The M Monochrom (Typ 246) Digital Rangefinder Camera is a one-of-a-kind digital camera solely devoted to producing black and white photographs. This is in keeping with Leica’s affinity for updated traditional designs to incorporate modern capabilities.
Because it does not have a color filter array or an optical low pass filter, the full-frame 24MP CMOS sensor in the M Monochrom camera records only in luminance values. This eliminates the requirement for color interpolation, allowing the camera to achieve the highest possible level of sharpness, clarity, and resolution.
In addition to its photography capabilities, the Leica Maestro image processor enables a sensitivity range that extends from ISO 320 to 25000, a shooting rate of up to 3 frames per second, and a buffer that can hold up to 2 gigabytes of data and record up to 30 consecutive images. Furthermore, recording video in Full HD 1080p resolution is also feasible at frame rates of either 24 or 25 frames per second.
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) Digital Rangefinder Camera
- Package Dimensions: 8.5 L x 6.5 H x 8.5 W (inches)
- Package Weight : 5.7 pounds
- Country of Origin : Germany
- Package Dimensions: 8.5 L x 6.5 H x 8.5 W (inches)
- Package Weight : 5.7 pounds
- Country of Origin : Germany
The Leica Typ 246 digital camera is one of a kind among digital cameras because it maintains Leica’s preference for a rangefinder design and incorporates a 0.68x optical viewfinder with split and superimposed manual focusing, automatic parallax correction, and manual image field selection. Additionally, the camera has automatic parallax correction.
On the other hand, the camera has a sapphire glass covering for the 3.0-inch, 921.6k-dot LCD screen, which helps to retain the overall longevity of the magnesium alloy and brass body.
The M Monochrom, like previous models in the M-series, maintains compatibility with an extensive array of M-mount lenses ranging in focal length from 16 to 135 millimeters. When working in live view, and because the focusing action is manual, focus peaking and a 10x live view zoom are valuable tools for ensuring that critical focus is achieved.
During shooting, you will easily access all the essential camera controls thanks to the camera’s ergonomic body design. These controls include the top-mounted dials for the shutter speed and drive mode and the rear menu navigation buttons, and selection dials atop the thumb rest.
Because they are not currently compatible with Apple’s Photos and Aperture applications in Mac OS X Yosemite (10.10.3 and 10.10.4), the DNG files produced by the M Monochrom (Typ 246) should not be imported into your Photos or Aperture libraries. Instead, these files can be created by the M Monochrom (Typ 246).
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) Monochrome
The M Monochrom (Typ 246) is a high-resolution camera that records black-and-white pictures, setting it apart from most digital cameras.
This camera captures the images solely in luminance values to achieve improved sharpness and increased clarity, depth, and resolution. This is accomplished by eliminating a color filter array and an optical low pass filter from the recording process.
Additionally, the architecture helps lower noise levels even while shooting at greater sensitivities, up to ISO 25000.
CMOS Sensor with 24 Megapixels and a Maestro Processor
In addition to having a full-frame 24-megapixel black and white CMOS sensor and a Maestro CPU, this camera is distinguished by its increased shooting speed and adaptability. For example, it is possible to shoot continuously at a rate of 3 frames per second, and a buffer of 2 gigabytes makes it feasible to record up to 30 DNG and JPEG files in sequence while still allowing for quick viewing.
Combining the sensor and the CPU makes it possible to capture full-high-definition 1080p video at either 24 or 25 frames per second.
Regarding audio recording, you can use either the on-board monaural microphone, which can be set to auto, manual, or “Concert” modulation, or an optional external stereo microphone, which may be used with a microphone adapter kit.
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) Viewfinder and Rangefinder
At a focusing distance of 6.6 feet, the optical viewfinder is a big, bright-line 0.68x-magnification rangefinder with automated parallax adjustment and LED-illuminated frame lines. These features are designed to match the size of the image sensor.
A viewfinder frame selector is located on the front of the camera and may be used to manually modify the apparent picture field. This can assist the user in seeing the scene with different focal lengths.
