The Leica M-D Typ 262 camera is now officially announced. Additional coverage:
LEICA M-D – THE NEW DIGITAL LEICA RANGEFINDER WITHOUT A MONITOR SCREEN
With the Leica M-D (Typ 262), Leica Camera AG adds a further model to the Leica rangefinder system. Together with the Leica M and M-P (Typ 240), the Leica M (Typ 262) and the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246), this increases the number of digital M-Generation cameras to five.
The Leica M-D is the first serial production model of the digital M family to be made without a monitor screen. The usual location of the screen on the back of the camera is now taken by the ISO sensitivity setting dial – one of the few, but essential, features of the camera. Although the Leica M-D embodies the entire range of technical advantages perfected over decades in the Leica rangefinder system, it intentionally omits all but the most essential technical features. Radically reduced to the most important parameters required for photography – shutter speed, aperture, distance and ISO sensitivity – it promotes its users’ concentration on what is essential: the picture.
To a large extent, the technical features of the Leica M-D are based on those of the Leica M (Typ 262). Just like all other digital M-Cameras, the Leica M-D (Typ 262) features a high-resolution CMOS full-frame sensor, albeit one that is dedicated exclusively to rangefinder photography, and supports neither video recording nor Live View. Its 24-megapixel resolution ensures exceptional imaging quality and extreme sensitivity to light. At the same time, the camera’s Maestro processor guarantees fast processing of captured image data. Exposures are saved exclusively as RAW data in DNG format. This enables photographers to apply all typical adjustments for digital photographs that may be desired in post-processing software.
The tight focus on ‘Das Wesentliche’ is immediately recognisable in the design of the camera. The Leica M-D expresses purely functional, formal clarity and features design characteristics such as a top plate in brass with a step at the end citing the design of the Leica M9. The Leica red dot logo has been omitted from the front of the camera in favour of its unobtrusive appearance.
In addition to its purist looks, the hardly audible shutter of the Leica M-D also guarantees maximum inconspicuousness when shooting. An invaluable advantage in photographic situations where discretion is essential. As an aid to this, the camera features a shutter cocking system that is particularly quiet in single exposure and enables a shutter release frequency of up to two frames per second. In continuous mode, the M-D has the same sequential shooting speed as its sister model and shoots up to three frames per second.
The Leica M-D is now on sale. The camera package also includes a real-leather carrying strap in full-grain cowhide.
Specifications:
| Camera type: | Compact digital rangefinder system still camera |
| Lens mount: | Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit coding |
| Lens system: | Leica M lenses |
| Top Cover: | Brass top cover with integrated thumb rest |
| Material: | All-metal case made of die-cast magnesium; synthetic leather covering. Base plate made of brass |
| Image Sensor: | LEICA MAX 24 MP-Still CMOS Sensor |
| Number of effective Pixels: | 24 Million Pixels |
| Sensitivity range: | ISO 200 – ISO 6400, Pull 100 available, Auto ISO |
| Imaging Platform: | Integrated imaging circuit with Leica Maestro® Image processor |
| Electronic Viewfinder: | Not compatible |
| LCD Monitor: | None |
| Shutter: | Focal plane shutter for classic image exposure |
| Shutter Speed: | 1/4000s – 60s (in Bulb), 1/180s flash synchronization |
| Burst rate: | 3fps thanks to 1GB buffer size |
| Self timer: | 2s / 12s |
| Storage Media: | SD / SDHC / SDXC Memory Cards |
| Image File Format: | DNG™ (RAW data uncompressed or lossless compressed), JPEG |
| File Size: | DNG approx. 20 Mbyte – approx. 30 Mbyte (compressed)/ 48.2 MByte (uncompressed), JPEG: Resolution and image content dependent |
| Available JPG Resolutions: | 5952px*3976px (24 MP), 4256px*2832px (12 MP)/ 2976px*1984px (6MP) / 1600px*1080px (1,7MP) |
| Color Spaces: | sRGB / Adobe®RGB |
| White Balance: | Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shadow / Tungsten / Fluorescent warm /Fluorescent cool / Flash / Manual (Greycard) / Kelvin 2000-13100 |
| Other functions: | Film Modes, Saturation, Contrast, Sharpening |
| Exposure Metering: | In classic viewfinder mode: Through the Lens (TTL) metering, center weighted with variable aperture. |
| Exposure setting: | Manual shutter speed setting with direct dial, A-Mode with direct dial |
| Exposure Modes: | Automatic shutter speed (A-Mode), Manual Exposure (M-Mode) |
| Compensation: | -3 EV to +3 EV, 1/3 f-stops |
| Exposure Bracketing: | 3/5 frames, 0.5 / 1 / 2 / 3 f-stops |
| Flash exposure metering: | Control with center-weighted TTL pre-flash metering (with SCA-3501/3502 adapter, or SCA-3000 standard flash unit such as Leica SF24D/Leica SF 58). |
| Hot shoe: | SCA-3502 compatible hot shoe, with center contact |
| Flash Synchronization: | Optional triggered at first or second shutter curtain |
| Flash Synch time: | 1/180s |
| Focusing Methods: | Manual focus with optical rangefinder |
| Optical Viewfinder: | Large, light bright-line rangefinder with automatic parallax compensation, LED illuminated frame lines. |
| Optical Viewfinder frame lines: | Framelines size matches image sensor size at 2m focusing distance |
| Optical Viewfinder correction: | Eyepiece adjusted to -0,5 dpt. Corrective lenses from -3 to +3 dpt. available (optional) |
| Magnification: | 0.68x |
| Optical Viewfinder Displays: | In the viewfinder LED symbol for flash status (at bottom). Four-digit seven-segment LED digital display, brightness adapted to ambient conditions, for: Warning in case of exposure correction; display of automatic shutter speed in automatic mode; advisory indicating use of metering memory lock LED exposure monitor with two triangular and one central circular LED with manual exposure setting |
| Rangefinder: | Split or superimposed image range finder shown as a bright field in the center of the viewfinder image |
| Rangefinder effective metering Basis: | 47.1 mm (mechanical metering basis 69.25 mm x viewfinder magnification 0.68 times) |
| Start up time: | <1s |
| Power Supply: | Li-ion battery (included), 7.4V, 1800 mAh |
| Horizon: | Yes |
| User Profiles: | 4 Profiles, exportable |
| Sensor cleaning: | Dust detection, manual cleaning function |
| Tripod Thread: | A 1/4 (1/4″) DIN made of stainless steel in base plate |
| Dimensions: | approx. 139 x 42 x 80 mm (5.5 x 1.7 x 3.1 in.) |
| Weight: | 690 g |
| Operating Temperature: | 0°C – 40°C |
| Menu languages | English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese |
| Accessories Included | Battery, Charger with power cables for EU and USA (different in some export markets), 12V charging cable, Carrying strap, Accessory port cover, Body cap |
| Software licenses | Adobe® Lightroom® |
| New optional accessories: | Multifunctional Handgrip M, Handgrip M, SCA Adapter Set for Multi-functional Handgrip M, Power Adapter for Multi-functional Handgrip M, Finger loop for Multi-functional Handgrip M, Size S / M / L, Ever-Ready Case M, Li-ion Battery BP-SCL2, Battery charger BC-SCL2 |
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