German camera manufacturer Leica has added another rangefinder body to its M system that has a pared-down feature set, an extra quiet shutter unit and a lower price than the M Typ 240. The new Leica M Typ 262 is very much the same as the other M bodies, but does not offer video or live view shooting, even though it uses a 24MP CMOS sensor. Leica has used the button space on the rear of the camera that is used for live view in the Typ 240 to add direct access to the white balance feature. 

The company says that the new shutter unit is barely audible and the shutter cocking mechanism is 'considerably quieter' than the system used in previous models. In single shot mode the new mechanism allows up to two frames to be recorded in a second, while the drive mode allows up to three frames per second, as before. 

Instead of a brass top plate the Typ 262 uses aluminum, which makes the camera around 100g lighter than the Typ 240. Leica says one of benefits of not offering video and live view is that the menu system is much simpler and consists of only two pages. The camera may offer the same full-frame 24MP sensor that is used in the M Typ 240 and the M-P, and seems unlikely to be the sensor used in the more recent Leica Q and SL. 

At $5195/£4050 the Typ 262 is offered as the least expensive of the M bodies, and is available immediately. For more information visit the Leica website. 

Press release:

Focusing on the essentials of M rangefinder photography 

Leica Camera has introduced the Leica M (Typ 262) into its digital rangefinder camera range, joining the Leica M and M-P (Typ 240) and the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246), now giving photographers the choice of four models. 

Incorporating rangefinder technology perfected over many decades, the new M (Typ 262) represents Leica M photography in its purest form, concentrating on the most essential features, combined with intuitive handling and discreet styling. This allows users to focus on the fascination of M photography and, ultimately, on capturing the decisive moment. 

As with the other digital M cameras, the Leica M (Typ 262) features a high-resolution CMOS full-frame sensor, designed exclusively for rangefinder photography, but excludes video recording and Live View. The 24-megapixel sensor delivers exceptional image quality and extreme sensitivity, and makes the Leica M (Typ 262) the ideal camera for photography in available light situations. At the same time, the camera’s Maestro processor guarantees fast processing of captured images, ensuring that it is immediately ready to shoot. 

The clear and practical outer design of the Leica M (Typ 262) also focuses on the essentials. The top plate is made from durable aluminium, making the camera around 100g lighter, and even more ergonomic than its sister models. The words ’Made in Germany’ are engraved on the back of the camera. Further differences include a smaller Leica logo and a ‘step’ at the end of the top plate, which are both features reminiscent of the design of the Leica M9. 

For maximum discretion when shooting, the Leica M (Typ 262) shutter is barely audible – an invaluable advantage in situations where the photographer needs to remain unobtrusive. As an aid to this, the camera features a shutter cocking system that is considerably quieter in single exposure mode than that of the M (Typ 240), and enables a shutter release frequency of up to two frames per second. In continuous mode, the M (Typ 262) has the same sequential shooting speed as its sister model and shoots up to three frames per second. 

The handling of the Leica M (Typ 262) fulfills everything a discerning photographer expects from a Leica M. This includes the rapid manual focusing process with the coupled rangefinder and the focusing ring of the lens, as well as the option of selecting automatically determined or manually set shutter speeds. Furthermore, as this model does not include Live View or video recording, the menu is extremely straightforward and consists of only two pages. This ensures that all settings are rapidly accessible at all times. White balance is selected by a dedicated button on the back of the camera.

Leica M (Typ 262) specifications

Price
MSRP$5195/£4050
Body type
Body typeRangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor
Max resolution5952 x 3976
Other resolutions4256 x 2832, 2976 x 1984, 1600 x 1072
Image ratio w:h3:2
Effective pixels24 megapixels
Sensor sizeFull frame (35.8 x 23.9 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ProcessorMaestro
Color spacesRGB
Color filter arrayPrimary color filter
Image
ISOAuto, 200-6400, expandable to 100-6400
Boosted ISO (minimum)100
White balance presets7
Custom white balanceYes
Image stabilizationNo
Uncompressed formatRAW
JPEG quality levelsFine, Standard
File format
  • JPEG
  • DNG
Optics & Focus
Digital zoomNo
Manual focusYes (only)
Lens mountLeica M
Focal length multiplier1×
Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCDFixed
Screen size3″
Screen dots921,000
Touch screenNo
Screen typeTFT LCD
Live viewNo
Viewfinder typeOptical (rangefinder)
Viewfinder magnification0.68×
Photography features
Minimum shutter speed60 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/4000 sec
Exposure modes
  • Aperture priority
  • Manual
Built-in flashNo
External flashYes (via hot shoe)
Flash X sync speed1/180 sec
Drive modes
  • Single shot
  • Continuous
  • Self-timer
Continuous drive3.0 fps
Self-timerYes (2 or 12 sec)
Metering modes
  • Center-weighted
Exposure compensation±3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
AE Bracketing±6 (3, 5 frames at 1/2 EV, 1 EV, 2 EV steps)
Videography features
MicrophoneNone
SpeakerNone
Storage
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC
Connectivity
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
HDMINo
Microphone portNo
Headphone portNo
Remote controlYes (Cable release)
Physical
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionBP-SCL2 lithium-Ion rechargeable battery & charger
Weight (inc. batteries)680 g (1.50 lb / 23.99 oz)
Dimensions139 x 80 x 42 mm (5.47 x 3.15 x 1.65″)
Other features
Orientation sensorYes
Timelapse recordingNo
GPSOptional