Leica M-D (Typ 262) Review

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M-D (Typ 262)

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M-D (Typ 262)
Specifications

Basic Specifications
Full model name:	Leica M-D (Typ 262)
Resolution:	24.00 Megapixels
Sensor size:	35mm (35.8mm x 23.9mm)
Kit Lens:	n/a
Viewfinder:	Optical / No LCD
Native ISO:	200 - 6400
Extended ISO:	200 - 6400
Shutter:	1/4000 - 60 sec
Dimensions:	5.5 x 3.1 x 1.7 in. (139 x 80 x 42 mm)
Weight:	25.4 oz (720 g) includes batteries
MSRP:	$5,995
Availability:	05/2016
Manufacturer:	Leica
Full specs:	Leica M-D (Typ 262) specifications

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Body Only (Black)

24.00 Megapixels	Leica M bayonet	35mm size sensor

Leica M-D Typ 262 Review -- First Impressions

By Zig Weidelich
Posted: 04/28/2016

Leica has announced the M-D (Typ 262), a model very similar to the Leica M (Typ 262) but without a rear LCD monitor, to provide purists as well as the nostalgic a more film-era shooting experience.

This isn't the first time Leica has released a digital rangefinder without an LCD, as the $18,500 M Edition 60 also lacked a monitor, but the Leica M-D (Typ 262) won't be a limited edition, and will be available for a much more affordable, though still eye-watering price of about $6,000.

The Leica M-D Typ 262 only offers the bare minimum of controls, as there is no menu system nor any way to review or tweak your images on the camera. As a result images are only captured in RAW format (lossless compressed .DNG files), eliminating the need for in-camera white balance adjustment, and any other settings that apply to in-camera processing such as sharpening, contrast, saturation, etc. And of course, there is no support for movies.

You can shoot in Aperture Priority or Manual exposure mode, metering is center-weighted only, and ISO is manually selectable from 200 to 6400 in 1/3 EV steps using a dial on the back of the camera which is reminiscent of a film speed dial. Shutter speeds range from 8s to 1/4000s (up to 60s in Aperture Priority), plus a Bulb mode is offered, but it's also limited to 60s. Flash x-sync is 1/180s. The Leica M-D Typ 262 does not support automatic exposure bracketing, however exposure compensation of up to +/- 3 EV is available.

The M-D Typ 262 features an almost silent shutter cocking mechanism when in single-shot mode, but can still shoot at up to three frames per second in continuous mode, and has one GB of buffer memory. Images are stored on SD cards, including SDHC and SDXC types, and like the M Typ 262, there is no USB port.

The Leica M-D's all-metal magnesium/aluminum body is constructed with a brass top panel and base, is finished almost entirely in black, and forgoes Leica's red dot logo for extra discreetness. Weight with the battery installed is 680 grams, some 80 grams heavier than the M Typ 262. It uses the same 7.4v 1800mAh lithium-ion battery pack, but no word yet on battery life.

The Leica M-D Typ 262 will be available from May 2016, for a list price of US$5,995. That's about $800 more than the LCD-equipped M Typ 260.