Leica M10 Monochrom Digital Camera Body

Leica's dedication to tradition is something that makes their camera systems so unique. This is especially prevalent in the M10 Monochrom, a digital rangefinder camera with a unique 40MP monochrome CMOS sensor and Maestro II image processor. This camera stands to capture deep, rich black and white still images, utilising the specialised sensor to actively remove the colour filter array. By doing so, the focus is purely upon luminance values to achieve expansive visual depth and clarity. With an ISO 160-100,000 range and low-noise shutter, the M10 Monochrom can be utilised in a range of creative environments with minimal disturbance. It further consists of a 0.73x-magnification optical viewfinder and a sharp 3.0" 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD. The rangefinder alone is compromised of over 100 individual parts, whilst the rear of the camera features just three buttons - a clear balance between technical mastery and elegant simplicity.

Leica M10 Monochrom Digital Camera Body Key Features:

• Magnificent 40MP full-frame B&W CMOS sensor
• Leica Maestro II image processor
• Optical viewfinder with 0.73x-magnification
• Specific to B&W stills photography
• Regarded for its high resolution and long exposure capabilities
• ISO 160-100,000 to suit varied lighting conditions
• Record 4.5 fps bursts of up to 10 frames
• 3.0" 1.04m-dot intuitive touchscreen
• Compatible with the FOTOS App via built-in Wi-Fi
• Design reminiscent of Leica's film cameras
• The M10-R Digital Camera Body is also available
• Beautifully styled with brass top and bottom plates
• Weather-resistant construction

Expanded Leica M10 Monochrom Digital Camera Body Key Features:

A Nod To Classic B&W Photography

The M10 Monochrom sits within a special list of innovate black and white-only digital rangefinder cameras from Leica. As the third-generation, it is based on the impressive structural elements of the M10-P with an additional 40MP monochrome sensor that is specific to B&W imagery. The monochromatic exterior design is a wonderful nod to this camera's unique image-making ability, with white and grey engravings on the body, blacked-out shutter, and blacked-out lens release button.

In regard to the filter, it utilises a redeveloped full-frame, monochrome 40.89MP CMOS sensor with the ever-present Maestro II image processor. This combination delivers a wide dynamic range with explicit tonal rendering and enhanced sensitivity when working in varied lighting conditions. It further emits a colour filter array (CFA), to record monochromatic imagery using just luminance values. This causes clear enhancements in clarity, depth, and resolution. By removing the CFA, the sensitivity range increases to ISO 160-100,000 (higher than colour-enabled M10 camera systems), further reducing noise for use in low-light conditions.

Optical Clarity

The ISO 160-100,000 is well-suited to deal with varying lighting conditions, still allowing for the sharpness and premium resolution of the sensor's optical low-pass filter. You can also manipulate the viewfinder frame selector to manually change the image field, providing a visual guide with varying focal lengths. These include 35mm/135mm, 28mm/90mm, and 50mm/75mm focal length pairs.

Set to match the image sensor size at a clear focusing distance of 2m, the substantial, bright-line 0.73x-magnification rangefinder consists of an automatic parallax compensation and bright-line frame lines. Its mechanism displays superimposed bright field images central to the viewfinder to aid in manual focus control. This is further backed up by focus peaking within live view - highlighting edges of contrast to allow for pinpoint focus adjustments.

A Modern Take On Tradition

Leica are known for their vintage styling and intricate design. However, the M10-R effortless combines this with contemporary features such as its sharp 3.0" 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD, built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, and access to the Lecia FOTOS app. The LCD is both large and bright, capable of both live display and image playback. You can then share your images directly to a linked smartphone or tablet - a great addition for image-makers looking to share snaps on social media, or to transform your device into an intuitive remote control. This allows you to adjust your shooting parameters, release the shutter and more - via the aforementioned FOTOS app.

The Story Behind ‘That' Red Dot

Leica stands as one of the most prestigious names in photography, responsible for some of the most memorable photographs in collective memory. The first fully-functioning 35mm camera was in fact a Leica, changing the game for the artistic and journalistic mediums of photography. These values are still held to a high esteem at Leica, with that same red dot sitting proudly upon the M10-R.

What's in the box?

• 1 x Leica M10 Monochrom Digital Rangefinder Camera Body
• 1 x Leica BP-SCL5 Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
• 1 x Leica BC-SCL5 Battery Charger
• 1 x Leica Body Cap for Leica M Cameras
• 1 x Carrying Strap
• 1 x Accessory Shoe Cover

Leica M10 Monochrom Digital Camera Body Product Video:

Leica M10 Monochrom Digital Camera Body Sample Images:

FAQs:

How true is the manual focus experience compared to a traditional rangefinder?

The M10 Monochrom focuses the same as the older Leica M series bodies do, and stands as the truest rangefinder experience available in today's market.

What type of image-maker would benefit best from the M10 Monochrom?

The M10 Monochrom can capture images with such depth and clarity that is simply not possible when putting filters over colourised images. It is an ideal camera system for travel, fashion and lifestyle photography. It captures images with such depth and contrast, with the ISO 100-50000 range and low-noise shutter benefiting photojournalists and true still-image storytellers.

Is this sensor non-corrosive?

Yes, clear updates have been made since the M9 to ensure that the M10 Monochrom's sensor is non-corrosive.

Is the M10 Monochrom the same size as the previous M-10 models?

Yes, the M10 Monochrom has near-identical dimensions to the other camera bodies within the M10 range.