Leica Announces M and M-E Rangefinder Cameras

Leica’s latest flagship rangefinder, the 24-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor-sporting Leica M encased in a full-metal retro housing, will hit shelves in early 2013, which the company claims will give photo enthusiasts with better image quality even in low-light conditions and speedy shooting performance.

 

Other standard features of the camera include ISO 200 to 6,400, a full HD 1080p, 24, 25 video recording, and the Leica M comes with an optional electronic viewfinder. It has a 3-inch LCD screen with 920,000-dot, and made of Corning Gorilla Glass which is scratch-resistant and durable.

 

Two focusing methods are major improvements that come in the Leica M. As function button in the camera’s front, there is the “Live View Zoom” for magnifying scenes by 10 times for enhanced precision focusing. Then there is “Live View Focus Peaking” mode, a similar technology used in Sony NEX mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras.  Precision of the focus will be indicated by the intensity of the lines, which will show edges highlighted with red lines.

 

An entry-level range is the Leica M-E rangefinder, also utilising the full-frame sensors as with the Leica M’s, the M-E model sports a CCD version over the CMOS sensor used in the Leica M. ISO range comes up to 2500 and this camera features a 230,000-dot 2.5-inch LCD screen. The rangefinder with integrated viewfinder packs 18-megapixel and can capture 2 frames per second in burst mode.

 

M-E is Leica’s response to photographers who are after affordable Leica with basic specifics while giving users with a full-frame sensor that comes in the package.

 

The Leica M will be shipping in early 2012 and will be available in black paint or silver chrome finish. The M-E range will be available in anthracite grey and is already available from Leica authorised dealers.