Leica announces M-E: The essence of rangefinder
photography
Photokina, Cologne, 17 September 2012: Leica Camera AG today presents a new model in the Leica
rangefinder portfolio: the Leica M-E.
Together with the new Leica M and Leica M Monochrom – the world’s first digital black and white camera
in 35mm format – the Leica M-E joins the latest digital generation of Leica M cameras, now comprising
three rangefinder models. Offering rangefinder technology perfected by Leica over decades, the Leica M-E
represents the essence of rangefinder photography. Concentrating on the essential photographic
functions and renowned dependability for all typical ‘M’ fields of use, the Leica M-E makes an ideal entry level
model for photographers wishing to experience the fascination of M-Photography in its purest form.
Featuring a proven, high-resolution, 18 MP CCD sensor in full 35 mm format, the Leica M-E offers
exceptional image quality combined with the distinct advantages of rangefinder photography, and a
minimal, discreet design in an unobtrusive anthracite grey paint finish. The application of an attractive
new leather-style trim, which also provides enhanced grip for steadier shooting, ideally complements the
camera’s classic design.
About the Leica M-System
Since 1954, the Leica M system has stood for an unmistakable, individual kind of photography and a very
conscious photographic style. This is because, with a Leica M, the photographer becomes a part of the
action in the process of capturing challenging and creative images. The rangefinder allows the
photographer to frame the shot precisely, while providing a clear view of what is happening outside the
viewfinder frame lines. This allows the user to predict the decisive moment and capture it discreetly and
reliably at the right moment – in all fields, from photojournalism and ‘available light’ exposures to discreet
and aesthetic fine-art images.
The functions of the Leica M rangefinder camera are consistently constructed for extreme durability and
robustness. The highest quality materials, meticulous manufacturing processes and precise manual
assembly guarantee functional reliability for many years to come. Full backward system compatibility –
almost all lenses in the Leica M range built since 1954 can still be used with the latest M camera models
– is an important factor in the enduring value of the Leica M series.
Pricing and availability
The Leica M-E in anthracite grey paint finish is scheduled to be available in the UK at a suggested retail
price of £3,900 inc VAT from September 2012 from authorised Leica dealers including the Leica Store
Mayfair: www.leica-storemayfair.co.uk, tel: 020 7629 1351. A full list of authorised UK Leica dealers is
available at www.leica-camera.co.uk.
Leica warranty and added value services
The Leica M-E comes with a two-year warranty and a one-year Leica UK ‘Passport’ (complimentary
accidental damage cover). UK customers are also welcome to visit the Leica Store and Akademie in
Mayfair, London, for a complimentary demonstration or training session on the features of the camera.
Technical support by telephone or in person is available via Leica’s London-based Client Care department.
LEICA M-E: Technical specifications
|
Product name | LEICA M-E (Typ 220), anthracite grey paint
|
| Camera type | Compact digital view and rangefinder system still camera
|
| Lens mount | Leica M bayonet with additional sensor for 6-bit coding
|
| Lens system | Leica M lenses
|
| Top plate | Milled brass top cover with classic Leica M design
|
| Material | All-metal case made of die-cast magnesium; synthetic leather covering
Cap and base plate made of brass
|
| Image sensor | KAF - 18500 18 MP CCD sensor
|
| Number of effective
pixels |
18 million pixels
|
| Sensitity range | ISO 160 – ISO 2500, Pull 80 available, Auto ISO
|
| Imaging platform | DSP based computing platform with Leica imaging algorithms
|
| LCD monitor | 2.5” TFT Display with 230,000 pixels
|
| Shutter | Closed type focal plane shutter for classic image exposure, with external cocking mechanism
|
| Shutter speed | 1/4000s – 240s (in Bulb), 1/180s flash synchronisation
|
| Burst rate | Approx. 2 fps
|
| Self timer | Off / 2s / 12s
|
| Storage media | SD / SDHC Memory Cards
|
| Imaging functions:
|
| Image file format | DNG™ (RAW data uncompressed or nonlinear compressed), JPEG
|
| File size | DNG: 18 MB (compressed)/ 36 MB (uncompressed), JPEG: resolution and image content
dependent
|
| Available JPG
resolutions |
5212 x 3472 (18 MP), 3840 x 2592 (10 MP), 2592 x 1728 (4.5 MP), 1728 x 1152 (2 MP), 1280 x
846 pixels (1 MP)
|
| Colour spaces | sRGB / Adobe®RGB
|
| White balance | Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shadow / Tungsten / Fluorescent 1 / Fluorescent 2 / Flash / Manual
/ Kelvin 2000-12800
|
| Other functions | Saturation, Contrast, Sharpening
|
| Exposure control
|
| Exposure metering | Through the Lens (TTL) metering, centre-weighted with variable aperture
Centre-weighted TTL metering for flash exposure with system conformant SCA-3000/2 standard
flash units
|
| Exposure setting | Manual shutter speed setting with direct dial, A-Mode with direct dial
|
| Exposure modes | Automatic shutter speed (A-Mode), Manual Exposure (M-Mode)
|
| Exposure
compensation |
-3 EV to +3 EV, 1/3 f-stops
|
| Exposure bracketing | 3/5/7 frames, 0.5 / 1 / 1.5 / 2 f-stops
|
| Flash Exposure
Control
|
| Flash exposure
metering |
Control with centre-weighted TTL pre-flash metering (with SCA-3501/3502 adapter, or SCA-3000
standard flash unit such as Leica SF 24D/Leica SF 58)
|
| Hot shoe | SCA-3502 compatible hot shoe, with centre contact
|
| Flash
synchronisation |
Optional triggered at first or second shutter curtain
|
| Flash sync time | 1/180s
|
| Viewfinder/Focusing
|
| Focusing Methods | Manual focus with optical rangefinder
|
| Optical viewfinder | Large, light bright-line rangefinder with automatic parallax compensation, optical illumination
|
| Optical viewfinder
framelines |
Framelines size matches image sensor size at 1m focusing distance
|
| Optical viewfinder
correction |
Eyepiece adjusted to -0.5 dpt. Corrective lenses from -3 to +3 dpt. available (optional)
|
| Optical viewfinder
magnification |
0.68x
|
| Optical viewfinder
displays |
In the viewfinder LED symbol for flash status (at bottom). Four-digit seven-segment LED digital
display, brightness adapted to ambient conditions, for: Warning in case of exposure correction;
display of automatic shutter speed in automatic mode; advisory indicating use of metering memory
lock. LED exposure monitor with two triangular and one central circular LED with manual exposure
setting
|
| Rangefinder | Split or superimposed image rangefinder shown as a bright field in the centre of the viewfinder
image
|
| Rangefinder
effective metering
basis |
47.1 mm (mechanical metering basis 69.25 mm x viewfinder magnification 0.68 times)
|
| Other features
|
| Start-up time | less than 1s
|
| Power supply | Li-ion battery (included), 3.7V, 1860 mAh
|
| User profiles | 4 Profiles
|
| Sensor cleaning | Manual cleaning function
|
| Tripod thread | A 1/4 (1/4") DIN made of stainless steel in base plate
|
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | Approx. 139 x 37 x 80 mm (5.5 x 1.5 x 3.1”)
|
| Weight | 585 g (20.6 oz)
|
| Operating
temperature |
0°C – 40°C
|
| Menu languages | English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified
Chinese
|
| Accessories included | Battery, charger with power cables for EU and USA (different in some markets), 12V charging
cable, carrying strap, body cap
|
| Software licences
supplied |
Adobe® Lightroom®
|
| Optional accessories | All accessories compatible with Leica M9 and M9-P
E&OE |
