MAKEOVER FOR LEICA’S DIGITAL RF CAMERA

LEICA HAS SIGNIFICANTLY

reworked its digital rangefinder M camera to create the next-generation M10 which is not only the most compact version, but also returns to a conventional model numbering system. After the M9 model, Leica adopted its factory codes to designate new digital M models, but the ‘Typ’ coding hasn’t always been easy for consumers to understand.

Although the traditional M styling is retained, the M10 has an all-new magnesium alloy bodyshell which is slimmer than the previous M Typ 240 model. The top and bottom plates remain brass components. A dial for setting the ISO now accompanies the one for selecting shutter speeds. The classical optical rangefinder is retained, but with a larger field-of-view (increased by 30 percent) and a higher magnification (now at 0.73x). Additionally, the eyepiece’s eyepoint has been increased by 50 percent, making the viewfinder easier to use for spectacle wearers.

On the inside is a full-35mm format CMOS sensor Leica says has been “developed especially for this camera” and which has a “unique pixels and microlens architecture”. It has an effective pixel count of 24 million and a sensitivity range equivalent to ISO 100 to 50,000. There isn’t a low-pass optical filter to help optimise the resolution and Leica’s ‘Maestro II’ processor enables continuous shooting at 5.0 fps for a burst of 100 JPEGs or 30 RAW files. These long bursts are possible thanks to a 2.0 GB buffer memory. The M10 captures JPEGs in one of three image sizes and RAW files in the Adobe DNG format, but it has no video recording capabilities (although live view is available). There’s a single memory card slot for the SD format. The LCD monitor screen is fixed and has a resolution of 1.04 megadots. It’s protected by a scratch-resistant ‘Gorilla’ glass faceplate. A first for a digital M body is the inclusion of a WiFi module, enabling wireless file transfer and remote camera control via the Leica MApp (for iOS devices).

The rest of the M10 is essentially pure Leica M – manual focusing via a split-image rangefinder, centreweighted average metering, aperture-priority auto or manual exposure modes, and a top shutter speed of 1/4000 second. Multi-zone and spot metering options are available using the imaging sensor.

The Leica M10 is available with black or silver chrome finishes and is priced at $9700 (body only). It is available in Australia now. For more information visit https://en.leica-camera.com