Leica is set to unleash the Leica M, a 24-million-pixel rangefinder camera with live view, HD video and an optional EVF.<\/p>\n
And, for the first time in a Leica M model, the Leica M will be compatible with Leica R lenses, via a new adapter that gives access to 20 dedicated lens profiles.<\/p>\n
The Leica M will go on sale in\u201a early 2013, priced \u00a35,100 when it will be available in a black paint or silver chrome finish.<\/p>\n
The Leica M boasts a new imaging sensor, the 24MP Leica Max CMOS, made in conjunction with CMOSIS, a Belgium-based sensor supplier.<\/p>\n
‘Thanks to the Live View function, photographers now have access to entirely new opportunities that, in combination with the outstanding performance of Leica M and R lenses, go far beyond the classic capabilities of rangefinder photography’ the firm said in a statement.<\/p>\n
The Live View zoom option enables 10x magnification, while a Live View Focus Peaking function highlights the subject\u201a\u00c4\u00f4s contours to help fine-tune focusing.<\/p>\n
The electronic viewfinder (the EVF2 Electronic Visoflex Viewfinder) boasts a screen resolution of 1.4-million-dots and 90 degree angle of rotation.<\/p>\n
‘When mounted on the camera, it displays all significant exposure parameters and allows precise subject assessment, and is particularly useful when shooting in brightly lit surroundings’ adds the firm.<\/p>\n
Borrowing the Maestro image processor from the medium-format S-system, the Leica M sports a 3in, 920,000-dot \u201a’scratch-resistant’ monitor.<\/p>\n
Equivalent ISO ranges from 200-6400, extendable down to ISO 100, and the new M can shoot at three frames per second, according to Leica.<\/p>\n
Housed in a magnesium-alloy body, with brass top and bottom plates, the Leica M includes rubber seals to help prevent it against dust and moisture.<\/p>\n
Leica will also launch a handgrip with built-in GPS (Multifunctional Handgrip-M) to help steady the camera, particularly when shooting with heavier R lenses. This is due to cost \u00a3630. A standard handgrip will cost \u00a3209.<\/p>\n
Leica has launched an R-Adapter M which it says allows ‘almost all’ Leica R lenses to be used with the new Leica M. The Leica R-Adapter is expected to cost \u00a3215.<\/p>\n
Also coinciding with the launch will be a \u00a3150 microphone adapter set.<\/p>\n
Leica has announced that it has dropped the number suffix for all future M and S-series models ‘to emphasise the long-term significance and enduring value of respective systems’.<\/p>\n
Also announced today are:
\n\u2022The Leica D-Lux 6, a 12MP compact featuring a new 1\/1.7in CMOS and 24-90mm f\/1.4 lens (due in November priced \u00a3600)
\n\u2022The Leica V-Lux 4, a bridge camera incorporating full HD video a 25-600mm [35mm equivalent] lens ‘claimed to deliver f\/2.8 throughout the zoom range (\u00a3690 and also due in November)
\n\u2022A special Paul Smith edition of the X2, featuring body colours chosen by the designer in a limited edition of 1,500 units. It is expected to cost \u00a32,000 when it goes on sale in October<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Leica M brings a 24-million-pixel full-frame sensor and live view to the classic rangefinder.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":324,"featured_media":7786,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"product-category":[],"class_list":["post-11698","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-photo-news"],"yoast_head":"\n