Leica M10-R Review

The M8 digital rangefinder camera introduced in 2006 was a shaky beginning for a digital version of Leica’s M rangefinder camera. Still, the idea has been developing ever since, and the M10-R is undoubtedly the most excellent execution of the concept yet.

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Leica M10-R Digital Rangefinder Camera - Black Chrome (20002)

Last update was on: March 28, 2024 9:54 am
$9,995.00

It has been difficult for Leica to balance the fundamental historical aspects of its iconic 35mm RF cameras and consumers’ expectations for a modern digital camera. This isn’t easy to do without sacrificing something in some other aspect of the camera.

As a consequence, these cameras will never be found in general use; in fact, Leica considers the lack of availability to be a desirable trait in its products; yet, owners of the M10-R may anticipate competitive imaging performance… just encased in a body that is significantly unlike to those of a DSLR or a mirrorless camera.

Leica M10-R Features

The M10-R is the fifth model in the M10 series produced by Leica. It joins the original model, the stealthy M10-P, the purist M10-D (which does not include a display screen), and the M10 Monochrome, which can only produce black-and-white images.

The M10-R features the RGGB-filtered version of Monochrome 40.89 megapixels full-35mm CMOS sensor, in addition to inheriting all of the refinements introduced with the M10-P, such as the quieter mechanical shutter assembly and the touchscreen controls. However, ingarding its particular party tricks, the M10-R has what is essentially the RGB-filtered version of Monochrom’s full 35 mm CMOS sensor.

By the Leica concept of Das Wesentliche, which might be translated as “The Essential,” the in-camera processing for JPEGs is limited to the most fundamental aspects of the format… contrast, sharpness, and color saturation, or the capturing of the image in black and white.

Several other features include an intervalometer, auto exposure bracketing, and a dual-delay self-timer. However, those are the only ones available; everything else is about controlling the camera directly.

This begins with the optical viewfinder, which had remained at the core of every M camera since 1954 when the first M3 was released and continues to be at the heart of every M camera today. The M is an abbreviation for messsucher, the German word for a combined viewfinder and rangefinder. This feature, which was revolutionary when it was introduced, was the inspiration behind the M3.

Throughout the years, it has been subjected to consistent development and refinement, with the first model of the M10 being the one to usher in the most recent set of enhancements. These new features include a larger field of vision and an improved magnification of 0.73x.

Leica M10-R Design

Two utterly different handling styles are available with the M10-R. There is the mechanical one, which includes the optical finder, the control for focusing and exposure, and the digital one, which includes everything that can be done in live view.

The build of a digital Leica M is so rock-solid that it will be the first thing anyone who has never used one of these cameras notices when they pick one up for the first time. It has the characteristic Leica finesse that makes it feel like a beautiful instrument while at the same time giving the impression that it is extremely tough because it is.

Every step of the assembly is performed by hand. The body weighs 660 grams and comprises a diecast magnesium alloy chassis with brass top and bottom plates. There is little doubt that these brass top and bottom plates contribute slightly to the overall weight.

The design is reminiscent of a traditional Leica 35mm rangefinder camera, and it has become even more so with the introduction of a more compact chassis with the initial M10 model. However, this model has no film advance lever or rewind crank. This model comes with the recognizable “red dot” logo, but the model number is carved in tiny print along one rail of the hot shoe, so it may be challenging to detect.

Inexperienced users could have trouble locating the slots where the memory card and the batteries are stored. They are located in the base but hidden behind the baseplate, which can be removed entirely to facilitate access. This design feature has been directly carried on from the original M3, and it has been implemented in every M camera since then, regardless of whether it is film or digital.

The rationale for this was to keep the structural integrity of the M10-R body at its highest possible level, which is still the case today. Despite this arrangement, the M10-R body is nevertheless protected against the infiltration of dust or moisture thanks to ultra-fine machining tolerances. Furthermore, aside from the flash hot shoe, no other interfaces exist. Therefore the integrity of the body itself is not jeopardized in any way by any of the different compartments.

Leica M10-R Performance

At this point in a camera review, we would be evaluating the performance of the autofocus system, which does not apply here. However, it is essential to reiterate that the M10-R’s rangefinder focusing does allow for exact manual focusing, or there are focusing aids available in live view that are characteristic of the digital era.

You will also need to control the center-weighted average metering since it is quickly impacted by either too-bright or too-dark scenes. Because of this, you will need to know when to use exposure compensation or when to make changes when shooting in utterly manual mode. On the other hand, the real-time histogram display is available in live view to serve as a guide (and the option of multi-zone metering).

The sensor of the M10-R, just like the sensor in the SL2, was designed by Leica but was manufactured by somebody else. It can produce images with a maximum resolution of 7864 by 5200 pixels and record RAW data in the Adobe DNG format utilizing 14 bits (lossless compression). As a result, the picture size of the biggest JPEG is only reduced by a few pixels, coming in at 7840×5184; you can also select one of two lesser file sizes.

