Leica M Digital Cameras: A Complete Guide to Prices, Features, and Comparisons

Why Choose a Leica M Digital Camera?

Leica’s M-series digital cameras represent the pinnacle of rangefinder photography, blending classic craftsmanship with modern digital innovation. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiast, the Leica M digital lineup offers exceptional image quality, precise manual focus, and a timeless design.

But with so many models available, which Leica M camera is right for you? 

Here is a detailed breakdown of each Leica M-mount digital camera, including their key features, strengths, and weaknesses. This will help you determine which model suits your photography style.

1. Leica M8 (2006)

The first digital Leica M camera, the M8, introduced digital photography to Leica’s rangefinder system. It features a 10.3MP APS-H CCD sensor, maintaining the classic Leica design while incorporating digital capabilities.

Pros:

• Delivers excellent image sharpness with a CCD sensor known for its distinct rendering.

• Compact and lightweight compared to DSLRs.

• Retains traditional rangefinder manual focus for a tactile experience.

Cons:

• The APS-H sensor means lenses have a 1.3x crop factor, limiting their true focal length.

• The camera has infrared sensitivity issues, requiring IR-cut filters on lenses.

• Poor low-light performance, with noise becoming prominent at higher ISOs.

2. Leica M8.2 (2008)

An improved version of the M8 with minor refinements, including a quieter shutter mechanism, a more durable sapphire crystal LCD, and enhanced white balance for better color accuracy.

Pros:

• Quieter shutter makes it better suited for street and documentary photography.

• The sapphire crystal LCD improves durability.

• Blacked-out Leica logo and frame lines make it more discreet for professionals.

Cons:

• Still uses an APS-H sensor with the same infrared issues as the M8.

• Limited high-ISO performance, making it difficult to use in low-light conditions.

• No live view or video capabilities.

3. Leica M9 (2009)

The first full-frame digital rangefinder, the M9 features an 18MP CCD sensor, providing a distinct image quality reminiscent of film photography.

Pros:

• Full-frame sensor, restoring lenses to their intended focal lengths.

• Classic Leica rangefinder experience with an all-metal build.

• Excellent color rendition and a film-like aesthetic due to the CCD sensor.

Cons:

• No live view or video recording.

• The sensor was prone to corrosion, requiring expensive repairs.

• Slow buffer speed, making continuous shooting impractical.

4. Leica M9-P (2011)

A refined version of the M9, designed with a more discreet look, featuring a sapphire crystal LCD for added durability.

Pros:

• Retains all the benefits of the M9 with a more rugged build.

• No Leica red dot logo, making it ideal for street photographers who prefer a low-profile camera.

• Scratch-resistant LCD glass enhances longevity.

Cons:

• No internal improvements aside from cosmetic changes.

• Same sensor corrosion issue as the M9.

5. Leica M Monochrom (2012)

The first digital black-and-white-only camera, featuring an 18MP monochrome CCD sensor. By removing the color filter array, the camera produces sharper images with a higher dynamic range.

Pros:

• Exceptional black-and-white image quality with deeper tonal range and sharper details.

• No interpolation of colors, allowing for pure monochrome photography.

• ISO performance is better than the M9, due to the absence of a color filter.

Cons:

• Limited to black-and-white only, making it a niche product.

• High price for a single-purpose camera.

• No live view or focus peaking.

6. Leica M (Typ 240) (2012)

This camera introduced a CMOS sensor (24MP), enabling live view and video recording for the first time in the M lineup.

Pros:

• Live view and electronic preview, making manual focusing easier.

• Improved battery life over previous models.

• Better high ISO performance compared to earlier CCD models.

Cons:

• Bulkier body, making it less compact than film-era M cameras.

• Video recording quality is subpar compared to dedicated video cameras.

• Some users feel the CMOS sensor lacks the “Leica CCD look.”

7. Leica M-P (Typ 240) (2014)

A slightly upgraded M (Typ 240) with a larger buffer, a sapphire glass LCD, and no front logo for discretion.

Pros:

• Improved buffer size, making it more usable for fast-paced shooting.

• Sapphire LCD adds durability.

• More discreet appearance, ideal for documentary photographers.

Cons:

• Same image quality as the Typ 240 with only minor improvements.

• No autofocus or modern features like an electronic shutter.

8. Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) (2015)

A full-frame 24MP black-and-white sensor, improving upon the original Monochrom model.

Pros:

• Higher resolution than the original Monochrom.

• Live view and focus peaking, making manual focusing easier.

• Better low-light performance due to improved ISO handling.

Cons:

• Still limited to black-and-white images only.

• No autofocus or video capabilities.

9. Leica M (Typ 262) (2015)

A simplified version of the M (Typ 240) that removes video capabilities and reduces weight.

Pros:

• Lighter and simpler, focused solely on still photography.

• Cheaper than the Typ 240, making it a more affordable entry point.

• No distractions from unnecessary features.

Cons:

• No live view or focus peaking.

• Limited buffer size for burst shooting.

10. Leica M10 (2017)

The first M digital camera to return to the classic film-like form factor, featuring a 24MP full-frame sensor.

Pros:

• Thinner body, making it feel more like a film Leica.

• Better high ISO performance, improved color science.

• ISO dial for manual control, a nod to classic Leica film cameras.

Cons:

• No video recording.

• Still only manual focus.

11. Leica M10-P (2018)

A quieter shutter, touchscreen LCD, and no front logo make this a stealthy alternative to the M10.

Pros:

• Virtually silent shutter, perfect for street photography.

• More intuitive touchscreen controls.

Cons:

• No autofocus.

• Minor upgrade over the M10.

12. Leica M10 Monochrom (2020)

A 40MP black-and-white sensor, offering incredible detail and dynamic range.

Pros:

• Highest resolution monochrome camera Leica has ever made.

• Outstanding sharpness and high-ISO performance.

Cons:

• Limited to black-and-white images.

13. Leica M11 (2022)

A 60MP sensor with a new triple-resolution mode, improving dynamic range and flexibility.

Pros:

• 60MP, 36MP, and 18MP resolution modes for different shooting needs.

• USB-C charging and longer battery life.

Cons:

• Large file sizes require significant storage space.

14. Leica M11-P (2023)

This model added content authenticity features and metadata tracking.

Pros:

• First camera with Content Credentials for copyright protection.

• Quieter shutter and faster processing speed.

Cons:

• More expensive than the standard M11 with few changes.

15. Leica M11-D (2024)

A digital camera with no rear LCD screen, meant to mimic the film shooting experience.

Pros:

• Pure manual photography experience.

• Same high-resolution sensor as the M11.

Cons:

• Must use a smartphone for image review.

• Limited practicality for some users.

Note: Prices are approximate and can vary based on condition, availability, and market demand.