The rangefinder system presents split or stacked bright field pictures within the viewfinder’s central portion to facilitate the precise manual focusing adjustment. The rangefinder’s adequate metering base is 47.1 millimeters (mechanical metering basis 69.25 mm x viewfinder magnification of 0.68x).
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) Screen
In addition to the optical viewfinder, a 3.0″ 921.6k-dot LCD panel is included inside the camera. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass cover for increased longevity protects this monitor.
This monitor not only allows for the evaluation of images and navigation of menus, but it also enables live view monitoring, complete with the capabilities of focus peaking and 10x zoom, which together helps to guarantee better than vital sharpness is achieved.
Focus peaking lets you see whether parts of the image are in sharp focus by highlighting bright edges of contrast. The zoom control lets you zero in on specific tiny elements within the scene.
Design of the Body The M Monochrom has a body design that is reminiscent of classic Leica designs. It has a black chrome-plated metal body with a magnesium-alloy chassis, brass top and bottom plates, and a synthetic leather wrap.
Because there are no front-facing or top-plate logos, this camera has a very understated and unobtrusive engraving of the Leica brand on the back of the body. This contributes to the camera’s overall minimal and covert appearance.
In addition, the streamlined and ergonomic design enables quick access to the essential camera functions, such as the dials for the top shutter speed and drive mode, as well as the buttons for navigating the menu on the rear of the camera.
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) Review Specs
| Lens Mount | Leica M |
| Sensor Resolution | Effective: 24 Megapixel (5976 x 3992) |
| Image Stabilization | None |
Exposure Control
| Shutter Speed | Electronic Front Curtain Shutter 1/4000 to 60 Seconds in Aperture Priority Mode 1/4000 8 Seconds in Manual Mode 0 60 Seconds in Time Mode |
| Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Manual |
| Metering Range | 0 to 20 EV |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 3 fps at 24 MP for up to 30 Frames (JPEG) |
| Self-Timer | 2/12-Second Delay |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 |
| Image File Format | DNG, JPEG |
| Broadcast Output | NTSC/PAL |
Interface
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Single Slot: SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Monitor
| Size | 3.0″ |
| Resolution | 921,600 Dot |
| Display Type | Fixed LCD |
Viewfinder
| Type | Optical |
| Magnification | Approx. 0.68x |
Focus
| Focus Type | Manual Focus Only |
Flash
| Built-In Flash | No |
| Flash Modes | First-Curtain Sync, Second-Curtain Sync |
| Maximum Sync Speed | 1/180 Second |
| Flash Compensation | -3 to +1 EV (1/3 EV Steps) |
| Dedicated Flash System | TTL |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
Environmental
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C |
| Battery Type | 1 x BP-SCL2 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7.4 VDC, 1800 mAh |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | 5.695 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 9.05 x 9.05 x 6.8″ |
Price
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) Digital Rangefinder Camera
- Package Dimensions: 8.5 L x 6.5 H x 8.5 W (inches)
- Package Weight : 5.7 pounds
- Country of Origin : Germany
- Package Dimensions: 8.5 L x 6.5 H x 8.5 W (inches)
- Package Weight : 5.7 pounds
- Country of Origin : Germany
Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) FAQs
When did Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) come out?
2015 marked the beginning of sales for the Leica M Monochrom (Type 246) camera.
How much is a Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) worth?
The present value of a Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) can fluctuate widely depending on the camera’s condition and whether or not it is being offered brand new.
A previously owned Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) can cost anywhere from $4,500 to USD 6,000, depending on how old it is and its condition, whereas a brand-new one can cost approximately $7,000.
What is the price of Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246)?
The high price of the Leica M Monochrom (Typ 246) can be explained by several factors, including the premium materials used in the camera’s construction, the brand’s established reputation for high-quality craftsmanship, and the camera’s attraction to a specific subset of photographers who focus primarily on black and white photography.
The fact that Leica cameras are generally manufactured in smaller quantities compared to other brands of cameras is another factor that can contribute to the higher cost of these cameras.
