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 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.
Well done, Leica! Now one more step is all we need: fit a digital module into a body the size and weight of the M7.
…and add a .72 viewfinder magnification, like the M7.