Breaking: first Leica M12 camera rumors

Here are the first Leica M12 camera rumors:

• The Leica M12 will be 3mm smaller compared to the M11.
• I am still getting conflicting reports on the viewfinder: we may get a new hybrid viewfinder like the Fuji X100 or maybe even a 100% electronic viewfinder.
• The ISO dial on the top left could be completely removed.
• A new dial could be introduced behind the shutter button that can be controlled with the thumb.
• Large 3.9″ screen on the back (the M11 has a 2.95″ screen).
• The large screen means also removing most (all?) buttons from the back of the camera – maybe we will get a touchscreen interface similar to the Leica TL:

Here are the different viewfinder options Leica is considering for the next generation of M cameras (Leica M12?)

It seems that this time with the M12, Leica is aiming for a very minimalistic design and trying to reduce the number of mechanical parts used. I think this is also the only way they can further reduce the size and weight of the camera. Keep in mind that those are still very early rumors/reports and the final design may change.

The recently registered Leica camera model 2221 could actually be the M12: Update: the registered model 2221 camera cannot be the M12 becuase the 2221 it is expected to be announced week (May 16th):

New Leica digital camera model 2221 registered online, embargo date: May 16, 2024 (is that the rumored Leica M11-D Black Paint camera?)

Now let’s talk about the Leica M12 trademark (all Leica trademarks can be found here):

If you go to the registration page, it seems that the “Leica M12” brand name is denied (“FINAL REFUSAL EMAILED”):

If you search for “M12”, there are many already-approved trademarks – could that be the reason for the refusal?

Similar information can be found also at the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

If you have any information on the upcoming Leica M12 camera, please contact me anonymously here.