By David Farkas, Leica Store Miami
Today, Leica has announced
the Leica M10-D. Based on the recently introduced M10-P digital rangefinder,
the M10-D takes the analog aesthetic to a whole new level. With no rear LCD
display, an ultra quiet shutter, and a clever fold-out thumb rest that looks
like a manual film advance lever, the camera could easily be mistaken for a
film M. Sporting a matte black anodized finish, white classic Leica engraved
script on top, no red dot on the front and genuine black leather covering, the
M10-D looks subtle and classic.
The lack of a rear display
on a digital M was first seen in the limited Leica M Edition 60, which
commemorated 60 years of M photography in 2014. Due to popular demand, Leica
rolled out the purist concept in a regular production model, the M-D (Typ 262),
less than two years later. And while the M-D 262 had the right idea,
functionality was limited, with no way to adjust settings. Some users also felt
that the M240-based body was still too thick to be a pure M. The M10-D
addresses all the concerns of the M262 and puts forth the most analog-feeling
digital camera ever made.
Based on the M10-P, the
M10-D gets some notable upgrades over the previous M-D. The body is thinner,
with the same overall dimensions as a film M7. A physical ISO dial looks like a
classic rewind knob.The shutter is almost too quiet. Under the hood, the
exceptional 24 megapixel CMOS sensor and Maestro II processor tackle just about
every lighting scenario and offer up to 5 fps shooting speed.
Replacing the rear LCD
display, a central dial control provides direct access to exposure compensation
and also functions as an On/Off/WiFi switch. On the top of the camera is the
ISO dial, shutter speed dial, shutter release and….advance lever?
Unfortunately, for all those hoping for a manual advance option, the lever is
merely a cleverly-styled, retractable thumb rest. Still, the functionality of a
traditional advance lever as a thumb rest will be a welcome addition for many
users who might miss the feel of their M film cameras. And it really adds to
the overall iconic look of the M10-D.
Even though the M10-D does
away with the LCD screen, the camera does support the use of the Visoflex 020
EVF for those wanting the analog feel, but the convenience of live view. Best
of both worlds. To maintain full LV functionality, the front focus aid button
and rear thumb dial remain. But, the EVF’s role is limited to image capture
with no support for playback or menu operation. There’s also a button on the
top deck, to the right of the shutter release, which toggles display for
battery and shots remaining in the optical finder.
Unlike the previous M-D,
the M10-D’s menus can be accessed over WiFi using the newly introduced LeicaFOTOS app. Additionally, you can review and even download images from the M10-D
using the app, which is available for both iOS and Android.
The Leica M10-D is a
camera for, shall we say, pragmatic purists. All the aesthetics and feel of an
analog Leica M, with the flexibility, discreteness and image quality of an
M10-P.
Pricing and Availability
The Leica M10-D is now
available for pre-order at Leica Store Miami for $7,995. You can place a
pre-order by clicking the link below, emailing info@leicastoremiami.com, or
calling 305-921-4433.
Press Release
Leica Camera is pleased to
announce the latest addition to the Leica M family, the Leica M10-D. The new
Leica M10-D continues the philosophy that began with the Leica M-D (Typ 262) of
using a digital camera with no rear display. The concept is based around the
idea of using a camera completely free from distractions, allowing the user to
fully focus on their subjects and the core photographic settings at hand.
With no menu or playback
on the camera, users can simply focus on the moment and enjoy a classic style
rangefinder that operates and looks just like an analog camera. With no
“chimping,” the photographer can be focused on the next shot while they
anticipate enjoying their photos later, either back at home when downloading
the SD card or when connecting to WiFi on the go.
Based on the Leica M10-P,
the Leica M10-D has a redesigned On/Off switch with an integrated hard Wi-Fi On
setting. The new Leica FOTOS app is a key aspect of the M10-D, allowing for
access to the photos on the SD card, while also controlling camera settings
such as date/time, JPG/DNG controls, SD card formatting, and more options that
are usually needed only once in a while. By combining the analog experience of
shooting a digital camera without a display and the mobile connectivity of
WiFi, the M10-D becomes the perfect hybrid between analog and connected worlds.
The photographer has the freedom to choose how they embrace it and fit it into
their life.
- No LCD for an analog experience
- Hard switch for quick access to Wi-Fi
- Built-in Exposure Compensation dial on rear
- Integrated fold-out thumb rest
- Compatible with Visoflex EVF for Live View capture
- Works perfectly with Leica FOTOS app
- Same design/specs as M10-P
- Quiet shutter
- Body covering made from genuine leather
The new selector switch for Off / On / On with WiFi is reminiscent of classic ISO dials from Leica analog M cameras, and allows for the addition of a dedicated Exposure Compensation wheel – a first for digital M cameras.
The integrated fold-out
thumb rest completes the film camera aesthetic and gives improved handling,
especially with heavier lenses. Its function is purely ergonomic. The button to
the right of the shutter release allows for checking SD card storage (remaining
shots) and battery level in the built-in viewfinder.
The optional Leica
Visoflex EVF allows the use of Live View capture for pin-point accurate
focusing/ framing and compatibility with super wide-angle lenses. The EVF can
only be used for viewing and capture, as the Menu and Play functions cannot be
used with it.
The new Leica FOTOS app
augments the M10-D much further than any previous Leica camera with no LCD. Now
the user can access, download, and share their photos on the go as well as use
remote shooting to take pictures via Live View with their smartphone as the
viewfinder. Now the first time you see your photos is on the high quality
display that is in your pocket, and they are ready to share.
For more information go here
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To comment or to read comments please scroll past the ads below.
All ads present items of interest to Leica owners.
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