The principle that “less is more” is put into practice by Leica’s M-E Digital Rangefinder Camera, a full-frame, interchangeable lens camera that exemplifies the idea. The M-E can produce high-quality photographs quickly and covertly because it prioritizes the most necessary aspects of the photographing process. The sensor in the camera is 36 mm by 24 mm, yet despite its modest size, it is highly sturdy and features an attractive appearance.
The 18-megapixel CCD sensor provides high-resolution imaging in full 35mm size; the absence of a low-pass filter in the sensor results in photographs with more minute details and a more striking overall appearance.
A consistent exposure may be achieved throughout the entirety of the sensor thanks to the sensor’s compatibility with the small M-system and M-series lenses. Furthermore, the versatility of the camera’s shooting and the clarity of its images are enhanced by its ability to work with the whole line of exceptional Leica M-series lenses.
As a result of M-decision E’s not adding capabilities such as Live View and Video functions, the company could devote its resources only to improving those functions, resulting in an improved photographic image.
The optical viewfinder/rangefinder and the silky smooth, precisely calibrated focusing ring of a Leica lens work together to make the manual focusing on this device rapid and precise. In addition, you can manually set the shutter speed anywhere from the bulb mode to 1/4000 of a second, or the camera may do it for you automatically.
The mechanism for the shutter is a closed-type focal plane shutter with external cocking mechanisms. It has a smooth and quiet movement and creates a calm environment.
The camera body is an all-metal chassis made of die-cast magnesium, an attractive anthracite-gray finish, and a genuine leather wrap that gives a solid grip and excellent aesthetics. A 2.5-inch TFT LCD screen with 230,000 pixels allows crisp picture playback and menu management. In addition, their shoe mount is available to add an optional flash.
Those interested in a straightforward photography method that results in images of unrivaled quality will find this camera an excellent choice.
Leica M-E (Typ 220) Sensor
The small size of the M-E and the high-quality Leica M-series lenses are perfect for the very light-sensitive full-frame CCD sensor. Sharp and high-quality pictures are produced when the light exposure on the sensor is consistent from one corner to the next.
Leica M-E (Typ 220) Low-pass Filter
Because the low-pass filter, which is commonly used, has not been applied, the photographs have a more natural appearance and include finer details than they would otherwise.
Leica M-E (Typ 220) Viewfinder/Rangefinder
Using the big, precise, bright-line rangefinder with 0.68x magnification and automated parallax adjustment, the user can adjust the camera’s focus manually. The distance between the frame lines in the viewfinder and the image sensor is 3.2 feet (1 m). The split image rangefinder, also known as a superimposed image rangefinder, appears as a bright area in the middle of the viewfinder image. The eyepiece has been set to a -0.5 DPT adjustment. The optical viewfinder has an LED display showing auto shutter speeds and exposure correction alerts.
Leica M-E (Typ 220) Exposure
Through-the-lens (TTL) metering is used for exposure, and the aperture may be adjusted while center-weighted metering is used. There are two ways of directions: the automatic shutter speed (A-mode), which prioritizes the gap, and the manual exposure mode, which prioritizes the shutter speed (M-mode). Exposure compensation can range from -3 EV to +3 EV in 1/3 stop increments.
Leica M-E (Typ 220) Design
The top cover is made of milled brass, while the body is made entirely of magnesium—Anthracite grey finish, with black leather accents.
Leica M-E (Typ 220) Image
Both the DNG format (RAW data uncompressed or nonlinear compressed) and the JPEG format can be used when shooting with the M-E. The compressed size of a DNG file is 18 MB, while its uncompressed size is 36 MB (uncompressed). The exact size of a JPEG file depends on the image’s resolution and contents.
Profiles of the Users
You may keep up to four different configurations of the camera and exposure settings under a profile name that you choose, and you can quickly access them anytime you need to.
Leica M-E (Typ 220) Menu
German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese are the languages that are supported.
Leica M-E (Typ 220) Specs
| Body type | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
|---|---|
| Max resolution | 5212 x 3472 |
| Other resolutions | 3840 x 2592, 2592 x 1728, 1728 x 1152, 1280 x 846 |
| Image ratio w:h | 3:2 |
| Effective pixels | 18 megapixels |
| Sensor photo detectors | 19 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Full frame (36 x 24 mm) |
| Sensor type | CCD |
| ISO | Auto, Pull 80, 160, 200, 250, 320, 400, 500, 640, 800, 1000, 1250, 1600, 2000, 2500 |
| Boosted ISO (minimum) | 80 |
| White balance presets | 6 |
| Custom white balance | Yes |
| Image stabilization | No |
| Uncompressed format | RAW |
| JPEG quality levels | Fine, Standard |
| Digital zoom | No |
| Manual focus | Yes |
| Lens mount | Leica M |
| Focal length multiplier | 1× |
| Articulated LCD | Fixed |
| Screen size | 2.5″ |
| Screen dots | 230,000 |
| Touch screen | No |
| Screen type | TFT color LCD |
| Live view | No |
| Viewfinder type | Optical (rangefinder) |
| Viewfinder magnification | 0.68× |
| Minimum shutter speed | 4 sec |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Aperture priority | Yes |
| Shutter priority | No |
| Manual exposure mode | Yes |
| Subject / scene modes | No |
| Built-in flash | No |
| External flash | Yes (Hot-shoe) |
| Flash modes | Front Curtain, Rear Curtain, Slow sync |
| Continuous drive | 2.0 fps |
| Self-timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) |
| Metering modes | Center-weighted |
| Exposure compensation | ±3 (at 1/3 EV steps) |
| WB Bracketing | No |
| Microphone | None |
| Speaker | None |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC card |
| Storage included | None |
| HDMI | No |
| Remote control | No |
| Environmentally sealed | No |
| Battery | Battery Pack |
| Battery description | Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery & charger |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz) |
| Dimensions | 139 x 80 x 37 mm (5.47 x 3.15 x 1.46″) |
| Orientation sensor | Yes |
| Timelapse recording | No |
| GPS | None |
Price
Leica M-E (Typ 220) FAQs
When did Leica M-E (Typ 220) come out?
The Leica M-E (Typ 220) was first made available to the public in September 2012.
How much does a Leica M-E (Typ 220) cost?
Although a Leica M-E (Typ 220) can fluctuate depending on its condition and the vendor, the camera was initially offered at approximately $5,450.
Why is the Leica M-E (Typ 220) so expensive?
The Leica M-E (Typ 220) is regarded as an expensive camera due to the high quality of its construction, design, and features tailored to professional photographers’ needs.
Is Leica M-E (Typ 220) made in China?
The Leica M-E (Type 220) is not manufactured in China; that is clear. Instead, it is crafted in the German nation.
