Leica has launched the latest addition in their M series earlier this month, the Leica M (Typ 262). The camera features a high-resolution CMOS full-frame sensor, designed exclusively for rangefinder photography, but excludes video recording and Live View. The 24-megapixel sensor delivers exceptional image quality and extreme sensitivity, and makes the Leica M (Typ 262) the ideal camera for photography in available light situations. At the same time, the camera’s Maestro processor guarantees fast processing of captured images, ensuring that it is immediately ready to shoot.
Since the launch of the rangefinder system in 1954, Leica M cameras have been valued by many photographers as the perfect tool for capturing the fascination of a moment discreetly, quietly and spontaneously. With a barely audible shutter, the Leica M (Typ 262) is no different. As an aid to this, the camera features a shutter cocking system that is considerably quieter in single exposure mode than that of the M (Typ 240), and enables a shutter release frequency of up to two frames per second. In continuous mode, the M (Typ 262) has the same sequential shooting speed as its sister model and shoots up to three frames per second.
The handling of the Leica M (Typ 262) fulfils everything a discerning photographer expects from a Leica M. This includes the rapid manual focusing process with the coupled rangefinder and the focusing ring of the lens, as well as the option of selecting automatically determined or manually set shutter speeds. Furthermore, as this model does not include Live View or video recording, the menu is extremely straightforward and consists of only two pages. This ensures that all settings are rapidly accessible at all times. White balance is selected by a dedicated button on the back of the camera.
The word on local availability estimates January 2016 at the earliest, not sure regarding pricing yet however. That said, here's a quick rundown of the specifications and a look at the ever beautiful hardware design.
LEICA M (Typ 262). Features at a glance
- 24MP Leica MAX Full-Frame CMOS Sensor
- Maestro Image Processor
- Stills-Only Operation, No Live View
- Rangefinder Focusing
- Optical 0.68x-Magnification Viewfinder
- 3.0" 921.6k-Dot LCD with Gorilla Glass
- ISO 6400 and 3 fps Continuous Shooting
- Quiet Shutter Cocking Mechanism
- Compatible with M Mount Lenses
- Aluminum Top Plate, Red Leica Dot
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