Three years ago, Leica introduced the Leica M10-R as the new flagship of the Leica rangefinder cameras. David Farkas of Leica Store Miami wrote an extensive article to introduce the camera. We think another look is in order.
LEICA ANNOUNCES M10-R WITH 40 MEGAPIXELS
By David Farkas, Leica Store Miami
Today, Leica has announced the M10-R, a new addition to the M10 lineup. Featuring a 40 megapixel CMOS sensor, the digital rangefinder carries forward the features and solid ergonomics of the current top-of-the-line M10-P, while increasing the pixel count by 70%.
Back in January of this year, Leica unveiled the M10 Monochrom, which showcased an all-new 40 megapixel sensor. This was a sizable jump from previous M cameras, which have featured 24 megapixels since the M (Typ 240) was released in 2012, eight years ago. And now, the M10-R gets the same treatment, also making the move up to 40 megapixels, but this time in a color version.
Improved Dynamic Range and High ISO
Conventional wisdom in digital photography has held that as you increase sensor resolution and make the pixels smaller, dynamic range and high ISO performance suffer. Yet the jump in pixel density hasn’t impacted low light performance or dynamic range on the M10-R. Rather, due to a new, exclusive sensor architecture, per-pixel light sensitivity has been enhanced, resulting in an improvement to dynamic range and high ISO performance of around one full stop versus the M10 and M10-P. Here’s an example of the impressive dynamic range. First, the original shot, underexposed to retain highlight detail in the bright sky.
This second image is the same file as the first, after processing in Adobe Lightroom. The highlights have been pulled down to enhance cloud detail while the dark foreground has been lightened to open up all the shadow information.
Also helping out is a dual gain architecture, similar to what Leica implemented in the recently released S3 medium format camera. And all this isn’t just speculation, as we’ve seen the sensor already make its debut in a black and white version with the M10 Monochrom. Here’s a shot at ISO 25,000, taken under artificial lighting and retaining an incredible amount of detail even at this setting.
Longer Exposure Times
Instead of four minutes as on the M10 and M10-P, the M10-R now allows for up to 16-minute time exposures at ISO 100. Keep in mind that times will get shorter as ISO increases. Also note that long exposure noise reduction is mandatory for quality requirements, so a 16-minute exposure will take a total of 32 minutes. The reward will be images like this one, taken at the full 16 minute duration.
Maintaining Consistency
The M10-R maintains the same physical dimensions and button layout as all other M10 models. This consistency makes shifting between multiple bodies a breeze and, perhaps more importantly, allows for cross-compatibility of all accessories. The M10-R uses the same Visoflex 020 EVF, the same rechargeable BP-SCL5 Lithium Ion battery, the same Thumb Support, same Hand Grip, etc. So, if you plan to upgrade your M10 or M10-P to the M10-R, make sure to hold onto all your extras to use with the new camera.
The Best from the M10-P
The M10-P brought about three significant changes from the standard M10: the ultra-quiet mechanical shutter, a built-in level gauge and touchscreen functionality. The shutter was a revelation. It’s almost hard to believe how much quieter it is than the already subtle M10 shutter. A horizon level comes in super handy for landscape and architecture. And the touchscreen makes reviewing and scrolling around zoomed-in images that much more intuitive. These features are now standard in the M10-R as well as the M10 Monochrom.
Why Not M11?
So, why is this camera an M10-R and not an M11? Well, Leica felt that the M11 moniker simply wasn’t justified. The underlying platform, from the camera body to the rear LCD screen to the shutter mechanism, is identical to the M10-P. Really, just the sensor has been changed out. So, Leica opted to name the camera as the M10-R, with the ‘R’ in the name denoting Resolution. And this matches up nicely with the M10 Monochrom. One for color, one for black and white, both at 40 megapixels.
Why Did Leica Launch M10 Monochrom First?
Some have wondered why Leica released the M10 Monochrom black and white version before the color M10-R if they share the same underlying sensor? Hasn’t this worked the other way around in the past for the original M9 Monochrom and then later for the M Monochrom (Typ 246)? Well, yes it has. But in this case, Leica started the R&D for both cameras simultaneously. And due to the lack of a color filter array, the development process went a bit quicker for the Monochrom. Rather than holding up both cameras to be launched at the same time, they released the M10 Monochrom first and continued refining the M10-R. Now, the color version is ready for prime time and the lineup is complete.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the M10-R looks extremely promising. Built around the same proven platform as the M10-P and M10 Monochrom, the M10-R takes its place as the new flagship of the M lineup. The M10 and M10-P are outstanding cameras. The M10-R merely builds upon their legacy as classic M design meets the latest in sensor technology. The resolution bump is a welcome addition and the fact that we’re getting 70% more pixels without sacrificing low light performance or dynamic range seems a win-win proposition all around.
Pricing, Ordering and Availability
Initial deliveries of the Leica M10-R will start within the next week for a price of $8,295 for either Black Chrome or Silver Chrome finish. As with any major Leica camera launch, supply will be extremely limited for a number of months. If you are interested in ordering the M10-R, you can do so at Leica Store Miami by clicking the button below, calling 305-921-4433 or sending an email to info@leicastoremiami.com. If you are interested in trading in any other Leica equipment towards the purchase of the M10-R, you can note it during the pre-order process.
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