The original sensitivity range extends from ISO 100 to ISO 6400 and can be extended even further to ISO 50,000. Furthermore, according to Leica, the dynamic range of the 36MP models is improved by two stops compared to the 24MP versions, bringing the total to slightly over 15 visits.

Despite the significant improvement in resolution, the buffer size is maintained at 2 GB, and the continuous shooting speed is 4.5 per second rather than 5.0 per second. This results in a shorter burst duration.

However, it is difficult to imagine this being a significant problem with a camera such as the M10-R. It’s not about firing away haphazardly and crossing your fingers that you get one nice shot out of a series; instead, it’s about shooting with more significant consideration.

Leica M10-R Image quality

The M10-R has a resolution of up to 40 megapixels, which enables it to capture a great deal of finely resolved information and tonal gradation that is entirely seamless. However, the typical “punchiness” of a Leica photograph is still present and genuinely helps to bring depth to a picture.

When shooting in RAW, the extensive sensor’s sizeable dynamic range guarantees plenty of exposure flexibility. This means that even if the center-weighted metering does cause you to make a mistake, the error is simple to remedy after the fact.

If you are shooting JPEGs, you can keep a lot of detail in the brighter highlights as long as you are on top of the exposure settings. However, dialing in a small negative compensation is an intelligent insurance policy because the shadows will quickly brighten without an apparent increase in noise.

What you see is what you get because there are no color options available for customization, although the accuracy and saturation levels are well-balanced overall. The more delicate tones have been handled well, and the overall color reproduction has nearly the look of the film, which is very gratifying to the eye.

Leica M10-R Specs

Body typeRangefinder-style mirrorless
Max resolution7864 x 5200
Image ratio w:h3:2
Effective pixels41 megapixels
Sensor sizeFull frame (36 x 24 mm)
Sensor typeCMOS
ProcessorMaestro II
ISOAuto, 100-50000
Custom white balanceYes
Image stabilizationNo
Uncompressed formatRAW
Manual focusYes
Lens mountLeica M
Focal length multiplier
Articulated LCDFully articulated
Screen size3″
Screen dots1,036,800
Touch screenYes
Screen typeTFT LCD
Live viewYes
Viewfinder typeOptical (rangefinder)
Viewfinder magnification0.73×
Minimum shutter speed960 sec
Maximum shutter speed1/4000 sec
Aperture priorityYes
Shutter priorityNo
Manual exposure modeYes
Subject / scene modesNo
Built-in flashNo
External flashYes (via hot shoe)
Self-timerYes
MicrophoneNone
SpeakerNone
Storage typesSD/SDHC/SDXC card
Microphone portNo
Headphone portNo
WirelessBuilt-In
Wireless notes802.11b/g/n
Remote controlYes (cable release)
Environmentally sealedYes
BatteryBattery Pack
Battery descriptionBC-SCL5 lithium-ion battery & charger
Weight (inc. batteries)660 g (1.46 lb / 23.28 oz)
Dimensions139 x 39 x 80 mm (5.47 x 1.54 x 3.15″)
Orientation sensorYes
GPSOptional

Leica M10-R Verdict

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Leica M10-R Digital Rangefinder Camera - Black Chrome (20002)

Last update was on: March 28, 2024 9:54 am
$9,995.00

The M10-R is still primarily a prestige camera for those who are photographic purists or want to do things differently. Still, it is also smacked in the middle of the pack in terms of the image quality standards set by the industry leaders in mirrorless cameras. Of course, the price tag will always be a problem, but anyone who can afford it also buys into Leica’s tradition and highly distinguished history.

Leica M10-R FAQs

Why is the Leica M10-R so expensive?

Leica makes a digital camera, the Leica M10-R.

Does Leica M10-R have autofocus?

The Leica M10-R is a luxury item designed for professional photographers and enthusiasts willing to pay a premium for the Leica brand name and the camera’s distinctive features and capabilities, which is why it is so expensive.

Other factors that contribute to its high price tag include the high-quality materials and precision engineering that go into making it, as well as the fact that it is designed for professional photographers.

What is a reasonable price for a Leica M10 R?

As a rangefinder camera, the Leica M10-R is not equipped with autofocus and instead requires the user to focus the lens manually.

When was the Leica M10 R released?

The cost of a Leica M10-R can differ from one region to another and from one vendor to another. Despite this, it is widely regarded as among the most expensive digital cameras. Therefore, $10,000 to USD 11,000 would most likely be acceptable for a brand-new Leica M10-R.

Is Leica M10 R digital or film?

The Leica M10-R was made available to consumers in the year 2020.

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