The new Leica M camera was initially supposed to be announced during the Photokina show in September but it was postponed. The second rumored announcement is/was for November 22nd-23rd but it seems that this date could be pushed back as well. Some tips suggested that the official announcement will not happen before February 2017.
So much on the announcement date, next is a recap of all the rumored specs of the next Leica M:
- Leica is rumored to return to the original M numbering (M8, M9, M10) – this could explain why a Leica M10 was recently registered in China. Maybe Leica will make the new M10 their “classic” M camera and turn the M Typ xxx line into their modern, high-tech line.
- I also heard rumors that the new M will be called Leica M-C (I personally don’t think this will happen).
- The new camera will be 3.8mm smaller than the M 240. Even if the exact numbers are off, this has been the consensus from all the tips I have received in the past few months: the new M will be smaller (pictured above: Leica M9 vs Leica M Typ 240 size comparison from Camerasize, click for larger view)
- 24MP sensor (most likely the sensor from the Leica SL/Q)
- Max ISO: 50k (just like the Leica SL and the Leica Q)
- Bigger control buttons on the back
- Slightly bigger LCD screen
- EVF from the TL camera
- Dedicated ISO wheel/dial on top plate next to the viewfinder (not sure about that)
- Shipping will start in Spring of 2017, maybe even later (depending on the official announcement)
FYI: the French Salon de la Photo show will start tomorrow (November 10 – 14) and it seems that Leica is not participating.
