performance. I have cropped images to 1/8 of the total sensor area with excellent results. However, I am planning to update in the near future to the Leica M (240), the reason being that I also like to use long lenses, up to 400mm, which I will be able to use on the M (240) with the electronic Visoflex.
DeleteDavid Mateu replied:
DeleteMerci de vos conseils ! ils sont tès utiles sur la décision que je vais prendre, encore merci !
Thank you for your advice! They are very useful on the decision that I'm going to take, thanks again!
You are very welcome.
DeleteTadeáš Plachý wrote:
ReplyDeleteWell, if I want "film like" experience with no display and buttons I have M3, M2, M4, M5, M6 and M7 to choose and for money saved I sure can buy some film and scanner...
And thats what I did...
As I said before, nopbody is forcing anyone to buy this camera.
Deletevery impressive !!!
ReplyDeleteEdward Chick wrote:
ReplyDeleteBit silly really
Maybe for you, but not for the many people that were looking for just that camera.
DeleteEdward Chick answered:
ReplyDeleteBut if they don't want to screen on the back, put some duct tape over it and save $2000. I have many Leicas - this one is irrational.
Yeah, the old argument of ignoring the screen. But you can't get away from having to use the screen since many of the important camera functions are only accessible that way. So duct tape is no answer. With the Leica M-D that is obviouslyy not the case. Nobody is forcing you to buy the camera, or even like it. But with the M-D Leica is offering a camera, as I said, that many have been waiting for.
DeleteLeica should be commended for offering such a variety of cameras. This way most people don't need to compromise .
DeleteEdward Chick wrote:
DeleteThey should be commended for making quality at the right price. Not playing games with collectors.
How are they playing games with collectors?
DeleteEdward Chick answered:
DeleteBecause a certain % are never used - only collected. At almost no development or production costs Leica can sell $500k worth of equipment. Fine but nothing to do with promoting camera excellence. Easy to prove: eBay, auction houses etc.
Meanwhile MMs (I use both) and 240 are excellent (just over priced).
Again, that is your opinion to which you are definitely entitled. However, if someone sees a certain Leica model as an investment, I see nothing wrong with that. It definitely ads extra profit to the coffers of Leica. Nowhere is it written that Leica should only be owned to be used.
DeleteAs far as Leicas being overpriced, that is definitely open to debate. Nobody questions the quality of Leica equipment, but hardly anyone gives any thought as to where that quality comes from. The simple fact is that mass production cannot attain the level of quality that Leica offers. That is only possible with the bench made production that Leica uses. That, unfortunately, is also quite a bit more expensive. Nobody can make a camera with the quality of a Leica for the price of a Fuji or Sony.
Delete